While the second month of 2018 draws to an end, yearly business was conducted during the regularly scheduled Carbon County Commission meeting that took place on Wednesday evening. The first order of business handled was the presentation of services offered the Southeastern Utah Association of Local Governments (SEUALG).
Geri Gamber, director, was joined by a number of team members to present. Gamber stated that SEUALG represents a region that includes Carbon, Emery, Grand and San Juan counties. She continued by stating that her role as the director is paid from EDA funds and economic development is her biggest role. Annually, a strategy is written for the funds and Gamber works closely with the development in all four counties for a true regional focus.
CIB Planner Michael Bryant, SEUALG Community Services Program Manager Julie Rosier and others also presented to the commissioners and explained that SEUALG provides additional services such as the local food banks, HEAT programs and Circles program as well as granting loans to cities, towns, counties and service districts impacted by mineral lease extraction and much more.
“We truly appreciate and love who we serve,” Gamber concluded.
The second order of business that occurs annually was a public hearing for input regarding the mental health and substance abuse disorder treatments needs in Carbon County. This was handled by Karen Dolan, who is the Executive Director at Four Corners Community Behavioral Health. Four Corners is a tri-county agency that assists community members to stabilize themselves and become productive members of society. Presented with Karen Cunningham, clinic director, the pair explained the functions of Four Corners with assistance from a slideshow presentation.
1 in 10 people develop an addiction problem. Dolan explained that out of 41,000 residents in the area, nearly 14,000 will suffer from mental health or addictions problems in a given year. In 1972, Carbon, Emery, Grand and San Juan counties joined together to create Four Corners. However, in 1986, San Juan broke off.
As per usual, the public hearing was opened after the presentation and explanation of the function of Four Corners. A number of community members that work with Four Corners spoke on how they have helped them overcome PTSD, addiction and more.
