Utah health status update : 2020 Utah primary care needs assessment (April 2021)

Access to primary medical care, dental, and mental/behavioral health services influences health outcomes. The Utah Department of Health Office of Primary Care and Rural Health (OPCRH) exists to increase access to these services in rural and under-served communities in Utah. The Primary Care Needs Assessment analyzes various indicators of health access, health status, and social determinants of health to understand needs and increase access to healthcare. The uneven distribution of healthcare workforce throughout Utah has contributed to lower access to care resulting in Health Professional Shortage Areas. Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) are defined as an area with too few healthcare providers to meet the needs of the population. This publication also includes: 1) Spotlights: Use of Postpartum Prescription Pain Relievers; 2) Spotlights: COVID-19 Rapid Testing Model Demonstrates Reduced Disease Burden; and 3) Monthly Health Indicators Report.