Gunnison Valley CARES Coalition

GUNNISON—The Gunnison Valley Cares Coalition discussed the SHARP survey at its January and February meetings.

SHARP survey stands for “Student Help and Risk Prevention.” The survey is given to our sixth, eighth, 10th and 12th graders every two years. The data is then compiled and reviewed to see where the needs are in our schools and communities.

This survey is statewide, but results are broken down to just Sanpete County and can be broken down further to local areas.

In early February, the coalition conducted a work meeting with six members to review the survey and assess local needs. Based on these findings, the coalition will develop and implement a prevention plan for the next 18 to 24 months. The priorities we will focus on, based on data for Gunnison Valley Middle School and Gunnison Valley High School, will be:

No. 1: Isolation and school disconnection. Isolation is more than loneliness. It reflects lack of meaningful connection to school, peers and community. The risk factors we plan to address are low commitment to school and attitudes favorable towards anti-social behavior.

Our action plan is to increase student engagement opportunities, such as a service club and Latinos in Action, expand youth leadership to include youth city councils, promote relationship building strategies in schools, increase parent engagement, provide parent education in guiding good choices, and holding community nights.

Our key message is: Connection is prevention. When you feel seen, heard and valued, risk behaviors decline.

No. 2: Substance abuse and early risk intervention. Risk factors we are addressing include early-initiation of drug use and parental attitudes favorable towards drug use.

Our action plan is for high school students to peer mentor middle school students. We will educate parents by providing substance-use education materials and encouraging them to set clear family guidelines.

Our key message is: Delay first use and strengthen parent norms. This reduces long-term substance risk.

In our January meeting we discussed “The Wellness Hub” offered by Gunnison Valley Hospital for free community mental health and wellness. It’s a welcoming space to connect, learn and support one another.

The support group is held twice monthly, on the second and fourth Wednesdays, from 5-6 p.m. in the Stewart Conference Bldg. 79 E. Center St. in Gunnison. No cost, no registration, just show up.

Gunnison Home Health and Hospice is offering free grief support groups for any kind of loss. They focus on accepting the reality of loss, experiencing the pain of loss, adjusting to a world without the deceased and finding a connection to reinvest in life. The group meets on the first Monday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at 45 E. 100 North in Gunnison.

The Gunnison Valley High School and Gunnison Valley Middle School Teen Centers are looking for donations and support for sustaining the centers. Ongoing needs are hygiene products, personal care products, school supplies, cleaning supplies, nonperishable food items, clothing donations, hygiene kits and gift cards. For a complete itemized list of needs, contact each school’s Teen Center.

The Gunnison Valley Independence Day celebration committee is asking the community for historical photos, newspaper clippings or memories of the past Fourth of July festivities. The committee want to compile an anniversary book on the history of Gunnison Valley Fourth of July.

Please submit photos to: Gunnison4History@gmail.com Questions: Contact Denise Kroft at (916) 936-6771.