Cancer Screening Fund Expands Access Across Gunnison Valley

Gunnison Valley Health (GVH), in partnership with Living Journeys, Gunnison Tough, and the GVH Foundation, is expanding access to critical cancer screenings through the Cancer Screening Access Fund—an initiative designed to ensure that cost is never a barrier to early detection and preventative care for community members in need.

The fund was created to support individuals who may otherwise delay or forgo recommended cancer screenings due to financial constraints, helping remove obstacles to early diagnosis, when treatment is most effective. The Cancer Screening Access Fund provides up to $2,000 in support for eligible screenings related to cervical, prostate, uterine, colon, and lung cancer.

“The Cancer Screening Access Fund was created from a strong belief: that no one in the Gunnison Valley should have to delay or miss a potentially life-saving cancer screening because of cost,” said Julie Reid, Executive Director of Living Journeys. “Living Journeys, Gunnison Tough, and the GVH Foundation came together knowing we could make a greater impact together and because we are deeply committed to showing up for our community.”

This collaboration brings together organizations with long-standing commitments to cancer prevention and patient support. Together, they are expanding the scope of available screenings and strengthening the community safety net for those who need it most.

“This collaboration supports our community in a very actionable way,” said Lana Athey, Executive Director of Gunnison Tough. “Gunnison Tough is proud to partner with GVH and Living Journeys for cervical, prostate, lung, colon and uterine cancer. For many years our organization has been funding breast cancer screenings for Gunnison and Hinsdale County residents, and we remain committed to offering this service. The fund expands access to other critical screenings ensuring that financial barriers never stand in the way of the early detection that saves lives."

Demand for the fund continues to grow, reflecting both community need and increased awareness of available support. GVH leaders say the increase in applications is a sign the fund is doing exactly what it was designed to do—help people access care before symptoms arise.

“Our applications are rising considerably,” said Jenny Birnie, Vice President of Community Health & Development at GVH. “That means this fund is doing exactly what it was meant to do: provide access to testing for those in our community in need. We’re excited that we can now include cervical cancer screenings too, so even more community members can get the preventative care and support they need.”

GVH has received 13 applications in the past two weeks—nearly triple the number received over the entire past year. Staff believe this surge reflects both growing community need and more effective outreach, signaling that residents understand support is available and feel encouraged to seek it.

“That level of response tells us two important things,” said Erica Rasmussen, Director of Marketing & Communications at Gunnison Valley Health. “First, the need is real. And second, people are hearing the message that support is available. We want community members to know they don’t have to put off preventative care because of cost—and that this fund is here to help them take that next step.”

To apply for support through the Cancer Screening Access Fund, please visit www.gunnisonvalleyhealth.org/fund or call the GVH Foundation at 970-642-8406.