The Problem:

- Utah ranks among the worst states in the nation for mental health access and funding.

- Over 1 in 4 Utah adults report poor mental health, yet many struggle to find services within a reasonable timeframe.

- Many areas in Salt Lake County lack OB/GYN services, reproductive health care, and preventive care facilities.

Aaron’s Plan: Dignity, Access, and Care

1. Expand Access to Mental Health Services – Fund new clinics in underserved areas and expand mobile care units.

2. Strengthen Women’s Health Infrastructure – Invest in prenatal, maternal, and reproductive care centers on the West Side and rural pockets of the county.

3. Normalize Care Through Education – Launch campaigns that reduce stigma around therapy, prevention, and early intervention.

Why This Matters

Because no one should suffer in silence. Mental illness doesn’t care about your income, ZIP code, or gender—but our system still does. When we invest in accessible care, we build a community where people are healthier, families are stronger, and dignity comes first.

What the County Is Doing Now

Salt Lake County supports affordable housing through its Housing and Community Development Division (https://slco.org/housing-community-development/), which administers the Salt Lake County Housing Trust Fund. This fund helps finance the development of deeply affordable and supportive housing for low-income families, seniors, and individuals transitioning out of homelessness.

The County works closely with Housing Connect (https://housingconnect.org/), the regional public housing authority that administers Section 8 rental assistance, manages permanent supportive housing, and coordinates services across local partners.

In addition, Salt Lake County participates in the Coordinated Entry System (https://utahhmis.org/coordinated-assessment/), which matches people experiencing homelessness with shelter and housing based on their level of need.