Summit County, Utah (3/10/2026) — The Summit County Health Department has received national recognition from the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) for achieving Project Public Health Ready (PPHR) status, one of the highest standards for public health emergency preparedness in the country.
“Achieving PPHR recognition reflects the dedication and professionalism of our team and strengthens how we prepare for and protect our community during public health emergencies,” Summit County Health Director, Dr. Phil Bondurant said. “This milestone advances our progress toward Public Health Accreditation and reinforces our commitment to continuous improvement and accountability.”
This recognition means Summit County is better prepared to protect and support residents when emergencies occur. Over the past several years, the Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) team developed 26 emergency response plans that guide how agencies respond to disease outbreaks, medical supply distribution, staffing surges, and community recovery. These plans strengthen coordination among local, state, and federal partners to ensure essential services continue and that accurate, timely information reaches the public during a crisis.
PPHR also reflects strong collaboration across Summit County. The Health Department works closely with hospitals, schools, emergency response agencies, and community and faith-based organizations, along with the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, to promote a whole-community approach to preparedness and ensure rapid access to resources when they are needed most.
For families and residents, this translates to faster response times, clearer communication, and a strong focus on individuals who may need additional support, including seniors, people with disabilities, and those requiring language or mobility assistance.
This achievement represents years of planning, training, and teamwork dedicated to strengthening Summit County’s ability to prevent illness, respond effectively to public health emergencies, and recover together as a community.
“Project Public Health Ready recognition affirms that Summit County Health has built a strong, coordinated preparedness system aligned with national standards and strengthened by local partnerships,” Summit County Public Health Emergency Manager Chris Crowley said. “It enhances our ability to respond quickly, communicate clearly, and protect our most vulnerable residents, reinforcing community resilience before, during, and after a public health emergency.” Project Public Health Ready recognition reinforces the Summit County Health’s vision to ensure Summit County is a community where people can live a positive, healthy lifestyle through public health efforts focused on awareness, education, and preparedness.