Our Projects

Here are a few of our most recent projects, each designed to advance our vision of equitable health for all Utahns through public health action.

A Immunization Advocacy Coalition Grant:

With funding from Merck & Co., Inc., the Utah Public Health Association (UPHA) supported the work of the Immunization Advocacy Coalition (IAC) throughout 2025.


This funding enabled UPHA to hire Caitlyn Jasumback as a part-time Program Coordinator to coordinate coalition activities. The coalition brings together more than 80 medical and public health professionals across Utah to advance evidence-based immunization policy and promote public understanding of vaccines.


2025 Highlights

  • Tracked 5 immunization-related bills during the Utah legislative session.
  • Met with 16 state and federal legislators.
  • Published 3 op-eds, 6 social media posts, and 2 media releases, resulting in 3 news features.
  • Passed a UPHA member resolution supporting vaccine education, transparency, and safety.
  • Partnered with Governor Spencer Cox to proclaim August 2025 as Immunization Awareness Month in Utah.

Gun Safety Grant:

In 2025, the Utah Public Health Association (UPHA) launched the Gun Violence Prevention Project with funding from the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP) through the U.S. Department of Justice, administered in Utah by the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice (CCJJ).


This funding enabled UPHA to hire Brook Andersen as a full-time Program Coordinator to lead the project and coordinate partners across the state.


Project Focus

The project aims to prevent suicide by expanding access to safe firearm storage through partnerships with healthcare systems, crisis response teams, and community organizations.


Key initiatives include:

  • Distributing firearm safes to support safe storage.
  • Mapping safe firearm storage resources across Utah.
  • Increasing public awareness of safe storage options for individuals and families experiencing a crisis.