Utah State University’s 2024 Wellbeing Survey ranked Ivins as the second healthiest city among the 49 cities surveyed in the state.
This summer the City created the Healthy Ivins Coalition, chaired by Ivins resident Craig Shanklin. In September, Ivins was also awarded the Healthy Utah Community designation.
The Coalition meets quarterly at Ivins City Hall. You are welcome to attend any of the Coalition meetings. Contact me for dates and agendas.
Healthy Ivins Coalition Members
- Marc Christensen, Director, Ivins Parks & Recreation Department
- Jamy Dahle, Director of Counseling and Health Promotion Services at the Booth Wellness Center at Utah Tech University
- David Hatch, Former executive in corporate, and agricultural risk management services/policy, including the USDA and the Organization of American States.
- Nathan Lefevor, Senior Director of Clinical Operations, Rocky Vista University
- Dr. Laura Rosch, Campus Dean and Associate Professor of Internal Medicine, Rocky Vista University
- Craig Shanklin, Former senior healthcare executive and member of the Healthy Dixie Council. Member of the St. George Active Transportation Committee. Board member (former President) of the Southern Utah Bicycle Alliance (SUBA)
- Kristi Sharp, Health Promotions Program Manager, Southwest Utah Public Health Department
- Tanya Wambold, Victims Advocate Coordinator, Santa Clara – Ivins Public Safety Department
Healthy Utah Community Award
In September, Ivins was also awarded the Healthy Utah Community designation. To qualify as a Healthy Utah Community, Ivins City has undertaken numerous healthy living initiatives.
Connecting The City’s Multipurpose Trails
We have addressed four significant gaps in our multipurpose trail system and created a new 3-mile trail extending from the city’s eastern boundary to the western boundary at Fire Lake Park.
We have also enhanced access to healthy food for our residents. Our City Code allows residents to keep chickens and chicken coops on any single-family lot that is at least 7,500 square feet. Additionally, we are partnering with Rocky Vista University to publish regular articles on physical, mental, and nutritional health in the Ivins newsletter.
The City has been proactive in addressing mental health issues. Over the past year, we initiated annual mental health screenings for our Police Department members and provided peer-to-peer counseling. Our Fire Department established a Chaplain Program last year, one of the first official Fire Chaplain programs in southern Utah, with chaplains available 24/7 as a resource to both our community and department members. Furthermore, we created a Victims Advocate Coordinator position to support crime victims and mitigate the psychological trauma they experience.
The purpose of the Healthy Ivins Coalition is to explore ways the City can do even more to promote active living, healthy eating, and improve mental health in our community. To do that, the Coalition is developing a three-year community health plan to address health equity by actively seeking opportunities to meet the health needs of our community, particularly among our most vulnerable populations.
Create A Community Garden
One idea being considered is reopening a community garden on Red Mountain Blvd. near Hwy 91. The Coalition is looking for a volunteer to serve as the “garden manager.” If you’re interested in gardening or being the garden manager (with support from our Parks & Recreation Department), please contact me.
Want To Attend The Next Meeting?
The Coalition’s next meeting is on December 11th at 4pm in the Red Mountain conference Room at Ivins City Hall (85N Main Street). You are welcome to attend. Meeting last about one hour. Please contact me if you would like more information.
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