Announcement places vital issue among county’s top goals

Coalville, Utah (August 24, 2017) — In recognition of growing mental wellness work throughout the county, Summit County Council announced the addition of mental wellness and substance abuse to its list of strategic priorities at this week’s council meeting in Coalville. The announcement comes in the wake of over a year and a half of mental wellness and substance abuse prevention efforts led by the County and the Summit County Mental Wellness Alliance, a community coalition comprised of members of county and city governments, nonprofits, all three school districts, private groups, and residents of Summit County.

“The Summit County Council recognizes the vital need for improved mental wellness and substance abuse programs and services in our communities,” Summit County Council Vice Chair, Kim Carson, said. “We appreciate the hard work that has already been undertaken by various individuals and groups throughout the county. Moving forward we will continue to work closely with the Summit County Health Department, the Summit County Mental Wellness Alliance, and others to meet this critical need in our community.

The Council adopted the complete strategic plan in Wednesday’s meeting which includes transportation and congestion, workforce/affordable housing, environmental stewardship and implementation of the county’s general plans. (Read the complete plan here). On September 13, the Summit County Council will be presented with the first strategic plan addressing mental wellness and substance abuse issues in the county. Community members also provided input to the strategic plan at three recent town hall meetings held in each school district.

“Including mental health and substance abuse in the Summit County Strategic Plan recognizes the importance of mental wellness in our communities as well as the difficult challenges and continued dedication required to move forward with these efforts,” said Alliance member and Executive Director of CONNECT Summit County, Shauna Wiest. “We aren’t going to solve mental health and substance abuse problems overnight. CONNECT applauds the County Council for pursuing solutions to these critical issues.”

Comprised of the Summit County Health Department, the Summit County Council, the Park City Council, Park City, South Summit and North Summit school districts, the Park City Community Foundation, CONNECT Summit County, the Interfaith Council, Valley Behavioral Health, Intermountain Health Care, University Neuropsychiatric Institute, and other critical community partners, the Summit County Mental Wellness Alliance was formed to improve mental health and substance abuse services and education in Summit County, Utah.