Who We Are

UPHA brings together professionals, communities, and policymakers to improve the health of all Utahns.

Our Mission

UPHA addresses Utah’s public health challenges by empowering

public health professionals, educating the community, and advocating for effective public health policies.

Our Values

Advocate for sound public health policy


➔ Ensure a healthy and safe environment

➔ Promote community and population health

➔ Inform and engage the community about public health issues

➔ Support and develop the public health workforce

➔ Champion health equity and social justice

➔ Promote access to health care

A Brief History

For more than 100 years, the Utah Public Health Association (UPHA) has worked to improve the health and well-being of Utah's communities. Founded in 1917, UPHA was established to unite public health professionals and advocate for policies and programs that protect and promote public health across the state.


Milestones

  • 1917: Launched a statewide school health program encouraging healthy daily habits among students.
  • 1918: Introduced public health nurses to combat tuberculosis in rural communities and quickly mobilized to respond to the influenza pandemic.
  • 1920s: Helped control the typhoid epidemic and expanded access to vaccines through mobile outreach, including the traveling "Tin Lizzy" clinic.
  • Over the decades: Led initiatives supporting dental health, youth wellness, seatbelt safety, immunizations, newborn screening, and other public health priorities.


Today, UPHA continues to advance public health through education, advocacy, collaboration, and leadership; building healthier communities and a stronger Utah for future generations.

Organizational Chart

Our commitment to advancing public health is reflected in our organizational structure. Each branch plays a vital role in supporting a unified, collaborative approach to achieving our mission.



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UPHA Bylaws

The Utah Public Health Association Bylaws provide the foundational framework that defines the organization’s structure, roles, and operational procedures.

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Our Staff

Morgan Hadden

Executive Director

Brook Anderson

Program Coordinator, Gun Safety

Caitlyn Jasumback

Program Coordinator, Immunizations

Our Board

The members of our board of directors are thought leaders who have made a significant contribution to our society. Each and every one of them brings a unique set of skills and expertise to our organization.

Sarah Hodson

President

Karlee Walker

President-Elect

Jennifer Dailey-Provost

Vice President

Linnea Fletcher

Past President

Melissa Osborn

Treasurer

Michele Bildner

Secretary

Teresa Garrett

APHA Affiliate

Management Units


Management Units

Management Unit roles are elected board positions. Nominations are open each spring; members may nominate themselves or others. Elections are held and approved during the conference business meeting.


Committees

Members can join committees at any time. Committee participation is open to all current UPHA members.


Get Involved

For more information or to join, contact info@upha.org

Advocacy Unit

  • Jeff Glenn | Chair
  • Maddie Fuchs
  • Jamie Zwerin

Fiscal Unit

  • Dallas Finnell l Chair
  • Caitlin Schneider
  • Shannon Robinson


Communications Unit

  • Sara Palomino | Chair
  • Natalie Klein
  • Jessica Payne


Membership Unit

  • Casey Coombs | Chair
  • Anna Fondario
  • Carla Arancibia


Nominations Unit

  • Marie Nagata | Chair
  • Aaron Hunt
  • Daniel Limb


Conference Planning Unit

  • Mindy Steadman | Chair
  • Heather Awsumb
  • Cassie Cowdell


Student Unit

  • Benedicta Kwakye-Andoh
  • Brooklyn Smith
  • Amanda Ashfield

Sections

Academic Section

Marci Harris

Committees

To join a committee, contact info@upha.org

Conference Planning Committee

Mindy Steadman

Advocacy Committee

Jeff Glenn

Evaluation, Improvement, & Innovation Committe

Camille Roundy

IDEA Committee

Mary Kathryn Curcio Stoddard