OUR MISSION & VISION

CB State of Mind (CBSOM) is a grassroots organization created by our community to reduce the high rate of suicide in Crested Butte. Our work is based on the foundation and belief that suicide is preventable and everyone has a role to play in preventing suicide. Through decreasing stigma, increasing support/education, and increasing access we know we can save lives.

Suicide is the 7th leading cause of death in Gunnison County where access to mental health providers is lower than in many parts of the state. In addition, the severity of substance abuse issues in the community has become so significant that mental health, with contributing factors such as drug abuse, remains a priority in Gunnison Valley Hospital’s 2019 Community Assessment Report.

There are many factors to consider including:

• Gunnison County has nearly two times the rate of suicide deaths than Colorado average: 39.5 per 100,000 people, compared to 20.2 Colorado statewide
• 20% of high school students in the Gunnison Watershed School District have seriously considered suicide in the past year. This increases to 52% of LGBQ students.
• 18% of mothers in the region reported postpartum depression symptoms
• 9% or 1480 Gunnison County residents were unable to get mental health services when needed, due to barriers involving cost or insurance, stigma associated with mental illness, difficulty getting an appointment, or being uncomfortable discussing personal problems.

We strive to be an influencer in changing these statistics. 

Our mission is to connect our community to resources, education and free counseling scholarships to improve mental wellness, eliminate stigma and lower the rate of suicide in the Gunnison Valley. Together with our community, CB State of Mind is working to address the growing mental health crisis. 

Today CBSOM is working to build the infrastructure to facilitate system coordination and improve access to mental health services. Activities include monitoring community needs and gaps, convening partners to create effective solutions and coordinating services to avoid duplication and improve access. We are providing crisis intervention and access to counseling services through a network of local therapists; creating community connections and building partnerships to establish a more coordinated mental health system; and offering a central source for mental health information, resources and providers through our website.