Our
Mission & Values
From public health workers to community members and policymakers, public health is everyone’s responsibility. UPHA is here to foster collaboration among these groups so we can all keep Utah healthy.
We empower public health workers by providing education and by giving them a voice, so they can speak up for public health and promote better community wellness.
We inform community members so they can do their part to keep our collective health strong.
We advocate for legislation, so policymakers can address public health issues effectively.
We do it because we believe a healthy Utah is a happy Utah.
A Brief History
Public Health efforts have long been an integral part of our state in various formats. The Utah Public Health Association (UPHA) was born over 100 years ago out of a desire to unify efforts to advocate for and promote public health. Over the years, UPHA has continued to work to protect our communities.
- In 1917, UPHA launched a free statewide health program, enlisting 6th graders to do daily health “chores” to keep themselves healthy.
- In 1918, they introduced public health nurses to help Utahns understand and combat tuberculosis, which was wreaking havoc on the rural communities in the state. By the outbreak of the 1918 flu pandemic, most of public health efforts were diverted to caring for the sick and preventing the spread of the illness.
- After the 1918 flu abated UPHA regrouped, fighting back disease, providing tools for healthy living, and making Utah a safer, healthier place to live.
- In 1920, UPHA helped fight off the Typhoid epidemic.
- In 1923, they bought a car they dubbed the Tin Lizzy that drove up and down the state, providing free vaccinations to rural areas.
Every time there has been a preventable disease public health has been there on the front lines, fighting it back. And when there wasn’t an emergent outbreak of disease, public health established traveling dental clinics, camps for underprivileged kids to learn about healthy lifestyles, diabetes prevention programs, seat belt campaigns, statewide vaccine programs, active transportation initiatives, newborn health screenings, and more.
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.

Carrie Butler
Executive Director

Linnea Fletcher
President

Sarah Hodson
President-Elect

Mindy Steadman
Vice-President

Neil Sarin
Past President

Carl Hanson
Treasurer

Holly Budge
Secretary

Teresa Garrett
APHA Affiliate
Management Units
Advocacy Unit
- Alyssa Mitchel | Chair
- Jeff Glen
- Ally Cowdell
Awards Unit
- Melissa Del Castillo | Chair
- Aaron Hunt
- Dan Limb
Communications Unit
- Carey VanWagoner | Chair
- Sara Palomino
- Natalie Klein
Fiscal Unit
- Melissa Osborn | Chair
- Kristine Snyder
- Dallas Finnell
Membership Unit
- Casey Coombs | Chair
- Lindsay Butram
- Anna Fondario
Nominations Unit
- Brooke Campos | Chair
- Marie Nagata
- Sarah Hall
Sections
Student Assembly
Sephora Giraud-Carrier
Immunization
Annette Harris
Nutrition
Open Board Position
Special Interest Groups
Academic SpIG
Alisha Redelfs
IDEA SpIG
Mary Kathryn Curcio Stoddard