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SALT LAKE CITY — Waking up to heavy rain on Monday morning, Christena Huntsman Durham knew it was a message from her late sister, Kathleen Huntsman, who died in 2010 from a drug overdose after battling a substance use disorder.

“When we checked her in right here in this building (the Huntsman Mental Health Institute), it was through the back doors. It was in secrecy and it was in shame,” said Durham, executive vice president of the Huntsman Foundation. “When she passed away, we could never put in her obituary what she died from because that doesn’t happen in families like ours. Because of the stigma and shame associated with mental health disorders, people are too afraid to get the help that they need.”

To her, the rain represented tears of joy from all those who lost their lives from mental health issues as she joined University of Utah leaders to break ground on the Utah Mental Health Translational Research Building, a facility dedicated to innovation in mental health research and clinical care, at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute.

The 185,000-square-foot, multistory building will have dedicated spaces for wet labs, dry labs, administration, outreach and education, along with housing the world’s only 7-Tesla MRI for neuroimaging dedicated to brain research and clinical innovations.

“Our students and faculty from across campus will work with our patients, with their families and with our community of Utah to tackle complex mental health issues,” said Dr. Mark Rapaport, CEO of the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. “Issues like the youth mental health crisis, suicide, substance use disorders and psychosis will be addressed in a comprehensive way.”

From 2019 to 2021, the age-adjusted suicide rate in Utah was 20.6 per 100,000 persons, with an average of 648 suicides per year. Utah had the 9th highest age-adjusted suicide rate in the U.S. in 2020, according to data from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services.

In 2020, suicide was the leading cause of death for Utahns ages 10-17 and 18-24. It was the second leading cause of death for ages 25-44 and the fifth leading cause of death for ages 45-64. Overall, suicide was the eighth-leading cause of death for Utahns, according to the department.

University of Utah President Taylor Randall hugs Christena Huntsman Durham, executive vice president of the Huntsman Foundation, during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Utah Mental Health Translational Research Building outside the Huntsman Mental Health Institute in Salt Lake City on Monday. (Photo: Megan Nielsen, Deseret News)

The research building will also be taking a novel approach to addressing mental health as the first institution in the nation to co-locate mental health researchers with experts in science, artificial intelligence, public policy, business and law.

Speaking at the groundbreaking, Utah State Senate President Stuart Adams said that the Utah Legislature has appropriated $90 million to fund the research building, with $65 million more coming from philanthropic funding.

University of Utah President Taylor Randall often says that the university’s goal is to be “a top-10 public institution with unsurpassed societal impact.” It’s the second part of that goal that is the most important to him.

“What it means is we have to take on this world’s largest problems at the moment. This has got to be one of those top three problems — mental health,” Randall said. “We have to come to this building to change the health care system so we actually deliver this to everybody where they need it. We have to talk about how we get these treatments into high schools, into those early ages where we know that many of these individuals are beginning to suffer for the first time.”

The back of a sweatshirt reading “Thank you for asking about my mental health!” at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Utah Mental Health Translational Research Building outside the Huntsman Mental Health Institute in Salt Lake City on Monday. (Photo: Megan Nielsen, Deseret News)

“It means we need to take these solutions to the homeless population. It means we need to take these solutions to the elderly populations that are at the end of their lives and struggling with the same challenges that all of us do. Today is the day that we not only break ground on this, but I think it’s the day that we take up this challenge and take it and double and triple and quadruple our efforts so that all of us can alleviate the suffering that’s occurring in many of our families,” Randall continued.

As far as his hopes for the research building, Randall said he wants to see a significant change in the way individuals with mental health issues are treated in Utah and beyond.

“You’ll point back to the Translational Research Building and say, ‘That intervention came from researchers in that building,'” Randall said. “We’re just so excited that the state and the Huntsman family came together to address one of the most pressing needs of our state.”

For Durham, she hopes that the research building will serve as a resource for mental health treatment similar to the Huntsman Cancer Institute.

“When people walk into a building to get help with their mental health, it’s like they’re going into the cancer institute and they will be greeted with love and no judgment, and that they won’t be as afraid of getting a mental health diagnosis,” Durham said. “To all of you doctors and researchers, you are going to show the world that we can change the world of mental health. We don’t need to be afraid of a diagnosis.”

Suicide prevention resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Crisis hotlines

• Huntsman Mental Health Institute Crisis Line: 801-587-3000
• SafeUT Crisis Line: 833-372-3388
• 988 Suicide and Crisis LifeLine at 988
• Trevor Project Hotline for LGBTQ teens: 1-866-488-7386

Online resources

More resources

• SafeUT: Parents, students, and educators can connect with a licensed crisis counselor through chat by downloading the SafeUT app or by calling 833-3SAFEUT (833-372-3388).
• SafeUT Frontline: First responders, including firefighters, law enforcement, EMS and health care professionals can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUT Frontline app.
• SafeUTNG: Members of the National Guard can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUTNG app.
• Utah Warm Line: For non-crisis situations, when you need a listening ear as you heal and recover from a personal struggle, call 1-833 SPEAKUT from 8 a.m.-11 p.m., seven days a week, 365 days a year.
• Huntsman Mental Health Institute offers a wide variety of programs and services including suicide prevention and crisis services, hospital treatment, therapy and medication management, substance use and addiction recovery, child and teen programs, and maternal mental health services including birth trauma, pregnancy loss, infertility, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
• LiveOnUtah.org is a statewide effort to prevent suicide by promoting education, providing resources, and changing Utah’s culture around suicide and mental health. They offer resources for faith-based groups, LGBTQ+, youth, employers, firearm suicide prevention, and crisis and treatment options.

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Logan Stefanich is a reporter with KSL.com, covering southern Utah communities, education, business and military news.

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A digital rendering of the planned Johnson Memorial Behavioral Psychology building that will be attached to the west side of Johnson Memorial Hospital.

Render provided by Johnson County

County elected officials on Monday approved spending $11 million in federal dollars on a new mental health wing of Johnson Memorial Hospital.

Appropriating the funding is a hurdle the project needed to get over to officially get started. The Johnson County government last month released plans for a new 17,400-square-foot 25-bed behavioral psychology wing of the hospital.

This is a long-awaited project for the county, one officials had been talking about for years, but never had funds to get it moving. It started to become more of a reality in 2021 when the county received $31 million in pandemic relief funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, or ARPA.

The Johnson County ARPA Committee, which is made up of the three commissioners and three county council members, had been working on this project for over a year.

The ARPA committee first on Monday voted to approve using $11.5 million in ARPA funds for the project, which is expected to cost around $10.5 million.

Commissioner Ron West at that meeting said he had some concerns with the proposed use of the facility. His understanding during initial discussions was that this facility would be primarily used by the Johnson County jail and inmates who need psychological or behavioral health care and a bed to stay in, he said.

“If it becomes full of general population people, that’s not going to help the jail’s situation,” West said.

Johnson Memorial Health and the Johnson County Government are planning to build a mental health facility that will connect to the west end of the hospital near Tracy Miles and Hospital Roads in Franklin.Daily Journal File Photo

County Council member Jon T. Myers said he thought it was too early in the process to determine who fills up space in the facility. Officials have said part of the purpose of the building is to help the sheriff’s office and the jail, particularly the Crisis Intervention Team when they go on calls and need to send someone somewhere. The building is meant to help the community population as well.

“The general population of the jail and community corrections are in great need of mental health care … but I don’t think logistically, this facility is going to provide us with that,” Myers said. “We’re going to fill this facility up with people in this community … people where they can’t stand on their own feet.”

Commissioner Brian Baird at this meeting also pushed back on the project some. He said he was concerned about some lack of details on the project at the moment, including who was going to insure the building and how the types of patients admitted would be determined. If the county needed to continue to pay to insure the building, that would be a big cost, he said.

“I’m probably going to hold my peace on this … I just don’t think we have enough information, and I don’t know if we’ll ever get enough information,” Baird said.

Commissioner Kevin Walls said this is just the first step — getting the funding approved. More details are to be worked out later.

“One step at a time is to get the funds approved for the facility to get it built. Then we will step on with the hospital and get more into the weeds,” Walls said.

There was also some confusion near the end of the meeting because Myers motioned to send $11.5 million for the project, when Wes Harris, the county’s chief building official, said $11 million would be enough padding for the expected cost of $10.5 million.

Baird voted against the measure and asked why they approved $11.5 million when they only needed $11 million. They then discussed that the ARPA committee vote is more of a recommendation, and the commissioners and council could appropriate a different amount to be used in the end — which is what both bodies did.

Following the ARPA meeting, the Board of Commissioners held their regular meeting where they voted to appropriate $11 million for the mental health building, instead of $11.5 million. That came from a consensus they could add more money as needed, and not tie up an additional $500,000 in ARPA funds they could use for something else.

The commissioners also voted unanimously to award the construction contract for the facility to Indianapolis-based Wurster Construction for $10.48 million.

Monday evening at the Johnson County Council meeting, members took the final vote needed to appropriate the $11 million. The appropriation passed by a vote of 5-1, with member John Ditmars voting against it.

Ditmars, who joined the council in January, said he wanted to see a business plan from JMH on the mental health facility. He was not against the project, he just wanted to see how the moving parts fit together, he said. He added the proposal seemed like an “incomplete package.”

“You aren’t hearing me say there’s not a need, but I would like to see more on the finances,” Ditmars said.

Walls was at the meeting and told Ditmars he would get him the financials he requested. He noted the county has been in negotiations with JMH in this project for the past year, and said mental health care is a need in the hospital. It is the highest transfer out of the hospital, behind acute cardiac events, hospital officials have said.

Other council members said they saw the need for the facility in the county, for the community and police. Council member Melinda Griesemer said a mental health care facility is needed in the county. She worked at Valle Vista Health System, and saw the beds fill up there quickly.

“The hospital is the one shouldering most of the work. All we have to do is give them the money. This is what the public is wanting,” Griesemer said.

Daily Journal Editor Leeann Doerflein contributed to this report.

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Students face an array of challenges that can impact their mental health, such as academic pressure, social isolation, family conflicts, financial stress, and personal struggles. These challenges can lead to various mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts.

To address these challenges, mental health education should be integrated into school curricula. This approach would equip students with the knowledge, skills, and resources to maintain good mental health, recognize early signs of mental health problems, and seek help when needed.

Mental health education can promote positive mental health practices such as mindfulness, stress management, healthy lifestyle habits, and self-care. It would also raise awareness of mental health problems, reduce stigma, and encourage students to seek help without fear of judgment or discrimination.

Moreover, mental health education can build resilience in students. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity, challenges, and setbacks. It is a crucial skill that can help students overcome obstacles, maintain good mental health, and develop positive coping strategies.

By teaching resilience skills, mental health education can help students develop a growth mindset, emotional regulation, problem-solving skills, and social support networks. These skills can empower students to face life’s challenges with confidence, adaptability, and optimism.

Additionally, mental health education can enhance academic performance. Studies have shown that good mental health is linked to better academic performance, attendance, and engagement. When students are mentally healthy, they can focus better, learn more effectively, and achieve their academic goals.

In conclusion, mental health education is a key aspect of building resilient students. It can promote positive mental health practices, raise awareness of mental health problems, reduce stigma, and build resilience skills. By integrating mental health education into school curricula, we can equip students with the knowledge, skills, and resources to maintain good mental health and thrive in school and beyond.

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The role of self-help groups in building resilience and coping skills cannot be overstated. These groups provide a safe space where individuals can share their experiences, offer and receive support, and learn from each other’s experiences. This sense of community and belonging helps individuals to feel less isolated and alone, and more empowered to cope with their challenges.

One of the key ways in which self-help groups build resilience and coping skills is through the sharing of knowledge and information. Members of these groups often have a wealth of experience and insight into their particular challenge, and can offer advice and guidance to others who are struggling. This can help individuals to feel more informed and prepared, and to develop a greater sense of control over their situation.

Self-help groups also provide a space for individuals to develop new skills and coping strategies. Members can share techniques that have worked for them, and offer support and encouragement as others try out new approaches. This can be particularly helpful for individuals who are facing challenges that they have not encountered before, or who may feel stuck in their current situation.

Perhaps most importantly, self-help groups provide a space for individuals to connect with others who are going through similar experiences. This can be a tremendous source of comfort and validation, as individuals realize that they are not alone in their struggles. The support and empathy of others can help individuals to feel more resilient and better able to cope with their challenges.

In summary, self-help groups play a critical role in building resilience and coping skills among individuals facing various challenges. By providing a safe space for support, knowledge sharing, and skill development, these groups help individuals to feel more informed, prepared, and empowered to face their challenges. Moreover, the sense of community and belonging that these groups provide can be a powerful source of comfort and validation, helping individuals to feel less isolated and alone.

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Mental health affects our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and can impact our ability to cope with adversity. When our mental health is strong, we are better able to manage stress and negative emotions, and we are more resilient when faced with difficult situations. On the other hand, poor mental health can make it challenging to cope with stress, and may even lead to mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.

One of the ways mental health impacts resilience and coping is through our ability to regulate our emotions. When we are mentally healthy, we can manage our emotions and respond appropriately to stressful situations. We are better able to stay calm, focused, and positive, which helps us cope with adversity. Conversely, poor mental health can lead to emotional dysregulation, where we struggle to control our emotions. This can make it challenging to cope with stress and may lead to negative coping mechanisms such as substance abuse.

Mental health also plays a role in building resilience by helping us develop a positive outlook on life. When we have good mental health, we are more likely to see challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. We are better able to find meaning in difficult situations and can see the silver lining in adversity. Conversely, poor mental health can lead to negative thinking patterns, where we struggle to find the positive in challenging situations. This can make it challenging to build resilience and cope with adversity.

Finally, mental health plays a crucial role in building social support networks, which are essential for resilience and coping. When we have good mental health, we are more likely to build strong relationships with others, which can provide a source of support during difficult times. Conversely, poor mental health can lead to social isolation, making it challenging to build and maintain relationships. This can make it difficult to cope with adversity, as we may not have the support we need to navigate challenging situations.

In conclusion, mental health is a crucial factor in building resilience and coping with adversity. Strong mental health can help us regulate our emotions, develop a positive outlook on life, and build social support networks, all of which are essential for resilience and coping. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize mental health and seek support when needed to build and maintain these skills.

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1. Increased resilience: Life can be unpredictable, and we all face challenges and setbacks at some point. Building strong mental health habits can help us develop resilience, which is the ability to bounce back from adversity. When we have strong mental health habits, we are better equipped to cope with stress and difficult situations, and to find ways to move forward.

2. Improved relationships: Our mental health can have a significant impact on our relationships with others. When we are struggling with mental health issues, it can be difficult to connect with others and maintain healthy relationships. Building strong mental health habits can help us communicate more effectively, manage conflict, and build stronger connections with the people in our lives.

3. Better physical health: Our mental health and physical health are closely linked. When we are struggling with mental health issues, it can lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and muscle tension. Building strong mental health habits can help us manage stress and improve our overall physical health.

4. Increased self-awareness: Building strong mental health habits can help us become more self-aware and better understand our own thoughts and emotions. This can be incredibly empowering, as it allows us to identify patterns in our behavior and make positive changes in our lives.

5. Greater sense of purpose: When we have strong mental health habits, we are better able to identify our values and priorities, and to live our lives in alignment with these values. This can give us a greater sense of purpose and meaning in our lives.

In conclusion, building strong mental health habits is essential for women who want to live healthy, fulfilling lives. By taking the time to prioritize our mental health, we can experience a wide range of benefits, including increased resilience, improved relationships, better physical health, increased self-awareness, and a greater sense of purpose. So let’s make mental health a priority and start building those habits today!

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1. Identify your needs and preferences: Before reaching out to others, it’s important to identify what kind of support you need. Do you need someone to talk to or someone who can provide practical help? Do you prefer one-on-one interactions or group settings? Knowing your needs and preferences can help you identify the kind of people you need to connect with.

2. Join clubs or groups: Joining clubs or groups based on your interests is a great way to meet like-minded people. You can find groups for virtually any hobby or interest, from book clubs to sports teams. These groups offer a supportive environment where you can connect with others who share your passions.

3. Attend events: Attending social events, such as parties, concerts, and festivals, is another way to meet new people. These events offer a relaxed environment where you can strike up conversations with strangers. Even if you don’t make any new friends, enjoying an evening out can boost your mood and reduce stress.

4. Volunteer: Volunteering is not only a great way to give back to your community, but it’s also an excellent way to connect with others. Volunteering opportunities can be found in various sectors, including healthcare, education, and social services. You’ll meet people who share your passion for making a difference and feel good about contributing to a cause.

5. Connect online: Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can be used to connect with others who share your interests. Joining online communities related to your hobbies or interests can help you find people to connect with. However, it’s essential to be cautious and avoid sharing personal information with strangers online.

6. Seek professional help: Sometimes, building a support system can be challenging, especially if you’re struggling with mental health issues. Seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor can help you work through your issues and develop healthy coping mechanisms. They can also provide guidance on how to build a support system that meets your needs.

In conclusion, building a support system is crucial for better mental health. By identifying your needs and preferences, joining clubs or groups, attending events, volunteering, connecting online, and seeking professional help, you can connect with others and build meaningful relationships that support your mental wellbeing. Remember that building a support system takes time and effort, but the benefits are worth it.

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