From Classroom to Campus, Gunnison Valley Health Keeps Students Healthy

As the new school year begins, Gunnison Valley Health (GVH) is highlighting the wide range of services that are designed to keep students healthy, active, and ready to learn, from elementary school to college partnerships. 

Integrated school-based support 

GVH’s Behavioral Health team is embedded in the Gunnison Watershed School District, providing free, in-school counseling at Lake and Gunnison elementary schools, Crested Butte Middle and High Schools, and Gunnison High School. These licensed clinicians help students navigate academic pressures, social challenges, and mental health concerns, offering care within the school system and with a family centered approach without disrupting school schedules. 

Athletic trainers in action 

In addition to counseling, GVH athletic trainers work directly with student athletes in middle and high schools to prevent injuries, support recovery and ensure safe participation in sports. This summer’s Sports Physicals event saw more than 200 middle and high school students receive comprehensive exams for just $35. These kinds of events help families prepare for the fall season while ensuring athletes meet all requirements to play. 

Primary care for year-round wellness 

GVH’s Family Medicine Clinic offers comprehensive primary care including checkups, immunizations, and chronic condition management for people of all ages. Annual wellness visits are a vital part of back-to-school preparation, ensuring students start the year at their healthiest. Whether that’s updating vaccinations, managing asthma, or simply confirming a clean bill of health, access to regularly scheduled health care is critical to keeping our valley thriving which is why we are proud of offer appointments in Gunnison, and Crested Butte. 

Support for Western Colorado University students 

At Western Colorado University, GVH operates both the Campus Health Center and the Campus Counseling Center. The Health Center offers primary care services ranging from acute illness treatment to preventive screenings, while the Counseling Center provides free, confidential sessions for students and staff. Athletic trainers are also on hand to support Mountaineer athletes through injury prevention and rehabilitation. 

A community-wide partnership 

By partnering with local schools, WCU, and community organizations, GVH offers a continuum of care that spans childhood through young adulthood. Whether it’s a first grader needing counseling, a high school athlete preparing for competition, or a college student seeking primary care for the first time on their own, at GVH we are here for you. Keeping you close to home and fully integrated into the places students learn and grow. 

To schedule a primary care appointment or learn more about school-based services, visit gunnisonvalleyhealth.org or call 970-641-0209. 

Back-to-School Health Tips 

• Schedule annual wellness visits early, so yearly care and sport physicals can be done in time and avoid last-minute rushes. 
• Keep vaccinations up to date, including seasonal flu shots. 
• Encourage healthy sleep routines that are age appropriate. 
• Pack balanced lunches and snacks to fuel learning. 
• Athletes need to hydrate and warm up properly before practice. 
• Checking backpacks for proper weight and fit can prevent strain overtime. 
• Make time to talk with your child daily about their school experiences and feelings. For Western students and staff, the Campus Counseling Center has behavioral health experts right at the top of the hill who would love to meet you and talk about ways to improve your mental health and wellbeing.