Utah Department of Health and Human Services

09/24/2026

Did you know every baby born in Utah gets 3 quick health checks before starting their journey home? 👶✨

Most babies are born healthy, but some can have rare health conditions that can affect growth, development, and lifelong health. Babies who have these rare conditions need diagnosis and treatment as quickly as possible—before any symptoms even appear. That’s where the Utah Newborn Screening Program comes in.

The Utah Newborn Screening Program is a statewide public health service designed to catch rare genetic, metabolic, and heart conditions at birth so babies with these conditions can get the treatment they need to live a healthy life.

Utah screens for over 40 health conditions through 3 simple tests:

🩸 Bloodspot (Heel Stick) Screening: Uses a small blood sample to check for metabolic, endocrine, and genetic conditions such as PKU, cystic fibrosis, and congenital hypothyroidism.

👂 Hearing Screening: Uses small earphones to check for any hearing loss.

🫀 Pulse Oximetry: Uses a pulse oximeter to check for Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD).

If your baby has a positive screening, the newborn screening program will help connect your family with a medical provider who can diagnose your baby and start treatment right away.

These tests are quick, routine, and give your baby the best start for a healthy life!

To learn more about the Utah Newborn Screening Program, visit 🔗 newbornscreening.utah.gov

09/23/2026

Calling All Families.
We’ve brought together a powerful group of partners and valuable resources for Missing & Unsolved Day—all with one goal: to make a difference in as many cases as possible.
We know how hard it is to keep fighting for your loved one’s case. The calls, the questions, the waiting, and the feeling that you have to keep pushing just to be heard.
This event is for you.
Our hope is that, for one day, you won’t have to fight alone. We’ve gathered professionals and resources who can help you take the next steps, revisit your case, and explore opportunities that may help move it forward.
But we need you to show up.
Bring your loved one’s case. Bring the information you have. Bring your questions. Bring your hope.
Let’s come together and do everything we can to make a difference.
Missing & Unsolved Day
September 26th, 10:00-2:00
SLCC Miller Campus 9750 South 300 West, Sandy, UT, 84070
If you know a family who needs this, please share this with them.

09/23/2026

It always happens late at night on a Tuesday. You’ve been trying to get more than a one-word answer out of them all week, and suddenly they want to talk, so you listen! (Even if it’s through half-closed eyes. 🥱)

So how do you make the most of these late-night "yappathons?"

👍 Be present, not perfect: Even just nodding, listening, and validating their thoughts goes a long way.
🤫 Hold the advice (for now): They usually just want a safe anchor, not a solution. Listen without trying to immediately "fix" it.
💬 Keep the door open: Meeting them in their timing builds trust for when the big stuff comes up later.

Want more ideas for connecting with your teen (at any time of day)? Visit letschat.utah.gov for free resources!

09/22/2026

When the unexpected happens, It’s important to have the right supplies to protect your mental and physical well-being.

This National Preparedness Month, think beyond the basics when you stock your kit. Here are 3 often-overlooked health and safety essentials to add or refresh today:

🐶 Pet food: Stress is already high during an emergency, and sudden diet changes or missed meals can cause severe illness in pets. Keeping a 3 to 5 day supply of their regular food can protect your furry friend’s health when routine is disrupted.

⚡️ Spare batteries: Items like flashlights, personal medical devices, and radios may need batteries to work. Power banks are also a good resource for charging mobile phones and other devices off the grid. Keeping spare batteries in your kit protects against losing access to information and essential items in times of need.

⚙️ Manual can opener: Canned goods are the backbone of many emergency kits, but electric can openers are useless when the grid goes down. Keeping a manual can opener in your kit is just the tool you need to make sure your food supply is fully accessible.

To learn more about building an emergency kit, visit 🔗 beready.utah.gov

09/21/2026

There are no corners in the Utah State Capitol rotunda—so for Su***de Prevention Month, we built one.

Last Wednesday, Live On Utah and the Utah 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline came together at the Capitol Rotunda to deliver a message to every Utahn: we are in your corner.

Su***de prevention happens in ordinary moments– when we notice, ask, listen, and stay. Remember we’re in your corner and you never have to face a struggle alone.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 anytime for free, confidential support from a trained crisis counselor.

09/16/2026

Mark your calendars! 🗓️ The 2026 Utah One Health Symposium is happening on September 23rd. This year's theme is "What's bugging Utah? Pests and pathogens in evolving ecosystems."

We're thrilled to have Erin Welsh and Erin Allmann Updyke, the co-hosts of "This Podcast Will Kill You," as our keynote speakers.

Join us for a day of informative presentations, engaging discussions, and valuable networking opportunities.

Register at epi.utah.gov/utah-one-health-symposium-2026

09/16/2026

09/15/2026

Join and on Wednesday, September 16 at 11:00 AM in the State Capitol Rotunda. The theme of this year's event is "We're in your corner. Together, no one is alone." Each of us, and all of us together, save lives when we listen, reach out, lift up, look ahead and Live On!

09/12/2026

When was the last time you had a true one-on-one check-in with the teen in your life? 💬

It’s easy to assume high schoolers just "want to be left alone," but retreating to their bedroom or dropping out of hobbies can often be subtle signs of social disconnection. Research shows that youth isolation carries physical health risks equivalent to smoking 15 ci******es a day.

You don't need to fix everything overnight. Just listen without judgment, share a meal, or help them find a low-pressure social group. That can make all the difference.

🔗 Need help knowing what to say? Visit letschat.utah.gov for practical tools designed for parents and trusted adults.