Summer Resources for Those in Need

As part of my role with the American Heart Association|American Stroke Association I have an opportunity to attend a lot of coalition meetings. And I do mean A LOT! Each one has a different goal, a different feel, and – of course – each one plays an important role in improving the health of all Utahns.

Each coalition is only as strong as it’s individual members. And each member brings with them their own set of strengths and unique things they do to help our community. For this month I wanted to share with you some of the amazing resources I learned were being offered for members of our community. Whether for you or for someone you know, please do not hesitate to pass along this important information!

• Utahns Against Hunger
  • UAH believes that everyone deserves to eat. Through their advocacy, outreach, and education efforts they work to ensure that no child or person goes hungry.
    • Summer Food Program - When school lets out, millions of children lose access to school breakfast, lunch, and after school meals that are available during the regular school year. Summer Nutrition Programs fill this gap by providing free meals and snacks to children who might have limited access to nutritious food in the summer. Kids do not need to register or fill out an application to participate-they just need to show up!
  • RiteCare Utah
    • RiteCare of Utah helps children with all types of learning challenges related to speech and language. They are dedicated to helping children become more successful in their home and school settings.
  • Utah Community Action
    • Utah CA sets itself apart by offering many types of care that starts with solving immediate challenges and continues with programs that provide ongoing support and empowerment. These services include:
      • Head Start and Early Head Start – to assist children and their families with health, education, and self-sufficiency. Programs are offered for children ages 0-5. For more information call 801-972-2337 or [email protected].
      • Case Management and Housing – targeted towards the community’s most vulnerable populations to obtain or maintain safe, stable, and affordable housing. For more information call 801-359-2444 or [email protected].
      • Adult Education – aimed at adults seeking skills and education to bolster their families’ economic security. Classes focus on English as a Second Language, GED preparation, vocational preparation, and other programs. For more information call 801-410-5733 or [email protected].
      • Weatherization – provides safe, energy-efficient upgrades to homes of low-income members of the community. Services include insulation, air sealing, high efficiency furnaces, energy-efficient lighting, and more. For more information call 801-214-3215 or [email protected].
      • Nutrition – this comprehensive nutrition program provides services to individuals and families ranging from infants to the elderly. In addition to providing meals through the Head Start/Early Head Start classrooms, they also offer a Summer Food Program for youth and community Food Pantries. For more information call 801-410-5658 or [email protected].
      • Heat – while not necessarily a summer issue, this program offers utility assistance to low-income households in Salt Lake and Tooele counties. For more information call 801-521-6107 or [email protected].
      • Community Health Clinics – offering a number of services at no cost including: physical, dental, hearing, and vision exams.

Most of the time the AHA|ASA is only viewed as being a part of something that has a direct tie to heart disease or stroke. But the fact is that a person’s health is impacted by much more than just the foods they put in their body. Taking a broader look at what impacts health we are grateful for the role that other organizations play (and these are just a few of them) in helping people to live happier, healthier lives each day. To defeat heart disease and stroke – and address the many social determinants of health – it will take all of us!