Our Mission

UPHA works to improve the health of all Utahns by fostering collaboration among public health professionals, community members, and policymakers. Through education, advocacy, and engagement, we support efforts that strengthen communities and promote public health action.

A Brief History

Public health has long played a vital role in shaping the well-being of Utah’s communities. Founded over 100 years ago, the Utah Public Health Association (UPHA) was established to unify efforts to promote and advocate for public health across the state.

Since its founding, UPHA has been at the forefront of protecting community health. In 1917, it launched a statewide program encouraging students to build healthy daily habits. By 1918, UPHA introduced public health nurses to combat tuberculosis in rural areas and quickly shifted efforts to respond to the influenza pandemic.

Throughout the 1920s, UPHA continued to address urgent health challenges—helping control the typhoid epidemic and expanding access to vaccines through mobile outreach, including a traveling clinic known as the “Tin Lizzy.”

For more than a century, UPHA has responded to emerging health threats while also leading long-term prevention efforts. From dental clinics and youth health programs to seatbelt campaigns, vaccination initiatives, and newborn screenings, UPHA remains committed to building a healthier, safer Utah for all.