This summer, Utah’s healthcare sector is vibrant with activity, characterized by the sounds of construction tools and the promise of new facilities.
The Beehive State’s population is on the rise, necessitating a significant expansion of healthcare services and facilities. As the state’s population swelled by over 50,300 new residents last year, primarily along the Wasatch Front, the demand for healthcare is becoming increasingly apparent.
According to a report by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah, the state’s population is projected to reach approximately 3,507,000 residents.
John Poelman, interim executive director of the One Utah Health Collaborative, noted that the population growth will also lead to an increase in average age and chronic health conditions, which will drive higher demand for healthcare services.
“Utah will need to grow its healthcare capacity across the board, especially in areas where we already fall short. Access to primary care, behavioral health, and aging-related services are where we should prioritize expansion,” Poelman emphasized.
McCall Rowley, vice president of finance for Intermountain Health, acknowledged the shift, stating that steady population growth in their service areas is projected to continue into the foreseeable future.
In response to these changes, Intermountain is investing in growing communities by establishing new clinics, affordable care settings, specialty cancer centers, and a pediatric hospital on the Miller Family Campus in Lehi.
As the population climbs, the incidence of diseases and mental health issues is also on the rise. Utah, reflecting national trends, has seen increased demand for mental health services and care for its aging population.
Various projects underway within the state’s healthcare system highlight how providers are adapting to these changing needs.
Intermountain recently opened a new inpatient behavioral health unit at Alta View Hospital in Sandy and expanded the Primary Children’s pediatric behavioral health campus in Taylorsville, supported by state funding.
The University of Utah Health is similarly busy expanding its services.
In April, the University broke ground on the Huntsman Cancer Institute treatment center in Vineyard, claiming the title of the Mountain West’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.
This facility aims to provide clinical trials, utilize artificial intelligence for data analysis, collaborate in training students with local universities, and offer treatment for patients who currently face long travel times for care.
Another major initiative is the new hospital and health campus in West Valley City.
The Eccles Health Campus and Eccles Hospital, which commenced construction this summer, is set to be the university’s largest off-campus medical facility, with a projected service capacity of over 426,000 patients annually.
In addition to its ambitious projects, Intermountain is also expanding cancer treatment capabilities with new centers in Saratoga Springs and Park City.
Rowley highlighted that primary care clinics, like the Deseret Color Clinic in St. George, serve as critical access points for residents not located on the Wasatch Front.
The University of Utah has also made strides in addressing mental health needs.
This includes the March opening of the Kem and Carolyn Gardner Mental Health Crisis Care Center in South Salt Lake, aimed at providing comprehensive mental health services.
Furthermore, the University is set to inaugurate a 24/7 walk-in crisis care facility specifically for youth ages 5 to 17 in Research Park, which has been redesigned from its previous function as an adult crisis space.
Anne Stephens, director of the forthcoming youth crisis center, highlights a significant rise in acute mental health crises among children and teenagers, including increasing instances of suicidal ideation and self-harm.
Emergency departments statewide are feeling the strain of the rising numbers of youth presenting with mental health concerns, often lacking the appropriate resources for age-appropriate care.
The goal of the youth crisis center is to adopt a trauma-informed, child-centered approach, alleviating some of the pressure on emergency departments and ensuring families can access timely mental health support during critical moments.
Intermountain Health, which recently marked its 50th anniversary, is also taking steps to modernize or replace older facilities, including plans for a new LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City.
Both LDS Hospital and the St. Vincent Hospital in Billings, Montana, which are over a century old, are designated for complete renovations that will feature modern and efficient designs.
Additionally, Intermountain has unveiled a new hospital patient tower in Logan to enhance its healthcare delivery services.
As Rowley explained, these projects are pivotal in facilitating Intermountain’s focus on population health, aiming to keep communities healthy with proactive care ranging from screenings to chronic condition management.
The University of Utah has several other notable healthcare projects in the pipeline, including the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, anticipated to open next summer, and the Sorenson Center for Medical Innovation, expected to be operational in spring.
The Huntsman Mental Health Institute’s Translational Research building is slated for completion in October 2026.
However, changes in healthcare aren’t limited to hospitals and health systems.
In Utah County, a new specialty clinic focusing on multiple sclerosis has been established, significantly reducing travel distances for patients in need of care.
Located in Lehi, this clinic represents an extension of the Rocky Mountain MS Clinic in Salt Lake City and is staffed by a physician and a nurse practitioner.
Dr. John F. Foley, founder of the Rocky Mountain MS Clinic, commented on Nira Medical, the partner organization, stating that it seeks to bridge the gap in specialty neurology care within underserved communities.
Dr. Yashma Patel, the new clinic’s physician, also noted that the demand for multiple sclerosis care in Utah is substantial, particularly among northern European descent populations.
The facility began treating patients on June 30 and is equipped for infusions, research, and patient examinations.
According to Patel, the Lehi clinic anticipates rapid growth, emphasizing their infrastructure’s capacity for expansion.
Moreover, North Star Recovery & Wellness, a Utah-based organization, announced plans for a $150 million investment to add 500 inpatient beds, aimed at addressing the mental health care shortage in the region.
Utah Valley University (UVU) is also taking substantial steps to improve access to healthcare.
In partnership with the Marc C. and Deborah H. Bingham Foundation, UVU will open a free community medical clinic on its Orem campus this winter.
Astrid S. Tuminez, president of UVU, expressed that the Bingham Family Clinic represents a vital connection between education and compassionate healthcare, projecting a vision where everyone has quality access to medical services regardless of their circumstances.
The clinic is set to offer a broad range of services, including primary care, scheduled specialty appointments, dental hygiene, and pharmacy assistance, operating five days a week to assist individuals without adequate health insurance.
Marc Bingham, reflecting on the mission of the clinic, shared a deeply personal connection to the cause, having been saved by a compassionate doctor during his youth.
He stated, “Our vision is simple: Healthcare for everyday people, regardless of financial situation. My own life was saved because of access to care and we want to make sure no one in our community is left behind.”
As Utah navigates its evolving healthcare landscape amidst demographic changes and increased demand, these developments show a dedicated effort among various healthcare providers to enhance service accessibility and quality for all residents.
image source from：deseret
