Mission and Vision | Tribal and Rural Wellness Initiative

People First

This initiative collaborates with local organizations, government agencies, and businesses to address community needs more effectively. We value our staff and partners as whole human beings who do great work with us, but also have families, personal interests, and individual goals.

Our Process

We work with our valued community partners to identify strengths and needs in that community, usually via a coalition or a small group of key stakeholders. We then bring in additional sectors to ensure all essential viewpoints have representation. We believe strongly in the “Nothing About Us, Without Us” principle. For example, if we are working in substance use, our teams include people in recovery and those who have been or are being directly affected. We also bring in content experts as needed to ensure we have the best science present at the table. Our big tent philosophy encourages as many stakeholders as possible to have a voice while amplifying pre-existing efforts.

Focus Areas

We take a broad view of health and wellness. We approach financial, environmental, social, physical, spiritual, intellectual, occupational, and emotional health all as key elements of a healthy community. Where you live and what resources you have available, including jobs, transportation, and housing, affects health in profound ways.

The Tribal and Rural Wellness Initiative provides educational programs and workshops covering a wide range of topics relevant to home and community life. This may include classes on home maintenance, gardening, nutrition, parenting, budgeting, family relationships, and other areas that contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities.

Why We're Here

Utah State University has a land-grant mission of serving every corner of our state by connecting campus resources and expertise with all Utahns. The USU Extension system includes offices in every county, and a network of faculty both on- and off-campus to meet local needs. This program is dedicated to serving tribal and rural populations in an effort to ensure greater health and resiliency.

About the Initiative