April 2025 Summit County Health News

As spring unfolds its vibrant colors and fresh energy, we celebrate the season of renewal and hope. Public health professionals continue to lead with unwavering dedication, ensuring our community flourishes even in the most challenging times. The crisp, spring air reminds me that change is constant, and resilience is a part of who we are as a health department. As nature rejuvenates, so do our efforts to continue building a healthier community for all. We welcome this season of growth, inspired by the remarkable strength and compassion of public health professionals, as your health department continues to serve you with respect, compassion, and an unwavering optimism.

With a commitment to public health,
—Dr. Phil Bondurant

National Milestone for Lead Water Testing in Utah

Utah is the first state in the U.S. to test 100% of K-12 schools for lead in their drinking water. Our Environmental Health team collaborated with Utah DEQ to assist in this effort to protect our kids by testing drinking water in schools. Through the Utah Division of Drinking Water Lead-Free Learning Initiative, 1,158 samples from public, charter, private, and childcare facilities were tested for lead contamination. Read more here.

The Hidden Dangers of Unused Medications: Protecting Your Family and Preventing Teen Misuse 

Proper medication disposal is key to keeping your family safe, especially from the rising risk of prescription drug misuse by teens. The home medicine cabinet is a significant source of these drugs.

• How do teens get ahold of opioids?
  Roughly 70% of teens who misuse prescription drugs get them from family or friends, often from shared or stolen medications. Unused or unsecured prescriptions become a dangerous temptation for teens, leading to potential addiction or overdose.
  

• Why proper disposal matters
  Leaving expired medications in your home increases the risk of misuse. Secure your medications and dispose of any you no longer need to protect your family.
  

• What you can do

  Bring your unused medications to Recycle Utah Hazardous Waste Day on Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Silver King parking lot at the base of Park City Mountain Resort. Can’t make it? Find a disposal site in your area here.  

For more information on protecting your family, visit Know Your Script, a campaign dedicated to safe prescription medication practices.

Prescribe yourself some time outdoors

Have you ever experienced a sense of relief from taking a big breath outdoors, sticking your hands in the dirt while gardening, or listening to the sound of a local creek or river? It's not just you and it's not just influencers talking about this concept of physically grounding ourselves. According to the American Psychological Association, research has been expanding for years demonstrating the benefits of spending time in nature. With Earth Day coming up on April 22nd, it's a perfect opportunity to plan time outdoors! Our Health Promotion team compiled links to Summit County’s parks and trails here as part of Utah’s “Park Rx” program.

Mobile mammogram clinics are coming to Kamas + Coalville

• To make an appointment to visit the Kamas bus on April 23 (next week!) through the University of Utah, call 435-783-3161.
  

• To make an appointment to visit the Coalville bus on April 29 through Intermountain Healthcare, call 385-266-4437.

Want a discounted rain barrel?

Don't waste a drop! Summit County is partnering with Utah Rivers Council to offer our residents high quality rain barrels from Rain Water Solutions at a discounted price of $57 (while supplies last). Why collect rainwater? Rainwater harvesting is allowed in Utah, and with ongoing extreme drought conditions there has never been a better time to start collecting your own water for your vegetable or flower garden. Purchase your rain barrel here today.

Utah Renewable Communities receives award

We are excited to share that Utah Renewable Communities (URC) was presented the “Sustainability Collaboration Award” at the 2025 Intermountain Sustainability Summit on March 20. URC was recognize for coordinating the design and launch of a new clean energy program for homes and businesses in 19 Utah towns, cities, and counties (including Summit County).

Test your groundwater during flood season

It is always a good idea to test your well periodically for bacteria. Spring has sprung, and with the warmer weather we can expect runoff and flooding from snowmelt, which could affect water quality—especially in wells. Every public water system is required to test their sources and distribution on a regular basis and report their findings to the public. You can visit waterlink.utah.gov to find out more about your water quality if you are on a public water system.

• Summit County has an in-house laboratory facility to test for bacteria and nitrates in drinking water. We provide this service for individuals and community water systems. Individuals may test their water if they have a private well, or if they want to check their water that comes from a community system.
  

• Summit County charges $27 for a bacterial sample and $30 for a nitrate sample. Contact the Summit County Health Department in Coalville for more information at 435-336-3224.
  

• If a resident wants to test for other water contaminants, we can offer to take their sample to a larger lab for them.

Induction cooktop kits available @ all Library branches

Did you know that induction appliances can be up to three times more efficient than gas stoves? Ditch the inefficiencies and indoor air pollution of gas stoves by switching to an induction cooktop! The kit also includes magnets for you to test if your cookware is compatible with induction. Check out an induction cooktop kit from the Summit County Library to test it out today.

Why be idle-free?

Idling cars negatively impact air quality and therefore our health. Make it your Earth Day goal to be more mindful of idling your vehicle. We challenge you to turn off your engine before sending that quick text message from the grocery store parking lot or while you wait to pick your child up at school. Idling vehicles release emissions that harm air quality and pose a serious risk to our community—especially to children, whose developing lungs are more vulnerable to air pollution. More info here.

Upcoming Events + Classes

• Free Movie Night for Teens + Adults: May 14 - 6pm at Kamas Services Bldg. Our Behavioral Health Prevention Team and USU Extension will be showing Screenagers - Under the Influence geared to empower teens as they face decisions about what they will and will not be influenced by.

• Free Parenting Workshop: Summit County Health and Peace House are hosting a FREE five-session workshop for parents of children ages 9 to 14 to learn tools for raising happy, healthy, and responsible children. For more details and to register, click here.

• Check out these awesome blog posts about programs, events and health tips on our website:
  > FREE Tobacco Quit Course begins on April 23!
  > Nutrition Tips from our our registered dietician, Colleen Blonquist.
  > Park Rx: Give yourself a prescription to get outside and be in nature!