Residents and providers urge expanded mental‑health and substance‑use services; Carbon Medical to open local clinic

The Emery County Commission heard public testimony Jan. 20 on mental‑health and substance‑use treatment needs and received announcements about new local services.

A 4 Corners Behavioral Health representative said the agency has expanded programming for incarcerated individuals in Carbon and Emery counties through a state grant that expires this year, and noted continued uncertainty pending the upcoming legislative session. Speakers from the public gave personal accounts of recovery and urged better transportation and case-management supports to ensure people can attend classes, obtain urine analyses and remain in treatment.

Steven Gervais and other residents described how 4 Corners’ programs and case managers helped them obtain counseling and basic supports such as gas cards. Dean Caudill and other foster and adoptive parents said youth in foster care had benefited from program referrals to 4 Corners.

Savannah Eley of Carbon Medical told the commission that Carbon Medical will bring two full‑time therapists, peer supports and group services to Emery County, operating from Lowell Morris’ office in Huntington. Eley said the clinic will accept Medicaid, Medicare and commercial insurance and will fill a gap for patients with private insurance who previously traveled to Carbon County for therapy.

Commissioners thanked speakers and acknowledged transportation as a major barrier in the geographically large county, and asked agencies to coordinate on case‑management and scheduling to improve access. No specific county funding decision was taken at the hearing; the meeting record shows the commission left the public hearing and returned to regular session.