USU Extension- Rural Wellness Initiative

06/03/2026

Today we had the opportunity to do a Crafting Change presentation at the Uintah Basin Mental Health Conference. We talked about connection, shared stories (some more embarrassing than others), and being present, all while doing a fun water painting activity.

Thanks for having us!

06/01/2026

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, know that you’re not alone & there’s help and hope for healing. Call the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-HELP to be connected to information, referrals, & resources. Visit their website www.samhsa.gov to learn more.💛

05/29/2026

Community members, professionals, and all interested are invited to attend a FREE virtual training to strengthen social connection. Register on Eventbrite: https://virtual_COMET_training.eventbrite.com/

🌟 Stronger Connections. Healthier Communities. 🌟
Feeling disconnected? Want to make a real difference in your community? Join us for a FREE virtual webinar that gives you practical tools to support mental health and build meaningful connections. 💬💙

🧠 COMET Mental Health & Social Connection Training - Virtual
📅 Tuesday, June 9, 2026
⏰ 12:00–1:30 PM
📍 Online (Zoom link sent after registration)

This interactive training is designed for everyone—community members, professionals, and anyone who wants to feel more confident starting important conversations.

✨ Learn simple, evidence-based strategies
✨ Strengthen social connection
✨ Reduce stigma around mental health
✨ Receive a Certificate of Completion

Because sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is simply reach out. 🤝

👉 Save your spot (it’s FREE!): https://virtual_comet_training.eventbrite.com/


This event is offered as a partnership between the Utah Center for Rural Health at Southern Utah University; Utah State University Extension HEART Initiative; and more!

This training is possible in part due to support from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and Utah Rural Opioid Healthcare Consortium – Collaborative Care Model (UROHC-CCM).

05/26/2026

We’re Hiring!

We are looking for a full-time 4-H Program Coordinator to join our team!

This position focuses on supporting and growing local 4-H youth programs through volunteer recruitment, leadership development, community partnerships, camps, events, and educational activities that make a difference for youth across Uintah County.

⭐Plan and coordinate 4-H programing
⭐Work with youth, parents, and volunteers
⭐Work with community and state partners
⭐Manage volunteers and 4-H clubs

We’re looking for someone who is organized, motivated, enjoys working with people, and has a passion for youth development and community programming.

Applications are now open!

Apply today!
https://careers-usu.icims.com/jobs/10342/uintah-county-4-h-program-coordinator-%28extension-program-coordinator-i%29/job?mobile=false&width=1290&height=500&bga=true&needsRedirect=false&jan1offset=-420&jun1offset=-360

Please share with anyone who may be interested!

05/25/2026

Mindful affirmations are gentle, intentional statements that help ground us in the present moment and encourage self-compassion, awareness, and emotional balance—and has been shown to reduce stress & build resilience. Try using these affirmations today and notice how it feels for you.💛

05/24/2026

We are excited to offer two free educational classes during the month of June focused on personal wellbeing, relationships, and family connection.

The Road to Happiness and Meaning
This 4-week course focuses on building personal joy, meaning, and positive wellbeing. Participants will explore ways to better manage stress, build on personal strengths, improve relationships, and increase overall happiness and life satisfaction.
Topics include:
Discovering and using your strengths
Managing stress and challenges
Promoting positivity and meaning
Improving personal relationships

Positive Discipline
This 4-week parenting course is designed to help parents and caregivers raise responsible, respectful, and resourceful children through encouragement and connection. Participants will learn practical tools for discipline that are both kind and firm while helping children build confidence and life skills.
Topics include:
Positive parenting strategies
Encouragement and belonging
Long-term discipline approaches
Building social and life skills

Both classes are free to attend, but registration is required.
Positive Discipline:
https://tinyurl.com/3p3tdmt
Road to Happiness and Meaning:
http://tinyurl.com/34bawjd

05/19/2026

Communities are powerful because healing, change, & hope grow stronger when people face hard things together — with compassion, support,& understanding. Every conversation, every act of kindness, and every shared resource matters.💛

05/14/2026

Another fun Crafting Change Workshop is coming up in May! We will be embroidering hand towels. This will be held at our USU Extension office, 328 E 200 S. Light refreshments will be prodivded.
Register here: https://forms.gle/iq6M1W88DThnrGwR8

Join us for an evening of creativity, connection, and conversation at Crafting Change! Learn a simple embroidery craft while exploring a wellbeing topic and building social connections in a fun, relaxed environment.

Uintah County Extension
328 E 200 S
Vernal, Utah 84078

May 28, 2026
4 PM

Register here!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8g8WNxmxdR4nX0dy0M211ou9J-Y-RG0cHXGzYdBuCg86Z2w/viewform

05/04/2026

Creativity can be a powerful tool for healing. Whether it’s drawing, painting, writing, or crafting, creative expression offers a way to process emotions, reduce stress, and support mental well-being. You don’t have to be an artist—just making space to create can make a meaningful difference. 💛

05/01/2026

Don’t feel like exercising?
There are plenty of ways you are probably moving your body that aren’t structured exercise but are still great for you! 💪