The Kaysville Mayor and City Council understand that health is foundational to a high-quality of life. The city recently submitted their “Get Healthy Utah” Application. Get Healthy Utah (GHU) is a non-profit organization that is endorsed by the Utah League of Cities and Towns. The entity works to improve healthy eating and active living in Utah through system-level change. 

Cities may apply to receive designation as a Healthy Community by completing the following three requirements: (1) Provide a letter of support from the Mayor and Council; (2) At the time of application, cities must have fully implemented two health strategies from each of three categories (6 total strategies): Active Living, Access to Healthy Food, and Mental Health; and (3) Form a Health Coalition to oversee the identification and implementation of health strategies.

Kaysville has already implemented six strategies that they believe qualifies them for designation from GHU as a Healthy Community. The six examples of health strategies are: Active Living, Worksite wellness initiatives; Access to Healthy Food; Mental Health Initiatives and employment of a full-time mental healthy therapist to work with first responders and their families as well as with civilian employees as time permits.

In order to continue the Healthy Community designation, GHU would require the City to implement two additional strategies every three years from each of the three categories. Further, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board has agreed to serve as Kaysville’s Health Coalition. Kaysville is committed to promoting community health and providing all residents with the opportunity to live well as well as continuing to prioritize health in community and government processes. 

In preparation for applying for the designation, the city has made great strides in ensuring that every resident has access to healthy food, mental health resources, and opportunities to be physically active. The hope is the Healthy Community designation will not only provide good public relations for the City, but also lead to the improved general health and well-being of its residents. The elected leadership of the community understands that decisions made by local government have the potential to improve lives and community wellbeing.