Issues

UHA tracks and contributes to major issues affecting hospitals and the health of Utahns. Each topic area features news, policy updates, and stories from the field.

New Care Model Aims to Close Gaps in Maternal Hypertension Care

New Care Model Aims to Close Gaps in Maternal Hypertension Care

Why it matters: Hypertensive disorders affect up to 1 in 5 pregnancies, and for many women, high blood pressure doesn't end after delivery. Without proper follow-up, it quietly increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and long-term complications. What's happening:...

Intermountain Health Named One of Nation’s Safest Health Systems

Intermountain Health Named One of Nation’s Safest Health Systems

Why it matters: The Leapfrog Group's 2025 Hospital Safety Grades recognized Intermountain Health as one of the safest health systems in the country, with 14 hospitals earning an "A" grade and 6 earning a "B." The big picture: Leapfrog measures what matters most: rates...

UHA Legislative Update: Week 3

UHA Legislative Update: Week 3

The bottom line: As Utah lawmakers move into Week 3 of the 45-day legislative session, budget cuts, particularly to Medicaid, are dominating conversations at the Capitol, with significant implications for hospitals and the communities they serve, according to Utah...

Medicare and Medicaid Explainer

by | February 2, 2026 | Medicaid | 0 Comments

Medicaid, Medicare. They sound a lot alike, but they're actually two very different programs. And knowing the difference really matters, especially in Utah. Here's a simple...
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The Future of Healthcare is Here

by | January 28, 2026 | Workforce | 0 Comments

Why it matters: Healthcare in Utah is evolving rapidly, driven by research breakthroughs, telehealth expansion, and community-led innovation that's putting patients first....
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Behind the Scenes: How Blood Samples Are Powering Dementia Research

by | January 26, 2026 | Community Impact | 0 Comments

The big picture: A $21.6 million NIH-funded study at University of Utah Health is examining how blood pressure management may influence dementia and Alzheimer's disease, and...
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Family Physicians: The Backbone of Rural Maternal Health in Utah

by | January 23, 2026 | Community Impact, Rural Hospitals | 0 Comments

Why it matters: New workforce data reveals gaps in OB-GYN and certified nurse midwife coverage across rural Utah—leaving family physicians to provide most of the maternal...
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Can Lowering Blood Pressure Protect Your Brain?

by | January 21, 2026 | Community Impact | 0 Comments

The big picture: University of Utah Health is leading a groundbreaking $21.6 million study to understand how controlling blood pressure might reduce the risk of Alzheimer's...
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What to Watch at the 2026 Utah Legislative Session

by | January 20, 2026 | Community Impact | 0 Comments

The bottom line: Utah's 45-day legislative session begins today, and hospitals are bracing for major policy decisions on funding, workforce, and mental health care,...
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Utah Achieves Nation’s Best RSV Protection Rate for Infants

by | January 16, 2026 | Community Impact | 0 Comments

Why it matters: Utah now ranks #1 nationally for protecting infants from RSV, following a coordinated education campaign by Intermountain Children's Health that helped...
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Utah Awarded $195 Million to Transform Rural Health Care

by | January 14, 2026 | Rural Hospitals | 0 Comments

Why it matters: This five-year federal investment gives rural Utah hospitals and clinics the resources to expand services, strengthen their workforce, and build a more...
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AHA CEO: AI, Innovation, and Patient-Centered Care Key to Healthcare’s Future

by | January 7, 2026 | Community Impact | 0 Comments

American Hospital Association President and CEO Rick Pollack sees technological innovation and reimagined care delivery as critical paths forward for hospitals facing...
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Community, Compassion, and Technology: Ashley Regional’s Approach to Rural Healthcare

by | January 5, 2026 | Rural Hospitals | 0 Comments

At Ashley Regional Medical Center in Vernal, healthcare connects deeply with community, says CFO Justin Romney. Why it matters: Rural hospitals provide essential services...
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New UHA Board Chair Looks Ahead to 2026 with Unity and Purpose

by | December 29, 2025 | Community Impact, Workforce | 0 Comments

The bottom line: Jason Wilson, the newly appointed Chair of the Utah Hospital Association's Board of Trustees, is setting a clear tone for 2026: when challenges mount,...
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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Utah Hospital Association

by | December 22, 2025 | Community Impact, Workforce | 0 Comments

Why it matters: The holidays are more than celebration. They're a time to honor the healthcare workers who keep Utah's hospitals running, even on Christmas. The big picture:...
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Utah’s Holy Cross Hospital Jordan Valley Earns Top National Safety Honor

by | December 19, 2025 | Charity Care | 0 Comments

The big picture: Holy Cross Hospital Jordan Valley has been named one of Leapfrog's 2025 Top General Hospitals, the only hospital in Utah to receive the award and the...
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Weber State Nursing Program Helps Address Utah’s Healthcare Workforce Needs

by | December 17, 2025 | Workforce | 0 Comments

Why it matters: Utah hospitals continue to face workforce challenges, but strategic partnerships with nursing schools are showing measurable impact. The big picture: Weber...
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University of Utah Health Named Vizient 2025 Top Performer for Ambulatory Care

by | December 15, 2025 | Community Impact | 0 Comments

The big picture: University of Utah Health has been recognized as a Vizient 2025 Birnbaum Quality Leadership Top Performer for Ambulatory Care, one of only five facilities...
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Charlton Park Reflects on Leadership as UHA Board Chair

by | December 12, 2025 | Community Impact | 0 Comments

Why it matters: Park's three-year tenure brought transformative wins for Utah hospitals, including hundreds of millions in new federal funding and critical legislative...
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CommonSpirit Cuts Nurse Turnover with Smart Residency Program

by | December 11, 2025 | Workforce | 0 Comments

Nursing is changing, and CommonSpirit Health is changing with it. Since taking over Utah hospitals in May 2023, they've seen nurse turnover drop month after month because of...
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Mental Health Now Leading Factor in Utah Maternal Deaths

by | December 9, 2025 | Behavioral Health | 0 Comments

Why it matters: Nearly half of Utah women of reproductive age report poor mental health—and access to care remains limited, especially in rural communities. By the numbers...
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When Healing Meets Hope: The Festival of Trees Returns

by | December 4, 2025 | Community Impact | 0 Comments

Why it matters: This 55-year Utah tradition transforms holiday spirit into lifesaving support for children's healthcare, and this year, it's adding a powerful new way to...
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A Day in Cosmetic Dermatology

by | December 3, 2025 | Workforce | 0 Comments

The big picture: Ashlyne S., R.N., specializes in cosmetic dermatology at University of Utah Health. Her day includes using the Fraxel dual laser to smooth skin texture,...
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U of U Health Ranks 8th Nationally in Quality Leadership

by | December 1, 2025 | Community Impact | 0 Comments

Why it matters: University of Utah Health has earned top-tier recognition for the 16th consecutive year, demonstrating sustained excellence in patient care and safety. The...
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A Season of Gratitude: Thank You, Utah Healthcare Workers

by | December 1, 2025 | Workforce | 0 Comments

The big picture: As Thanksgiving approaches, the Utah Hospital Association wants to recognize the caregivers who make round-the-clock care possible in every community across...
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A Message of Gratitude from President & CEO Francis Gibson

by | November 25, 2025 | Workforce | 0 Comments

As Thanksgiving approaches, Utah Hospital Association President and CEO Francis Gibson wants to say thank you to healthcare workers across the state. "Every day, you show up...
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Utah’s Rural Hospitals: Finding Strength Through Stability and Partnerships

by | November 24, 2025 | Rural Hospitals | 0 Comments

The big picture: While rural hospitals nationwide face closure risks, Utah's 21 rural facilities are finding stability through consistent leadership and strategic...
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What Matters Most: AHA President Highlights Local Impact in Healthcare

by | November 20, 2025 | Community Impact | 0 Comments

KEY POINTS: Washington activity is important but community impact is paramount Hospitals are focused on financial sustainability and care transformation Efforts to increase...
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