January 2026 Health News

Inside this email:

• Manager’s message

• Community Health Improvement Plan

• Measles case

• Radon awareness month

• Car seats, safe sleep & food assistance

• Dry January

• Mental health survey

Manager’s Message

As we begin a new year, our community is filled with renewed energy, purpose, and opportunity. This is a powerful time to set meaningful goals, and to commit to following through on them, especially when it comes to our health and overall wellbeing. I encourage everyone to intentionally prioritize both physical and mental health, recognizing that each is essential to how we live, work, and stay connected. At the same time, lasting change takes effort, and building new habits can be challenging. I encourage you to extend yourself grace, remain patient, and trust the process as you move forward. Celebrate the small wins along the way! Those victories are the foundation of sustained progress and a healthier, happier you.

This momentum is further strengthened by the completion of our Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). I am pleased to share that the CHIP, which is shaped by months of collaboration, data analysis, and community input, is now available for your review. I invite you to explore the plan and see how it reflects our shared priorities and strengths as we work together to build a Healthier Community for All.

Additional details, highlights, and next steps related to the CHIP can be found throughout this newsletter.

Your friend in public health,

Dr. Phil Bondurant

Summit County Finalizes the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP)

The Summit County Health Department is pleased to announce the completion of the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) for 2026–2030, a five-year roadmap to improve health and well-being across Summit County. The CHIP was shaped through collaboration with community partners, Health Department staff, and guidance from local data and community feedback.

The plan builds directly on findings from the 2024 Community Health Assessment, which included a countywide survey that received more than 1,700 responses from community members across Summit County. This input, combined with local health data and partner expertise, helped identify where focused action can make the greatest difference.

As a result, the CHIP centers on three priority areas: strengthening partnerships to address community health drivers, improving access to healthy and affordable food, and increasing immunization coverage to reduce preventable disease.

The CHIP reflects a shared commitment to prevention, equity, and coordinated public health action. To learn more and view the full CHIP report, visit our website.

Summit County Confirms First Measles Case

The Summit County Health Department received confirmation of a positive measles case in a student at South Summit School District. This is the first identified measles case in Summit County from the current nationwide outbreak. Health department staff are taking immediate action to investigate and limit further spread.

If you or someone in your family develops measles symptoms (cough, high fever, runny nose, red/watery eyes, or a rash that starts on the face), do NOT visit a healthcare facility. Call 801-442-2610 to speak with a medical provider first.

January is Radon Awareness Month

Radon is a health risk facing millions of Americans. It is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that seeps from soil into buildings and can increase your risk of lung cancer if exposed to long-term elevated radon levels. In Utah, roughly one in three tested homes have elevated radon levels, which helps explain why lung cancer remains a major cause of cancer death despite the state’s low smoking rate.

Protect your family by testing for radon in your home and help the Health Department track high areas of radon in our community. Radon test kits are available for $10 at the Summit County Health Department office at 650 Round Valley Drive in Park City. Learn more about radon here.

Supporting Families This Winter: Car Seats, Safe Sleep & Food Assistance

Health Promotion staff are offering classes and resources to help families stay safe and supported this winter. Families who attend our Car Seat Safety Class will receive a $20 Smith’s grocery gift card (limited supply, while supplies last).

Car Seat Safety Class: The first class of 2026 is on Monday, January 26, from 5:00–6:00 PM at the Summit County Health Department office in Park City (650 Round Valley Drive). This class is ideal for families welcoming a new baby, adjusting a seat for a growing child, grandparents caring for grandkids, or needing help with proper installation. Registration is required. Click here to reserve your spot.

Safe Sleep: Families in need of a safe sleep space for an unborn baby or infant can pick up a free cribette and safe-sleep accessories from the health department. To receive one, email [email protected] to schedule a brief demo and pick up, or note your need for a cribette when registering for the car seat class and both can be arranged during that time. Supplies are limited. Register early to ensure availability.

Dry January: A Healthier Start to the New Year!

January isn’t just about resolutions; it’s a chance to hit pause on alcohol and see what happens! Millions around the world take part in Dry January, a month-long challenge to abstain from alcohol and rethink our relationship with drinking. Studies show that even simply reducing alcohol can yield benefits.

Benefits of an alcohol-free month can include better sleep and mood, weight loss, higher energy levels, more money saved, and healthier long-term habits. Ready to try it yourself? Whether you go 100% alcohol-free or just cut back, Dry January is a great way to start the year feeling refreshed, intentional, and healthier. Learn more here.

Help Shape Mental Health Efforts in Summit County

40% of residents are now receiving some form of behavioral health services in Summit County. We must help our community and loved ones address their needs and create services that will help our community the most.

If you live or work in Summit County, please complete the 2026 Mental Health Community Survey by clicking here. Survey closes February 7th.