Summit County Health Department highlights school vaccine clinics at Tuesday board meeting – TownLift Park City

Collaboration Between Summit County Health Department and Park City School District Enhances Vaccine Access

The Park City School District building in Park City, Utah. Photo: TownLift // Bailey Edelstein

Introduction

On Tuesday night, leaders from the Summit County Health Department addressed the Park City School District Board of Education regarding their ongoing collaboration aimed at expanding vaccine access within schools and improving direct communication with families. This partnership aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, by promoting health equity and disease prevention in the community.

Strengthening Partnerships for Health Equity

Phil Bondurant, Director of the Summit County Health Department, highlighted the enhanced partnership with Superintendent Lyndsay Huntsman, describing it as a transformative shift in inter-agency collaboration. This cooperative approach supports SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, fostering multi-sectoral engagement to improve public health outcomes.

Vaccine Clinics and Outreach Initiatives

Derek Moss, Nursing Director at the Summit County Health Department, reported on recent vaccination efforts including:

1. Administration of over 100 vaccines during a clinic held at Trailside Elementary School coinciding with parent-teacher conferences, targeting students, families, and staff.
2. Provision of vaccines through various channels, including clinics staffed by school personnel, to address the upcoming flu and COVID-19 seasons.
3. Organization of a measles vaccination clinic at McPolin Elementary School in response to regional outbreaks, emphasizing proactive disease control.

Improving Access and Communication

School-based clinics are designed to:

• Enhance accessibility to vaccinations for underserved populations, contributing to SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.
• Provide opportunities for in-person engagement to answer questions and disseminate accurate health information, supporting SDG 4: Quality Education through informed communities.

Board members discussed strategies to align public health messaging with district communications. Bondurant cited a recent example where the district invited the Health Department to review communications prior to the Thanksgiving break to ensure accuracy and consistency, exemplifying coordinated public messaging efforts.

Future Plans and Challenges

Moss emphasized the department’s commitment to continue offering school-based clinics and adapting outreach strategies based on identified barriers faced by families and staff. He underscored the importance of clear and consistent communication as the district and health department prepare for the winter season, which is critical to achieving SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.

Conclusion

The collaboration between the Summit County Health Department and Park City School District represents a model of integrated public health and education sector efforts. By improving vaccine access, enhancing communication, and fostering partnerships, these initiatives contribute significantly to the achievement of multiple Sustainable Development Goals, promoting healthier and more resilient communities.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses on vaccination efforts against flu, COVID-19, and measles, which are directly related to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The collaboration between the Park City School District and the Summit County Health Department highlights the role of schools as platforms for health interventions, supporting inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article emphasizes the partnership between the school district and the health department, showcasing multi-sector collaboration to achieve health and education goals.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.a: Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability, and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive, and effective learning environments for all.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Vaccination Coverage Rates
   • The article mentions administering “over 100 vaccines” at a school clinic and ongoing vaccination efforts for flu, COVID-19, and measles, implying the use of vaccination coverage as an indicator to measure progress towards Target 3.3 and 3.8.
2. Number of School-based Health Clinics
   • The establishment and frequency of school-based vaccination clinics can serve as an indicator of progress in integrating health services within educational settings (Target 4.a).
3. Communication and Outreach Effectiveness
   • Coordination of public health messaging between the school district and health department implies monitoring the effectiveness of communication strategies, which supports partnership goals under SDG 17.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: townlift.com