Utah Women Leading Government Newsletter | May 2025 | | Meet the UTWLG Secretary - Janell Payne | | |
Janell Payne is the Director of Recreation for the City of South Jordan and a newly appointed board member for Utah Women Leading Government. She is an introvert who somehow ended up running facilities, leading citywide teams, and serving on professional boards and commissions (URPA and UTWLG are her favorites). If she were a pro athlete, her walk-up song would be “Big Dawgs” by Humankind. Janell prefers to communicate in memes, speaks fluent movie quotes, and believes the “Cisco Hold Music” TikToks are peak internet joy. She lives with her husband (whom she met on a Lord of the Rings message board before meeting people on the internet was cool) and their 9-year-old son, Graham- yes, like the cracker.
| | As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to better understand the mental health resources available to you as women working in Utah government, and how effectively they meet your needs. | |
| Does your employer offer mental health benefits that cover therapy or counseling services? | | | | Have you used mental health resources (EAP/therapy coverage) provided by your employer? | | | | Which of the following mental health resources is or would be most helpful in your workplace? | | | |
| Does your employer provide an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or similar counseling service? | | | | Do you feel that your workplace supports employees in prioritizing their mental well-being? | | | |
Mental Health Resources
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Mental Health America (MHA) - Free mental health screening tools for various conditions, toolkits and resources for the workplace, and more!
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National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - The nation's largest grassroots mental health organization. Provides education, advocacy, and support for individuals and families affected by mental illness. Includes over 700 NAMI State Organizations and Affiliates.
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Calm and Headspace - Apps offering guided meditations, sleep stories, breathing exercises, etc. Free versions available; premium versions may be offered as an employer benefit.
| | A Bolder Way Forward City Designation | | |
UTWLG has had the privilege of featuring leaders from A Bolder Way Forward (BWF) at our last three full-day events. If you haven’t attended one of our events or heard of BWF, it’s a powerful call to action in Utah to address persistent challenges facing women and girls—such as high rates of domestic violence, gender-based discrimination, and low representation in leadership roles. You can learn more here.
The success of A Bolder Way Forward depends on widespread recognition of these issues and a shared commitment to building a better future for women, girls, and families—and local governments play a key role in that effort! North Salt Lake proudly became the first BWF City, and Midvale is on track to become the second this June. We hope this movement continues to grow across local governments throughout Utah.
If you think your governing body might be interested in becoming a BWF City, please reach out to Mariah Hill at mhill@midvalecity.org to learn more about the process!
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"Maybe You Should Talk to Someone" by Lori Gottlieb is a compelling and insightful exploration of the human experience, told through the intertwined stories of a therapist, her patients, and her own therapy journey. It unpacks themes of love, loss, change, and the search for meaning, making it a deeply relatable read for anyone. This engaging book offers a powerful reminder that seeking support for mental well-being isn't a sign of weakness, but a vital tool for resilience, growth, and navigating the complexities of life with greater clarity and compassion.
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Organizational Best Practices Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace - National Library of Medicine
This article highlights eight crucial best practices for employers to prioritize employee mental health and well-being:
- Cultivating a supportive and open culture
- Providing robust mental health benefits (such as comprehensive insurance coverage for therapy and counseling)
- Offering readily accessible mental health resources (like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) for confidential support, or digital mental wellness platforms)
- Establishing healthy workplace policies and practices (e.g., promoting work-life balance and flexible work arrangements)
- Ensuring a positive and healthy work environment
- Securing strong leadership support for mental health initiatives
- Measuring the outcomes of programs
- Fostering innovation in mental health support
Employees should leverage the resources and environment created by their employers through the following:
- Utilizing robust mental health benefits to access a range of services, from individual therapy to group support sessions, often with lower out-of-pocket costs
- Proactively engaging with mental health resources like EAPs for confidential counseling, referrals, and crisis support, or explore digital tools and educational materials provided
- Setting boundaries, utilizing flexible work options, and participating in wellness programs offered
By understanding and utilizing these employer-provided resources and fostering open communication, employees can actively manage their mental well-being within the workplace. Ultimately, effective mental health support requires both proactive employer initiatives and employees' informed engagement with the available tools and a supportive environment.
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Facebook Forum
Join our forum today to connect with other Utah women in government, share information and resources, and get feedback.
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If you're on the hunt for a new job, be sure to check out the Utah League of Cities and Towns' Job Bank!
Here are some of the current openings around the state:
- Building Inspector II / III - Eagle Mountain
- Budget Manager - St. George
- Library Director - Cedar City
- Human Resources Generalist I - Herriman
- General Counsel - Utah Housing Corporation
- Dispatcher - Layton
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