HEALTH

Salt Lake County awarded $3.8 million to improve minority health

Sep 22, 2021, 6:11 PM

minority health...

Salt Lake County Public Health Center at 610 S 200 E in Salt Lake City, Utah (Nick Wyatt, KSL Newsradio)

(Nick Wyatt, KSL Newsradio)

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake County Health Department was awarded a public health grant of $3.8 million to improve health outcomes for minority groups. 

Salt Lake County Health Department gets a $3.8 million grant to improve minority health

The two-year grant was awarded by the Office of Minority Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 

The grant is specifically to fund projects aimed at decreasing health disparities among minorities in Salt Lake County. 

“We know that different zip codes have very different health outcomes,” said Anni McKinnon, Program Manager for Salt Lake County’s Healthy Living Program.

She said the northwest part of the county is where they plan to focus the most after analyzing data related to the pandemic. 

“We looked specifically at areas that have a lower vaccination rate and higher infection rate,” McKinnon said.

She used Rose Park, Glendale, and West Valley as examples. 

Improving Health Literacy

The county health department announced it plans to use the grant money to increase health literacy. They describe that as a health disparity connected to higher rates of hospitalization, emergency care, fewer health screenings, and poorer overall health. 

“When someone is unable to determine health information, it gives them a lower health outcome,” said McKinnon. 

Not only does the SLCOHD intend to better inform these minority communities, but it also plans to help train healthcare professionals to better serve their patients. 

“Giving the patient information that they can understand. So, not having these huge scary words in that information and making it available in lots of languages,” McKinnon explained. 

Public Health 3.0

The Salt Lake County Health Department sees this grant as an opportunity to reach more people in the community in culturally appropriate ways. 

“This is really, really going to be focused on listening to our partners and involving them in decision-making. Not us coming in and saying ‘here’s what you need to do’,” McKinnon said. 

She said the campaign is already underway and the health department is excited to get to work. 

Read more:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Health

Myrtle Spurge is often touted as deer-resistant and drought-tolerant, but the plant is rapidly inva...

Eliza Pace

Salt Lake County Health warns of harmful myrtle spurge plant

Myrtle spurge was originally introduced to Utah as a decorative plant but is an invasive species that has spread to natural areas.

9 hours ago

Dairy cows across the country, specifically in Texas, Kansas and New Mexico are getting sick with a...

Alexandrea Bonilla

Cows across the country are getting sick with a “flu-like” illness

Utah is altering the requirements for livestock brought into the state after multiple cows across the country have gotten sick with a flu-like illness.  

20 hours ago

Over 30% of people in Utah are considred prediabetic because of the amount of soda they drink....

Amanda Dickson

Is Utah’s soda obsession behind our levels of prediabetes?

Here in Utah, our soda drinking habits might be making us particularly at risk for prediabetes and diabetes.

1 day ago

A hand holds a tablet stamped with "MF," standing for mifepristone....

CNN

Study shows how self-managed abortion became more common, as Supreme Court abortion drug hearing looms

Medication abortion has become increasingly common since it first became available in the United States two decades ago.

2 days ago

Small screens...

Don Brinkerhoff

Small screens impacting the mental health of kids says study

The increased use of small screens by kids and teens may be linked to increased mental health issues according to a study.

2 days ago

bottles of prescription medication at a desk. 16.2% of Utahns are unable to get the prescription me...

Tammy Kikuchi and Emma Keddington

Utah ranks second in the nation for prescription medication shortages

The hardest prescription medication to get is for ADHD, cancer and high blood pressure.

3 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Salt Lake County awarded $3.8 million to improve minority health