Southwest Utah Public Health Department

03/31/2026

Today, we recognize the physicians who care for our communities with skill, compassion, and dedication.

Thank you for the work you do every day to keep Southwest Utah healthy.

03/30/2026

Heading out for spring break?

Before you pack the snacks and playlists, take a few minutes to plan for safety.

✔ Buckle every ride
✔ Check car seats
✔ Inspect your vehicle
✔ Avoid distractions

Make memories — not crashes.

03/27/2026

🚨 Have you seen it yet?

Our new road safety billboard is now live across Southern Utah! Look for it on your drive through Cedar City and Kanab.

It’s a simple reminder: Buckle up. Drive alert. Arrive safe.

Every trip. Every seat. Every time.

Help us spread the word — because safety doesn’t take a break. 🚗💛

03/26/2026

We’re excited to see our community come together for the Washington Wheels Park Grand Opening this Saturday! 🎉

Spaces like this help support active lifestyles, mental wellbeing, and healthy communities—and we love seeing families get outside and move together.

As you enjoy the park:
✔ Wear a properly fitted helmet
✔ Stay hydrated
✔ Be aware of your surroundings and others
✔ Follow posted park guidelines

Whether you’re riding, skating, scootering, or cheering others on—let’s make it a fun and safe day for everyone.

📍 Washington Wheels Park
🗓 Saturday, March 28 | 12–4 PM

03/26/2026

After nearly 15 years of dedicated service, we’re celebrating the retirement of Suz Roam from the Southwest Utah Public Health Department.

Suz has played an incredible role in supporting our communities. Serving first as an Administrative Assistant and later as our Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Coordinator in Emergency Preparedness. Through her leadership, hundreds of volunteers across southern Utah have been trained and ready to step up when our communities need them most.

Her impact reaches far beyond the workplace, helping strengthen emergency response efforts and build a network of 385 volunteers committed to protecting public health.

Suz, thank you for your years of service, your passion for preparedness, and the lasting difference you’ve made in southwest Utah. You will truly be missed.

Wishing you all the best in your retirement, this next chapter is well deserved. 💛

03/26/2026

🚲 New e-bike safety law starts May 6, 2026

Utah’s HB 381 requires anyone under 21 to wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet when riding or operating an e-bike on public roads.

Why it matters:
We’re seeing an increase in e-bike injuries, especially among youth, and helmets can significantly reduce the risk of serious head injury.

Key reminders:
✔ Helmet required under 21
✔ Safety course required (ages 8–16 riding unsupervised)
✔ Higher-powered e-bikes may be classified as motorcycles
✔ Devices can be impounded for violations (under 18)

Thanks to our partners at St. George Utah St. George (Utah) Police Department for helping spread the word and keep our community safe. 💛

03/25/2026

Join Dave Heaton, SWUPHD Public Information Officer, with special guest Amelia Strand, Environmental Health Scientist, as they discuss important public health topics impacting our community.

Utah Tech Radio

03/24/2026

This is your reminder: beautiful doesn’t always mean safe. 👀

Spring break means more visitors and bigger crowds at places like Gunlock Falls.

Wet rocks and fast-moving water can catch people off guard quickly.

✔ Watch your footing
✔ Keep kids close
✔ Give the water space

Enjoy Southern Utah safely. 💛

03/24/2026

💤 Reserve at least 30 minutes (ideally an hour) before bedtime to quit stimulating activities and turn off any bright lights.

💤Create an "electronic curfew" at this time. The blue light from phones and screens blocks melatonin production and keeps your brain active.

💤 Choose calming activities, like a warm bath, soft music, reading a physical book under dim light, drinking herbal tea, meditation, or journaling. Try this playlist to help you get sleepy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFASWuckB1c

03/20/2026

Spring is here and it’s the perfect time to get moving. 🌸

Join us for the Ivins Fitness Festival + Slothathlon Kickoff!

📅 Monday, March 30
⏰ 5:30–7:30 PM
📍 Heritage Park (Ivins)

✨ Wellness Fair
🎯 Games, prizes & activities
🎶 Music + food trucks
🥤 FREE smoothies (while supplies last!)

Kick off the Slothathlon, a 30-day challenge where you can run, bike, or swim—at your own pace.

Choose your level: FULL, HALF, or SPRINT

This season is a great time to reset, get outside, and build healthy habits that last.

👉 Bring your family and come celebrate spring with us!

03/20/2026

“Out of sight, out of mind” doesn’t work for wildfire risk. 🔥

What’s sitting in your gutters could put your home in danger.

Cleaning debris is one of the simplest ways to reduce wildfire risk—and protect your family.

Let’s get ahead of fire season together.

📌 More tips: ready.gov/wildfires

“Out of sight, out of mind” doesn’t work for gutters. 🫣🍂🔥

Wind-driven embers can ignite debris on roofs and in gutters.
Keeping them clean reduces your wildfire risk and helps protect your home.

Take a few minutes now to prepare before fire season!
https://www.ready.gov/wildfires

03/19/2026

Sleep isn’t optional. It’s survival. 🚨

If you’re getting less than 7 hours a night, your body is already feeling the impact, even if you don’t notice it yet.

🧠 Brain function declines
❤️ Heart health is at risk
😣 Pain and stress increase
⚡ Energy and focus drop

Sleep affects everything.

The good news? Small changes can make a big difference:
• Go to bed at the same time each night
• Turn off screens before bed
• Create a calm, dark sleep space

Better sleep = better health. 💤