December 2025 Health News

2025 has been a year of significant uncertainty for our department, and yet, together with our staff, partners, and community, we navigated every shift with strength and purpose. Through all the changes, we persevered as a team because of your support and our shared commitment to the community we serve. Even in the most challenging moments, we continued delivering essential services, adapting to new needs, and supporting residents with genuine care through direct services, collaboration, and community donations. I am grateful for what we achieved together this year, from strengthening core public health services to advancing initiatives that improve the health of Summit County. These efforts reflect the heart of public service and show what is possible when we stand united. To say I am deeply proud of my team is an understatement and I want to publicly acknowledge their resilience and dedication throughout 2025. Thank you, team.

As we close out the year, I want our community to know that my commitment to health equity remains central to our mission. I am dedicated to trusted and proven science-based practices that help communities thrive and live healthy, happy, and fulfilling lives. Our purpose is stronger than any challenge we face, and the progress we made in 2025 has built a solid foundation for the work ahead. I enter 2026 with hope, confidence, and excitement for what we will accomplish together in support of a healthier community for all.

Thank you for supporting us and for placing your trust in our work. We appreciate it.

On behalf of your friends at the Summit County Health Department, we wish you a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season.

Your friend in public health,
Dr. Phil Bondurant

Healthy Holidays: Caring for Yourself, Your Family, and Your Community

The holiday season brings opportunities for connection, celebration, and reflection, but it can also bring stress, busy schedules, and emotional overwhelm. Everyone experiences the season differently, and being mindful of our needs and the needs of those around us can lead to a healthier, more balanced holiday.

Here are a few simple ways to support yourself, your family, and friends:

• Set and communicate realistic expectations by talking openly with your family about plans, responsibilities, and what matters most. Clear communication can ease pressure and help everyone feel more supported.

• Share the responsibility by delegating tasks and share preparations with family members, friends, or neighbors. Working together helps lighten the load and creates more time to enjoy meaningful moments with the people you care about.

• Prepare and plan for healthy routines by prioritizing physical and mental health. Build a routine that includes nutritious meals, physical activity, and quiet time for rest and reflection.

• Reach out to family, friends, or community resources for support. You can be a source of support, too. A simple check-in, a shared task, or a listening ear can make a meaningful difference for someone else this season.

This holiday season, aim for connection and kindness for yourself and others. Small steps can help create a healthier, more supportive season for everyone. To learn more about healthy holiday habits, visit https://summitcountyhealth.org/healthy-holiday-habits/.

If you or someone you know needs support, please call or text the National Lifeline at 988. You are not alone.

Walk-In Vaccine Clinic: Last Chance!

Stop by our walk-in vaccine clinic on Monday the 22nd from 8am-5pm for flu, COVID-19, and measles vaccines while supplies last. The clinic will be held at the Summit County Health Department building in Park City at 650 Round Valley Drive.

Winter Helmet Safety

Winter is a great time for outdoor fun like sledding, skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and snowmobiling, but it also comes with increased risk of head injuries for children and teens. Wearing the right helmet can greatly reduce the chance of serious injury. Helmets should be sport-specific, fit snugly and level on the head, have properly adjusted straps, and be replaced after any significant impact or visible damage. Adults wearing helmets themselves can also encourage kids to build safe habits.

With proper helmet use, winter activities can be safer and more enjoyable for the whole family. The Summit County Health Department can help families access free youth DOT-approved full-face helmets while supplies last. To learn more, visit https://summitcountyhealth.org/winter-helmet-safety/.

Spread cheer—not waste—by using these simple sustainable gift giving tips:

• Shop with intention: Look for items that are preloved, refurbished, or made locally, as well as gifts that inspire sustainable habits. Take it a step further by only purchasing products crafted from regenerative or non-toxic materials, backed by sustainability certifications, or designed to be easily repaired and long-lasting.

• Wrap with care: When it’s time to package your presents, embrace zero-waste wrapping by reusing shipping boxes, newspaper, or get creative with fabric and other reusable materials already in your home.

Winter Grocery Boost + January Car Seat Class + Safe Sleep Support

This month, the Health Department is offering a limited number of $20 Smith’s grocery gift cards to help families stretch their food budget during the holiday season! These cards will be included in our car-seat safety class kits and available while supplies last.

Our next Car Seat Safety Class is Monday, January 26th at the Summit County Health Department building in Park City from 5-6pm. The class is perfect for families who are bringing home a new baby, sizing up a seat for a growing child, or if you need help with installation. Registration is required - click here to save your seat.

We also provide free cribettes and safe-sleep accessories for families who need a safe sleep environment for their unborn baby or infant. To receive one, email [email protected].

Winter Driving Safety Tips

1. Always check the weather and road conditions before heading out. The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) App (for Apple/ for Android) provides real-time updates on traffic, road conditions, plow locations, and more!

2. Ensure your vehicle is ready for winter by checking your tires, battery, windshield wipers, and fluid levels.

3. Keep a winter emergency kit in your car, including blankets, flares, a first-aid kit, water, and non-perishable snacks.

4. When driving, reduce your speed and increase your following distance, especially on snowy or icy roads.

5. Avoid abrupt braking or steering. If you slide or skid, steer gently in the direction you want the front of the car to go.

6. Drive safely around snowplows! Always give them at least 200 feet of space to avoid debris. Avoid passing snowplows unless absolutely necessary & NEVER pass on the right.