The 2025 Healthy Start West Valley event brought together families, community partners, and University of Utah Health to provide essential health services, meet basic needs, and strengthen connections, showcasing a shared commitment to building a healthier, more connected West Valley City.
The 2025 Healthy Start West Valley event at Centennial Park on August 22nd marked another milestone in our ongoing commitment to improving access to care by bringing essential health services directly to the West Valley community.
From 4 to 7 pm, families, children, and community members gathered for what has become one of the most anticipated health and wellness events of the year, transforming the park into a vibrant hub of care, connection, and community support.
This year's event was our most impactful yet, demonstrating the power of collaboration between University of Utah Health and our dedicated community partners. With over 70 vendors and partners participating, we created an engaging experience that addressed immediate health needs and other challenges that contribute to overall well-being.
Comprehensive Care for the Whole Community
Our commitment to accessible health care was evident in every aspect of the event. Through our partnership with EyeCare4Kids, we conducted 98 vision screenings, ensuring that children have clear sight as they navigate their educational journey. Additionally, we distributed 88 pairs of blue light glasses, helping to protect young eyes in our increasingly digital world.
The University of Utah School of Dentistry made an extraordinary impact with 172 total dental screenings. Going beyond basic screenings, our dental team provided comprehensive care, including 45 Level 1 referrals for follow-up treatment, 25 prophylactic cleanings, 141 fluoride varnish applications, 82 sealants, and 23 silver diamine treatments for five children. These services represent a significant investment in the long-term oral health of West Valley children.
Our preventive care efforts extended to women's health as well, with Huntsman Cancer Institute providing six mammograms and facilitating 13 referrals to the voucher program, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to life-saving cancer screening. We also conducted 28 diabetes screenings, helping to identify and address a growing community concern.
Meeting Basic Needs
Understanding that health extends far beyond medical services, we distributed 240 pairs of shoes to children, helping ensure they have the essentials required for school and daily activities. This effort reflects our holistic approach to community wellness, recognizing that addressing basic needs is fundamental to promoting overall health.
Five families received comprehensive consultations with our health care providers, which offered personalized guidance and established essential connections to ongoing care within the University of Utah Health system.
Volunteer Power and Community Spirit
The success of this event was made possible by the dedication of 32 University of Utah Health volunteers, along with their family members who joined them in serving the community. These volunteers, representing various departments across our health system, engaged directly with community members, listened to their concerns, and explored ways we can better serve West Valley City.
The presence of our leadership team and diverse volunteers sends a clear message: University of Utah Health is committed to understanding and addressing the unique needs of the West Valley community through authentic partnership and collaboration.
Building Trust
“We want to continue building trust with the West Valley community,” says Gina Hawley, COO of University of Utah Health Hospitals & Clinics. “That means meeting people in places where they already feel comfortable, and ensuring services are accessible right in their neighborhoods and close to home—rather than requiring them to cross the valley. Our goal is to meet the community where they are.”
This approach has proven successful year after year, with families returning annually and new community members discovering the resources available to them. The enthusiastic participation of local schools, community organizations, and residents demonstrates the growing strength of our partnerships.
Looking Forward
As we prepare for the opening of the new Eccles Health Campus in West Valley, events like Healthy Start West Valley become even more significant. They provide invaluable opportunities for our team to understand community health priorities, build relationships with local families, and ensure that our permanent presence in West Valley City truly meets the needs of the community.
The conversations we have at this event—hearing directly from parents about their health care concerns, learning from community leaders about local challenges, and witnessing the resilience and strength of West Valley families—help inform how we work with the community now and in the future.
Thank you to everyone who made the 2025 Healthy Start West Valley event possible: our community partners, volunteers, local organizations, and most importantly, the families and individuals who trust us with their health and wellness needs. Together, we are building a healthier, more connected West Valley City.
2025 Healthy Start West Valley by the Numbers
- Over 70 Vendor/Partner Booths
- 98 Vision Screenings
- 88 Blue Light Glasses Distributed
- 6 Mammograms Provided and 13 Referrals to Voucher Program
- 172 Total Dental Screenings
- 45 Level 1 Referrals
- 25 Prophylactic Cleanings
- 141 Fluoride Varnish Applications
- 82 Sealants
- 23 Silver Diamine Treatments (5 children)
- 28 Diabetes Screenings
- 240 Pairs of Shoes Donated
- 5 Family Provider Consultations
- Over 700 Community Members Served Dinner
- 32 University of Utah Health Volunteers
