Expanding Access, Education, and Jobs to All Corners of Utah
Health disparities are defined as the preventable differences in the burden of disease that create barriers to achieving optimal health. These disparities are often linked to economic, sociocultural, environmental, and geographic disadvantages experienced in both rural and urban parts of Utah.
America’s traditional brick-and-mortar health care system, with facilities and experts centered in urban and suburban areas, is clearly not designed for the 20 percent of Americans who live in rural regions. Of those 65 million or so citizens, 80 percent are considered medically underserved. Their life expectancies run a full decade shorter. Rates of poverty, obesity, and diabetes are nearly 25 percent higher. Convenient access to health care is reduced precisely where it’s needed most.
Meanwhile, in the five counties—Salt Lake, Davis, Summit, Utah, and Weber—that make up Salt Lake Valley, 13 areas have high Health Improvement Index (HII) scores. This indicates that poor health outcomes are considered to be closely linked to economic disadvantage in areas with a higher percentage of racial/ethnic minorities. We believe that working with community partners to create equal opportunity and improve social mobility will contribute to better health outcomes for all Utahns.
Institutional Initiatives
Our commitment to addressing health disparities for the communities we serve is evident in the 2023-2026 Community Health Needs Assessment, which includes 10 out of 11 goals that focus on improving health outcomes.
Rural & Underserved Utah Training Experience
The mission of RUUTE is to improve medical education and training, health care access, and long-term socioeconomic benefit for rural and underserved communities of Utah by expanding interest, awareness, and placement of students and physicians.
West Valley Hospital & Health Center
U West Valley is a partnership between the University of Utah and the West Valley City community. Together, we are working to improve health and well-being, increase education opportunities and career pathways, and create positive long-term social change.
Sustainability & Climate Resilience
We can’t have a healthy population without a healthy planet, and we know that our most vulnerable patients are most impacted by environmental health inequities. U of U Health develops sustainable approaches to care that meet the health needs of people today and in future generations.