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HEALTHY HAPPENINGS June 2020

Outdoor Manufacturing Companies Donate PPEby Lisa J. Church


Outdoor gear manufacturing companies have donated personal protective equipment (PPE) to Moab to ensure that a supply of masks is available to businesses and visitors in response to Mayor Emily Niehaus’ request of the outdoor industry to help obtain more PPE. Mike Cannon of DPS Skis, a Salt Lake City-based ski design and manufacturing company, answered the call and delivered the donated equipment to City Hall on Monday, May 18.

Back in April, DPS collaborated with Petzl and others to produce medical-grade reusable polyethylene face shields for the Utah Department of Health. This week, Cannon delivered 20 of those face shields to Moab, along with gallons of hand sanitizer, 1,500 Goal Zero buffs, classic blue face masks, and some N95 protective masks. The donated items were provided by DPS Skis, Goal Zero, Teton Sports, Petzl, and Gregory Mountain Products.

“Almost all of us in the outdoor industry are friends of Moab – we often come down here to bike and hike and visit. So we decided we wanted to help,” Cannon said.

Mayor Niehaus thanked Cannon and the other companies who donated and expressed deep gratitude for the efforts to deliver the supplies to the community ahead of what is expected to be a busy Memorial Day holiday weekend.

“We are so, so grateful to have this supply of PPE, especially as we head into Memorial Day weekend. Businesses have been able to get some emergency PPE through the state’s Push Pack Program, but it’s not enough for our tourism-based businesses, especially on a weekend as busy as Memorial Day, where we may have 20 visitors for every resident in town,” Moab Mayor Emily Niehaus said. “So I’m just so grateful to you and the other industry partners for your generosity. In these times, it feels comforting to know that this industry cares about us as a community.”

On Monday afternoon, May 18, Moab Mayor Emily Niehaus personally delivered the donated items to local businesses making more PPE available for their employees and visitors. Niehaus recognizes that it is a requirement by the Health Department for employees serving visitors to wear masks, but she also respects the Governor’s decision to make wearing a mask a personal choice for patrons as we reopen the City.

“We’re moving into some kind of new normal,” Mayor Niehaus said. “Having masks available for the employees required to wear them and the visitors wanting to wear them is critical. I’m so grateful to the outdoor rec community for their support in helping to make PPE accessible.”


Student Mental Health Resources Still Offered and Without Wait Time


Utah State University wants to remind students of the many health resources available to students during summer semester. The services are available to students signed up for summer students, as well as continuing students signed up for fall semester.

“USU may not be holding classes in person right now, but our services are still open and we encourage you to reach out during this difficult time,” said James Morales, vice president for student affairs. “Some of you may be facing mental health challenges for the first time and others may feel that the current situation is exacerbating anxiety you were already experiencing.”

Services available to students include:
• Individual therapy: USU is providing mental health services through telehealth (phone and Zoom) to Utah residents, and there is currently no wait time for therapy. If a student has left Utah for a permanent residence outside the state, they are encouraged to still reach out to talk about services that can continue to use while at home. To learn more, visit aggiewellness.usu.edu

• Group therapy: Group therapy is available over Zoom during the summer for students residing in Utah. It provides an opportunity to address interpersonal difficulties and connect with other students. Visit aggiewellness.usu.edu/groups/index for more information.

• Self-guided resources: USU offers several self-guided resources free of charge, including an online resource library, ACT Guide, and an online mental well-being course.

• After-hours: Students may also talk to a counselor any time day or night by downloading the SafeUT app. SafeUT is staffed by licensed therapists and students can call or chat with them through the app.

• Fitness and physical wellbeing: Research shows that even a small amount of exercise can calm the mind and improve mood. Campus Recreation has built a library of workouts to help students maintain their health at home.
To learn more about tips for managing mental health and more, visit the COVID-19 mental wellness webpage.

Contact: Amanda DeRito, 435-797-2759,
Amanda.derito@usu.edu

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