West Valley City, Utah’s second largest city, is a vibrant and diverse community that includes strong neighborhoods and schools (where more than 100 languages are spoken), thriving culinary experiences, rich cultural celebrations, sporting events and recreational opportunities. It is home to beloved institutions like the Utah Cultural Celebration Center, the Utah Grizzlies hockey team and Salt Lake Community College’s West Valley Center.
West Valley residents are passionate about their cultural heritage and actively organize to celebrate, listen and address their community’s priorities. Still, our systems for promoting health and opportunity have not been accessible to some in the West Valley area. In response, residents are leading the way as they partner with each other and the University of Utah to take on challenges like ensuring longer life expectancy, increasing opportunities for secondary education, and creating access to health insurance and appropriate care.
What began as an initiative to build a hospital and outpatient health center offering University of Utah Health’s world-class care has evolved to include an academic campus, workforce development programs, and economic development strategies—all designed to build on existing community assets and the vibrancy of the West Valley area.
Partnerships are essential to our success. That’s why the U West Valley team, including University Neighborhood Partners—a group of dedicated staffers with two decades of community engagement experience—wants to build a shared future with West Valley residents.
HEALTH
It begins with access to quality, culturally responsive health care. Whether it’s soon-to-be parents in need of maternity and pediatric care, a grandfather who needs help managing his diabetes, or a mother looking to improve the overall wellness of her family, the residents of West Valley deserve convenient, welcoming and equitable health care.
OPPORTUNITY
Higher education plays a vital role in shaping the social, economic and overall well-being of communities. The University of Utah has committed to doing this in partnership with West Valley communities.
IMPACT
What would it look like for a leading research institution like the University of Utah to have unsurpassed positive societal impact?
- Healthier people?
- A more well-educated and skilled workforce?
- Increased civic involvement?
- Higher-paying jobs closer to home?
- Improved sense of well-being?
University Neighborhood Partners
University Neighborhood Partners brings together University and west side people and resources in reciprocal learning, action, and benefit—a community coming together.