The 2024 Healthy Start West Valley event at Centennial Park on August 23rd, marked another successful step towards bridging health resources with the local West Valley City community. Despite some uncharacteristically high-winds and looming gray clouds, the third annual health fair organized by University of Utah Health provided essential services such as vision and dental screenings, diabetes screenings, and a wealth of health resources provided by our community partners—transforming Centennial Park into a vibrant hub of community engagement just in time to ring in the new school year.
This year’s Healthy Start West Valley event was our most impactful yet, with over 60 informational booths set up by our dedicated community partners. These booths provided valuable resources and services to attendees, furthering our shared mission of enhancing health and well-being across West Valley City. We are proud to have facilitated 98 vision screenings for children through a collaboration with EyeCare4Kids, ensuring that they start the school year with clear sight. Additionally, University of Utah’s School of Dentistry conducted 107 dental screenings, including 35 child dental cleanings, helping to set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Our commitment to comprehensive health care was further demonstrated through the provision of six mammograms, provided by Huntsman Cancer Institute, offering critical preventive care to women in the community. Beyond medical services, we distributed more than 150 pairs of shoes, helping to ensure that children have the essentials they need as they head back to school. These efforts highlight the broad scope of Healthy Start West Valley, addressing not just medical needs but also the social and material factors that contribute to overall well-being.
Building a Stronger Community
More than just a health fair, Healthy Start West Valley recognizes the critical role that social determinants play in an individual's well-being. Our partnerships extended beyond the medical sphere, involving local schools and the University of Utah Office of Admissions to underscore the importance of education in shaping positive health outcomes. An ongoing collaboration with Granite Education Foundation and Granite School District provided high school students the chance to volunteer at the event, offering them a unique opportunity to explore their future aspirations in healthcare while connecting one-on-one with professionals throughout many medical fields.
The sense of community was highlighted by the football team of Hunter High School, who brought an incredible energy to the event. Their willingness to help wherever needed, whether it was assisting with booths or playing football with the kids, added a joyful and dynamic atmosphere. The team's high spirits and camaraderie elevated the experience for everyone, making the day memorable.
It was inspiring to hear many of these students express their desire to work at the upcoming U West Valley Hospital, with dreams of becoming doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers who give back to their community. Conversations like these highlight the importance of events like Healthy Start West Valley, where we build trust and connections at a personal level, moving beyond data to human connections, helping us understand the needs of our community.
This year's event saw over 30 volunteers from various U of U Health departments, including senior leaders, engaging with the community. They met with partners at community resource booths, listened to local voices, and explored potential collaborations to address health disparities more effectively. This fair allows U Health the opportunity to hear first-hand from community partners on how we can continue to strengthen our partnership with the community, and hear what other resources we can provide for West Valley.
We want to build trust with community members. We’re doing that by coming to spaces where they feel comfortable and everything is accessible to them in their community, as opposed to having to cross the valley to receive those same services. We’re trying to be where the community is at.
With families lined up at the School of Dentistry tent for free screenings and children engaging in interactive activities, it was clear that Healthy Start West Valley continues to be a valuable event for all. We are committed to nurturing these connections and will continue our efforts to meet the community where they are, understanding their needs and building long-lasting, meaningful partnerships.
Thank you to everyone who came out to make this event a success. Healthy Start West Valley is about more than just providing services—it's about engaging in meaningful conversations and meeting the community where they are. This approach is crucial for building the trust needed to foster strong, lasting partnerships. The enthusiasm from U of U Health leadership and community leaders is truly inspiring, and it's encouraging to see the community’s willingness to open up and trust us in return. We are committed to strengthening our connections and working together to make a lasting impact in West Valley City.
Healthy Start West Valley by the Numbers
61 Information Booths
98 Vision Screenings
6 Mammograms
107 Dental Screenings
35 Child Dental Cleanings
More than 150 Pairs of Shoes Distributed
28 Diabetes Screenings
Over 500 Meals
29 U of U Health Volunteers