Commission changes wording on public health contract, approves funding extension for BYU internship partners

Commissioners debated proposed contract language that used the term "health equity," with one commissioner objecting to the word as carrying broader social and historical claims. Health Department staff explained the contract's intent is to help vulnerable populations overcome barriers to accessing critical public‑health services and to support internship placements with BYU and partner organizations such as United Way or Community Health Connect.

Eric Edwards, Health Department staff, summarized the intent: "I believe the pure intent of this contract is to assist vulnerable populations that for whatever reason, if there are barriers to accessing some critical public health service..." He said the amendment under discussion extends a previously approved contract into a second year and would allow BYU's public‑health students to complete field internships with partner organizations.

To address concerns about wording, a commissioner proposed replacing the phrase "health equity" with language that emphasized measurable health outcomes or "health champions." Commissioners agreed that modest rewording would preserve the grant's intent while addressing sensitivity to terminology. The board approved the amended contract by voice vote (recorded 3‑0).

What happens next: Staff will finalize the contract language to reflect the agreed wording and proceed with the second‑year funding extension for the internship and partner organizations.