The Emery County Community Assessment Report has released new data regarding the health and wellness of local youth, providing critical insights into mental health challenges and social risks facing the region. This assessment, which follows a period of community-wide data collection, serves as a foundational tool for local prevention teams and community leaders to allocate resources and develop evidence-based programs for adolescents.
Youth Health and Risk Indicators
The assessment builds upon broader state-wide data provided by the Utah Student Health and Risk Prevention (SHARP) survey, which tracks the challenges and opportunities facing Utah's youth. According to the SHARP survey, 78,705 students participated in 2025 to provide data on various health indicators. The survey is designed to help parents and caregivers navigate adolescence by providing information on what is happening in schools and communities.
Student Wellness Statistics
Data from the SHARP survey highlights several key metrics regarding student well-being. In 2025, 12.6% of participating students reported that they had seriously considered suicide. Additionally, 39.2% of students reported getting eight or more hours of sleep per night, while 60% of students reported eating at least one meal with their family five or more times each week.
Regarding digital habits, 81.7% of students in the 2025 survey reported having rules regarding screen time and rules concerning content, apps, and device usage. The SHARP survey aims to identify protective factors that help keep students from making harmful choices, such as family connection and school engagement.
Scope of Health Assessment
The assessment addresses a wide array of health and safety topics, including alcohol and drug use, mental health, and injury prevention. The Utah Prevention Needs Assessment (PNA) configuration includes measures for 30-day drinking, binge drinking, 30-day marijuana use, and the use of prescription drugs such as stimulants, sedatives, tranquilizers, and narcotics.
Other areas of focus in the data include asthma management, diabetes, and various forms of violence. The assessment tracks incidents of bullying at school, dating violence, and electronic bullying. It also monitors safety behaviors, such as seatbelt use and the risks associated with talking or texting while driving.
Regional Support Services
To support the findings of these assessments, local organizations like Four Corners Community Behavioral Health (FCCBH) provide comprehensive mental health and substance use disorder services. FCCBH serves residents in Carbon, Emery, and Grand Counties, offering services to those eligible for Medicaid, Medicare, and other insurance types.
FCCBH provides crisis services to all residents in these three counties, regardless of insurance coverage or the ability to pay. The organization utilizes a sliding fee scale for those without insurance and offers various levels of substance use treatment, including Level I, Level II, and Level .05 (prevention Prime for Life). Notably, FCCBH is the first rural area in Utah to operate a fully functional Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) clinic, which is CARF accredited.
Early Intervention Strategies
The Utah Department of Health and Human Services offers specialized youth services through a 'No Wrong Door' approach to early intervention. This model is designed to provide individualized youth and family plans through screening, assessment, and plan management. The goal of this model is to keep youth safely in their homes, schools, and communities by connecting them to appropriate local services.
For youth ages 10-18, the referral process is intended to be streamlined, with a response from Youth Services within 48 business hours of a submission. These services focus on preventing delinquent behaviors through positive youth and family development.
Emery County Governance
The Emery County Commission oversees regional governance and administration. The commission held its regular meetings throughout 2026, including sessions on July 21, August 4, August 18, September 1, and September 15. The commission is also responsible for conducting election-related business, such as the 2026 General Election Certification held on August 31, 2026.
Emery County is a significant geographic area, encompassing 4,462.6 square miles of land. It is the 7th largest county in Utah by total area and is bordered by Carbon, Sevier, Uintah, Wayne, Sanpete, Grand, and San Juan counties.
Future Outlook
By utilizing data from the SHARP and PNA assessments, local leaders and providers can better address the specific needs of the community. These tools allow for the identification of where interventions are needed most, ensuring that resources are directed toward the most pressing health and social challenges facing Emery County's youth.
