This story originally appeared on Good Notes.
When the U West Valley project launched in 2021, an existing relationship between University of Utah Health and University Neighborhood Partners took on new meaning.
Working together, we are finding more ways for the University of Utah to address disparities in our community.
A shared goal: Meeting people where they are
University Neighborhood Partners (UNP) works with west-side Salt Lake County neighborhoods to create greater access to education and health care at the U.
As we prepare to break ground on a multi-specialty health center and hospital in West Valley, community and cross-campus collaboration are more important than ever. U of U Health and UNP are leading this effort with a focus on meeting people where they are.
The following community and university resources are essential to this work:
- Westside Community United Resident Committee is a group of west side residents supported by UNP meets to discuss community needs and goals. The committee creates a space for west side residents to advocate for their community. It also strengthens the partnership between the west side community, the U, U of U Health, and UNP.
- Westside Leadership Institute offers classes for west side residents. They learn how to make positive changes in their neighborhoods and build partnerships. They discuss challenges and possible solutions. The leadership institute connects us with residents who can advocate for the priorities and needs of their community.
- West Valley Steering Committee is a group of community members that meet to discuss updates and share input about the U West Valley project. We cannot understand our communities unless we create space for their voices. We must value community knowledge as much as we value our own.
- Healthcare Anchor Network is a nationwide organization that helps hospitals and health care systems address inequities that contribute to poor health. U of U Health sends community members to the annual Health Anchor Network conference to learn about advocating for their own needs. They learn how other health systems across the nation partner with their communities to co-create solutions. The knowledge and experience they gain strengthens our ability to find collaborative solutions here in Utah.
Westside Community United resident committee meets regularly with University of Utah leadership to share community goals and provide critical insight about the priorities of the West Valley community.
Capturing the vision
The University of Utah can be a powerful force for good to address disparities in the community. Our institutional leaders believe in that vision. They seek opportunities to make personal connections in the community.
In 2023, West Valley residents mentored five senior leaders from U of U Health for six months. This was a chance for U of U Health leadership to listen, learn and engage with west side community members.
Westside Community United is a group of residents and local leaders who provide critical insight and feedback about West Valley community priorities. Since 2022, University of Utah President Taylor Randall has partnered with them to host quarterly lunches at locally-owned restaurants.
Power of cross-campus collaboration
The following projects and events demonstrate how UNP and U of U Health are activating the power of cross-campus collaboration:
- Organized in 2022 by the University of Utah Hospital, the Community Engagement Coordinating Committee is defining how U of U Health shows up in community spaces. We are tapping into multidisciplinary strengths across the health sciences campus to reach as many people as possible.
- This summer, U of U Health and University Neighborhood Partners hosted the third annual Healthy Start West Valley. In partnership with Granite School District and Ascent Academy, we provide vaccinations, vision and dental screenings, mammograms, diabetes screenings for adults, and a free pair of shoes for children in kindergarten through sixth grade.
- We partner with a growing number of university programs, schools, and colleges to create experiential learning opportunities for west side elementary students at Imagine U Day. This annual event to connect with younger prospective students was born out of conversations with local elementary schools.
A model for community collaboration
We created the Community Collaborations Council earlier this year with the goal of modeling what it means to be engaged with the community.
Council members represent more than 25 university departments, including every health science school and college, university hospitals and clinics, University of Utah Health Plans, Patient Design Studio, U of U Medical Group, and more.
The council will engage in meaningful dialogue with patients and community members to inform goals for the 2030 strategic plan.
Getting involved
Building relationships across campus and the Salt Lake Valley takes time. But it’s one of the most important things we can do. We remain committed to doing all we can to improve the health of our community.
If you have ideas for ways to engage with community members or want to get involved with existing programs, please let us know here.