Jenny Birnie Discusses the Our Valley Our Health Annual Giving Campaign

The Gunnison Valley Health Foundation exists to improve the quality and breadth of healthcare in Gunnison County. The Foundation serves as an ambassador for our local healthcare system by developing, preserving, and providing financial resources, while generating community awareness for programs and services that align with the mission of Gunnison Valley Health. 

We sat down with Jenny Birnie, Vice President of Community Health & Development and Executive Director of the Gunnison Valley Health Foundation, to talk about the Foundation’s work and the impact of the Our Valley, Our Health annual giving program. 

What is the Annual Giving Campaign? 

The Our Valley, Our Health annual giving program is a cornerstone initiative of the Gunnison Valley Health Foundation, created to inspire transformational giving that supports the well-being of our community from cradle to grave. Through sustained annual contributions, donors help ensure that high-quality, compassionate healthcare is available to every resident at every stage of life, strengthening the health of the Gunnison Valley today and for generations to come. 

How does donating make a difference? 

Our Valley, Our Health is more than a donation; it’s an investment in the long-term health and vitality of the Gunnison Valley. Across the nation, rural healthcare systems face workforce shortages, limited resources, and increasing financial pressures. Yet, thanks to our community’s support, Gunnison Valley Health continues to deliver award-winning care as a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital and Level IV Trauma Center, recognized for quality, safety, and patient satisfaction. 

Where does my contribution go? 

Your generosity helps us bridge funding gaps, recruit and retain exceptional healthcare professionals, and ensure that high-quality care remains accessible close to home. Together, we can sustain services that care for every stage of life, from pediatric to elder care, and build a healthier future for generations to come. 

Can small gifts really have an impact? 

Absolutely. Small gifts have a tremendous impact. At the heart of our Foundation is the belief that when many people come together, each giving what they can, the results are powerful. Small gifts allow us to purchase essential equipment, support patient programs, advance staff training, and respond quickly to emerging needs. They also help create a culture of community investment, showing patients, families, and staff that everyone has a role in strengthening local healthcare. 

Get Involved 

Visit gunnisonvalleyhealth.org/foundation and join the Our Valley, Our Health annual giving program, or contact the Gunnison Valley Health Foundation at (970) 642-8406.