Emery County approves opioid-settlement grants for local harm-reduction outreach and new clinic

Emery County commissioners on Feb. 2026 approved two opioid-settlement fund awards intended to expand local addiction and mental-health services.

Michelle Ward, founder and executive director of Hands of Hope Outreach and Harm Reduction Services, asked the commission for $33,700 to start a mobile harm-reduction program that would provide home visits, Narcan education and on-site rapid HIV and Hep C testing. “Hands of Hope exists because I care deeply about the people who are going through hard times,” Ward said, describing a model focused on meeting clients where they are.

Commissioners asked about program structure, referrals and reporting. Ward said the service would operate as a mobile startup for the first year, rely on word-of-mouth referrals and report metrics to the state DHHS. Commissioners moved to approve the award “contingent upon final contract” that specifies allowable uses and reporting; the motion passed on a roll call with Jensen, Leonard and Warwood recorded as voting in favor.

Later the commission approved a larger award of $250,000 to Carbon Medical Services Association to open a behavioral-health office and provide medication for opioid-use disorder (MOUD) and counseling in Emery County. Lisa Clark, Carbon Medical’s CEO, said the nonprofit is a federally qualified health center and plans to rent space locally to deliver counseling, peer support and MOUD services. “Every life is valuable,” Clark said, citing the center’s sliding-fee model and its plan to keep services in Emery County.

Carbon Medical’s proposal outlined initial staffing (a counselor and part-time peer support), use of electronic health records to document services and a goal of growing availability based on demand; clinicians on the team emphasized immediate needs for PTSD treatment, child therapy and integrated medical-behavioral services. Commissioners approved the $250,000 award, again contingent on a contract and reporting to ensure metrics can be shared with the state.

Both awards were presented to the commission as opioid-settlement-funded, one-time allocations to seed local services. Commissioners said they expect periodic reporting to measure whether the funds move key outcomes — e.g., client contacts, referrals into treatment, and sustained local service capacity — and signaled the county may reconsider future funding depending on demonstrated results.

The agreements approved were contingent on a final written contract spelling out allowable expenditures and reporting requirements; staff will draft the contracts and work with the organizations on terms and data reporting.