USU Extension - HEART

We are thrilled to introduce Briella as our newest USU Extension HEART team member! Briella is a Health and Wellness Intern for the USU Extension HEART Initiative this summer. She is a recent graduate from Carbon Highschool and will continue her schooling this fall studying Music Therapy at USU. She is passionate about helping promote individual and community health. She has lived in Price, Utah for most of her life and enjoys hiking, playing her violin and reading. 💙 Follow our HEART Beat Newsletter to see upcoming events and activities supported by our team, here: https://mailchi.mp/a035986dadf6/usuheartnewsletter 💙 Learn more: https://extension.usu.edu/heart/news/

Social media can be a powerful tool for connection, but excessive use is linked to higher anxiety, depression, sleep issues, and increased risk of youth substance use.
Parents and educators play a key role: Start honest conversations today. Listen with curiosity, validate feelings, and guide youth toward healthier habits.
Early awareness helps protect developing brains and prevent escalation.
Some healthy alternatives include physical activity, creative outlets, in-person time with friends, and mindfulness.
Resources:
• 988 Lifeline (call/text 988)
• SAMHSA Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP
• SafeUT App
Your support makes a difference. 💙

Learn more at: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2025/04/22/teens-social-media-and-mental-health/

Got unused or expired prescriptions sitting around? Avoid flushing them or tossing them in regular trash. Instead, use proper disposal methods. Drop them off at your local pharmacy or DEA authorized collection sites. These options ensure medications are destroyed safely, reducing risks of accidental poisoning, diversion, and environmental pollution in our water supplies.

More information at: dea.gov/everyday-takeback-day

A recent Utah report highlights critical statistics for our rural and job-related su***de prevention efforts:
• Mining, quarrying & oil & gas: have the highest rate of loss at 103.3 per 100,000
• Construction: have the second-highest rate of death by su***de at 72.9 per 100,000 & nearly 1 in 5 deaths are construction workers in the state of Utah
• Rural and high-risk industries have significantly lower mental health treatment access.

Ready to strengthen su***de prevention in rural Utah? 💙 Join us at RHAU’s Rural and Job-Related Su***de Prevention Webinar on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 • 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM! FREE • 1 CEU credit provided

Register here: https://rhau.getrecur.com/events/view/RU1BSUw6a2FzZXlzaGFrZXNwZWFyQHJoYXUub3JnJlNPVVJDRTpBUFAmR1VJRDo5MDZjYTY2MC0yYTE3LTQ5OGQtOGQ4Yi0zOWMzNzAyY2IyYjc%3D

Check out more IBIS report information, here:https://ibis.utah.gov/ibisph-view/pdf/opha/publication/hsu/2025/2510_Su***deJobType.pdf

Find mental health resources for the workplace, here: https://utahsu***deprevention.org/workplace/

***dePrevention