Finding Support After Prison

The Utah Health Policy Project (UHPP) delivers healthcare solutions for underserved Utahns. Throughout the pandemic, UHPP dispatched various Health Access Assisters to attend local events and reach residents with accurate information about COVID-19. At one event, these Assisters helped initially reluctant families get vaccinated while learning about health, insurance coverage, and school and family resources. An Assister found "D" in line at their re-entry fair providing support for those recently released from prison. The Assister had a spirited discussion with D who had so far refused to become vaccinated. Two weeks later, at their next re-entry fair, the Assister found D in line for a vaccine. “He actually influenced a few people to get their first shots that day!” said the Assister, pleased to see the positive impact of their work.