Utah Department of Health and Human Services

08/05/2026

Last week, Lt. Gov. Deidre M. Henderson , and Utah’s tribal governments signed the official DHHS Tribal Consultation policy. The guidelines in the policy show respect for tribal self-government, safeguard cultural norms, build a respectful government-to-government partnership and facilitate better planning and access.

We were honored to join Lt. Gov. Deidre M. Henderson, , and at the 2026 Native American Summit for the signing.

The Utah Department of Health and Human Services is committed to ensuring that American Indian and Alaska Native communities have a voice in decisions impacting services and care.

07/31/2026

For the 2nd time in its history, the Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis. 🚨

Blood donations have fallen to a four-year summer low. Although all blood types are needed, supplies of type O blood have dropped so sharply that the Red Cross is limiting distributions of O positive and O negative blood to hospitals. The supply of O positive blood is now below one day.

When blood supplies fall this low, surgeries may be postponed and patients who need transfusions can face dangerous delays in care.

🩸We’re stepping up to make a difference.🩸
Next month, DHHS employees will have the opportunity to contribute to ending the blood crisis. To learn more about setting up a blood drive for your own organization, visit redcrossblood.org.

🛟How to help end the blood crisis: 🛟
Help end this crisis by giving blood now and continuing to donate in the future. Donors can make an appointment through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at redcross.org/GiveBlood or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

All Utahns who come to give blood or platelets July 13-31, 2026, will receive a Fandango Movie Ticket by email, up to a $15 ticket price and fees. Those who come to give Aug. 1-31, 2026, will receive a $20 Amazon Gift Card by email. Additional details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/July and RedCrossBlood.org/August.

07/30/2026

07/30/2026

07/30/2026

Did you know Utah has free, statewide resources dedicated to assistive technology, education support, and workplace accommodations?

Utah Parent Center assists parents in supporting their children, youth, and young adults with disabilities and special healthcare needs.

Utah Assistive Technology Program puts assistive technology into the hands of the people who need it.

Utah Department of Health and Human Services promotes opportunities and provides supports like community living, day services, and supported employment services for people with disabilities.

Utah Independent Living Center provides resource access for people with disabilities. This ranges from skill building assistance to support with independent living.

specialolympics_utah provides sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Utah Developmental Disabilities Council empowers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through its support of leadership, education, policy, and advocacy actions.

📤 Know someone who could use this info? Send this post directly to their DMs!

07/26/2026

It is the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) today! Matthew Huskinson was kind enough to sit down and tell us why he feels the ADA is so important, thanks Matthew!

Signed on July 26th 1990 by President George H.W. Bush the ADA's purpose is to protect the civil rights of people with disabilities.

We are so grateful for the ADA and what it does for the lives of people with disabilties, family members, caregivers, and so many more!

Tell is the comments below why the ADA is important to you!

Utah Department of Health and Human Services

07/26/2026

07/24/2026

The pioneers endured many hardships on their journey west, including dysentery—an infection that causes bloody diarrhea.

We still have dysentery around today, but it’s known by other names like shigellosis, salmonellosis, campylobacteriosis, and STEC infection.

You can prevent diarrheal disease when you remember to wash your hands, cook food to the proper temperature, wash fruits and vegetables, drink only bottled or boiled water while traveling to an area with untreated water, and avoid unpasteurized foods.

Have a safe and happy Pioneer Day!

07/23/2026

Planning to enjoy the water this holiday weekend? 🌊

Accidents can happen in seconds, and drowning is the leading cause of boating-related deaths. Most victims were not wearing a life jacket.

Don’t put your family at risk. Even for strong swimmers, a life jacket is the best protection you can have on the water. 🚣‍♂️

Steps to ensure a proper fit:

✅ Check: Make sure the life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard-approved (USCG-approved) and in good condition.

📏 Adjust: Secure all straps, buckles, and zippers tightly.

🛟 The safety test: Raise your arms straight up. Ask someone to pull on the shoulders of the life jacket. If the life jacket stays in place and doesn’t slip, it’s ready to go!

Life Jackets Save Lives. Share this message with your friends and family. Let’s stay safe on the water! ⛵️