Community
The Heart of West Valley: Its People
West Valley’s history is one of resilience, innovation, and strong community and family ties — values that continue to shape its future today. West Valley residents are our employees, patients, students, and partners — their insight helps shape everything we do.
Together, we are creating spaces for health, education, innovation, and opportunity — grounded in partnership, trust, and a shared vision for a stronger future.
West Valley At-a-Glance
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West Valley City is Utah’s second-largest city, home to more than 140,000 residents — and it's still growing.
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West Valley is a vibrant, multicultural community with strong neighborhoods, thriving schools, and a growing business community and economy.
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Currently, 85,000 residents make over 600,000 outpatient visits to U of U Health each year — traveling more than 12 million miles.
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Located in the heart of the Salt Lake Valley, West Valley is the ideal location to serve both residents and the surrounding westside communities.
Community Leadership
Leadership for Lasting Change
From mentorship programs to resident committees, our community leadership efforts bring together lived experience and institutional knowledge to co-create solutions that reflect the needs of today and the dreams of tomorrow.
Westside Community United Resident Committee
A group of West Valley residents and community leaders who meet regularly with University of Utah and U of U Health leaders to share goals, provide feedback, and shape community priorities. Their collaboration builds trust and strengthens partnerships with University of Utah.
West Valley Steering Committee
Made up of over 150 community members, nonprofit partners, and local leaders, this committee provides input on West Valley projects. Their guidance ensures community voices are heard and valued in shaping a healthier community.
Are you a West Valley Resident?
Join our Steering Committee.
West Valley Mentorship Program
This program pairs six senior University of Utah leaders with West Valley residents for mutual learning. Through honest conversations, leaders gain deeper understanding of community needs and how to be better partners in creating lasting impact.
“Through the mentorship program, I gained the ability to reframe my thought process, to pause and check my assumptions…it opened my eyes to the privileges I have held and challenges I have not had to face."
Community Voices
People and Partnerships – Stories From the Heart of West Valley
Jasmine’s Journey to Nursing and Community Care
Through the support of community programs like the University of Utah’s Neighborhood Partners and Proxima Careers, Jasmine Montoya has achieved her CNA certification and is now pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse to serve and uplift the community that shaped her.
University Neighborhood Partners (UNP)
University Neighborhood Partners (UNP) brings together the University of Utah and westside communities through shared learning and meaningful collaboration. By building strong partnerships, UNP creates opportunities that reflect community priorities and strengths. Its work in West Valley is a powerful example of how trust and collective action can lead to real, lasting change.
Events
Annual West Valley Events Supported or Sponsored by U of U Health
Imagine U Day
Each May, fifth and sixth graders from West Valley schools visit the University of Utah for a hands-on, themed career experience. Hosted by U of U staff, this event helps students see a future in higher education by exploring paths like health, law, education, and more.
WestFest
In June, U of U Health joins West Valley City for WestFest, an annual celebration of the city’s founding and cultural diversity. The event includes a carnival, parade, food vendors, talent shows, and fireworks—plus community health outreach from U of U Health.
Healthy Start West Valley
Held in August at Centennial Park, this back-to-school health fair brings free services—like dental, vision, and diabetes screenings—and 60+ resource booths to the community. It’s a kickoff to the school year and a celebration of health and connection.
Alpha Media Health Fair
Each October, U of U Health and Alpha Media co-host a health fair focused on the Latino community. The event offers vaccines, screenings, and vital health resources—serving over 1,000 attendees and distributing hundreds of donations to children and families.