Get Healthy Utah and the Utah League of Cities and Towns recently designated five Utah cities as Healthy Utah Communities, and West Jordan made the cut. 

The program recognizes cities and towns that are promoting policies and programs that support good health for their residents. 

To earn the three-year designation, cities must form a community health coalition and implement health strategies in the areas of access to healthy food, active living and mental health. Cities must also submit a letter of commitment and develop a community health plan. After three years, to be redesignated, a city or town must demonstrate a continued dedication to building a healthy community.  

“We don’t want to stay where we are—we want to improve,” Mayor Dirk Burton said. 

West Jordan’s health coalition focused on offering seminars, events and resources for residents to have positive health experiences, like walking events on the Jordan River Trail, a produce swap at the monthly community market, support for the Jordan School District Principal Pantry, mental health trainings for the police department and daily lunch at the West Jordan Senior Center.

Nearby Taylorsville also earned the designation. 

“It seemed like a great idea for us to apply because it was simple, because it makes sense. We want to have healthy citizens, we want them to be outside and connecting with their neighbor, and just having a lot of fun,” Taylorsville Mayor Kristie Overson said.

Taylorsville was recognized by Get Healthy Utah for creating a new active transportation plan to go along with the city’s youth sports programs, a popular community 5K, new trail systems, an active farmers market, a food bank to help those in need, beautification of local parks and a variety of community educational events. 

Other nearby cities to earn the designation include West Valley City, South Salt Lake, South Jordan, Herriman and Draper. λ