Initial concept drawing, subject to change.
The University of Utah is building a new model of how a leading research institution can engage with and support the communities it serves. With 5 hospitals, 11 clinics and multiple education centers throughout the state, the U strives to increase community engagement, improve health, equity and economic outcomes and increase access to higher education for every Utahn.
Because the West Valley area is growing so quickly and is home to vital, vibrant and diverse communities, the U is exploring a bold new partnership that will provide improved access to world-class health care and provide high-quality education and training programs.
Beginning summer 2021, University of Utah Health participated in several listening tours with community members and leaders from the West Valley area to learn from their expertise and gain insight into community needs, desires and opportunities. From these conversations, U leaders identified three primary areas it is uniquely positioned to address: enhanced access to health care, high-quality education and training programs.
To fulfill these needs, the U is working in partnership with West Valley area communities and Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) to bring health care and education to the area.
“Through meaningful community engagement, we are envisioning new ways for the U to partner with and support people and communities in the West Valley area,” said Taylor Randall, University of Utah president. “This is an incredible opportunity for us to work together to eliminate inequities and quality of life disparities that exist in our community.”
Adding to the U’s partnership with SLCC in Herriman and the South Jordan, West Ridge and Redwood clinics, the anchor component of this community engagement model will be a full-service health, community and education center located at 5600 West, 3700 South in West Valley City. This facility will make health care more accessible, create thousands of jobs, develop new and stronger pathways to higher education and include numerous career training and certificate opportunities.
“This health and community center will be the first of its kind in the valley and possibly in the state,” said Michael Good, MD, CEO of University of Utah Health. “Through training, educating and employing those who use and innovate in the facilities, this project will uniquely reflect and support the community it serves.”
In November, the University of Utah’s University Neighborhood Partners (UNP) launched a steering committee which includes West Valley City residents and representatives from several community groups including Latinos in Action, Granite School District, United Way of Salt Lake and the Khadeeja Mosque. This committee meets monthly to engage in a feedback loop which will support the creation of a facility where community members feel they belong.
“As the University for Utah, this is an opportunity to do community engagement right,” said Jennifer Mayer-Glenn, director of UNP. “As we deepen our connections and build trust with residents in West Valley City, their leadership and voice will help us build a space where the community sees themselves, can access culturally appropriate care, and where we can make the greatest social impact.”
Individuals, offices and colleges from throughout the university have been and will continue to collaborate, finding new ways to work together and building new areas of strength. Additional community partners include the Clark and Christine Ivory Foundation, Progressive Leasing and leaders from West Valley City and Salt Lake County.
“Before, during and long after breaking ground on this facility, we will work alongside West Valley area community members and our partner organizations to ensure this center feels like it is theirs,” said Randall. “I want to thank all of those who are collaborating and engaging with us on this transformative initiative.”
Legislators have authorized the health system to acquire a $400,000,000 bond to build the proposed west valley health and community center. Current plans aim for a groundbreaking by 2024 and opening in 2027.