Gunnison Valley Health and Gunnison County CSU Extension are partnering to host a screening of the film “Legacy: Mental Health in Colorado’s Modern-Day Agriculture.” This free community event will take place on Tuesday, September 24, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Western Colorado University movie theater. Attendees are invited to join their neighbors to enjoy dinner, camaraderie and a meaningful discussion about mental health in our community.

The film, produced in collaboration with the Colorado Farm Bureau and the Colorado Department of Agriculture, explores the mental health challenges faced by Colorado’s ranchers and farmers. The film poignantly portrays their deep connection to agriculture, capturing both the profound beauty and the hardships.

Gunnison Valley Health CEO Jason Amrich commented on the significance of the film.

“I am thrilled to co-host this event and highlight the stories of Colorado’s agriculture sector. Our community has deep ties to agriculture, and it is imperative that we recognize and address the unique challenges faced by our friends and neighbors. Coming together as a community to share these stories and understand these experiences is of vital importance,” Amrich said. “Gunnison Valley Health is committed to supporting the behavioral health needs of our community through a diverse array of services, partnerships and initiatives.”

Gunnison County CSU Extension Director Hannah Cranor-Kersting, a cattle rancher herself, shared her enthusiasm for the film.

“I love ranching – it is the best job in the entire world, but it can also be incredibly isolating and difficult. I am eager to share this film with the community and highlight the valuable resources we have available through CSU Extension, Gunnison Valley Health and other local organizations,” said Cranor-Kersting. “As a rancher, I know how incredibly hard these conversations can be, and how challenging it is to find the time to focus on these things, but this film offers a powerful and moving perspective. 2024 has been a difficult year for agricultural producers. We have endured drought, floods, bridge closures and volatile markets – taking one night to come together for support and conversation is of utmost importance for our health and well-being.”

The event will include a free dinner catered by Sodexo, followed by the film screening. The evening will conclude with a panel discussion featuring local experts: Kirsten Wulfsberg, LPC, CSU Extension and Colorado AgrAbility Project; Bryan Dillon, GVH Mobile Crisis Service; Eric McPhail, CSU Extension; Andy Spann, Gunnison County Stockgrowers’ Association; and Lucy Waldo, Gunnison Valley Cattlewomen.

Gunnison County CSU Extension and Gunnison Valley Health would like to thank the following sponsors: Gunnison County Farm Bureau, Gunnison Tough, Gunnison County Stockgrowers’ Association, Gunnison County, the Gunnison Valley Health Foundation, Gunnison Valley Cattlewomen, AgWell, and the Rocky Mountain Farmer’s Union.