Summit County health official outlines equity work, announces mini‑grants and outreach tools

Natalie McHale, health equity coordinator at the Summit County Health Department, told the Council of Governments on June 20 that the department has been integrating a health‑equity lens across staff training and community programs. “Up to 60% of our health is determined by our ZIP code rather than genetic code,” McHale said, framing the office’s emphasis on place‑based solutions.

McHale described internal steps the department has taken, including a staff proficiency assessment and trainings and the use of community health workers as “eyes and ears” in local neighborhoods. The department has expanded on‑demand translation services for staff and installed a resource‑connector iPad in the health department lobby so clinic visitors can identify needs — housing, transportation or food insecurity — and be referred to community partners.

On funding, McHale said the department awarded mini‑grants totaling “just over $53,000” across three community partners. Those grants supported mental‑health counseling scholarships at the Christian Center of Park City, healthy‑food purchases and family supports through Holy Cross Ministries’ school‑readiness programs, and ten scholarships for underserved youth through the Live Like Sam Foundation. McHale said the Park City Community Foundation also purchased sports equipment for Salomon Fund participants and that Summit County Clubhouse received funds for supplies and staff to run a program for adults with serious mental illness.

She highlighted food‑security work that includes SNAP outreach and a local food purchase assistance effort that pays farmers for food supplied to pantries rather than relying on donated product. McHale said the county is working with Community Action Services to coordinate food pantries and mobile pantry visits to senior centers and that staff would be glad to extend the resource‑connector to municipal community centers.

During Q&A, attendees asked how to donate garden produce and whether the department has senior‑specific mental‑health programming. McHale said produce donations are welcome and offered to connect donors with pantry operators; she said the department relies on partner organizations for many senior services and encouraged further conversation about mental‑health options for older residents.

The presentation concluded with McHale offering contact information and inviting municipalities to suggest locations for expanded outreach tools or partnership opportunities.