The department created the WhatsApp channel, titled “Condado de Summit Utah,” specifically for the Spanish-speaking community.
Communications specialist Bailey Quinn said many Spanish-speakers already use WhatsApp to connect with family and friends, so the county created the channel to meet people where they already communicate.
She said during the Parleys Canyon Fire in 2021, the channels used to get information to Spanish-speakers needed upgrading and personalization. Since then, Quinn says, the county health department has been working to make improvements.
It launched the Condado de Summit Utah WhatsApp channel last summer.
“The channel has grown to about 300 followers since we launched in August, but that’s really not representative of our significant number of Spanish-speakers in our area, and we’d love to see that number increase, and help everyone in our community stay informed, no matter what language they speak,” she said.
The Summit County Health Department one-way communication channel keeps followers anonymous, protecting their identities.
The channel shares public health alerts, general news and events in the area from county departments and community partners.
For example, it shared evacuation alerts during the Main Street gas leak in Old Town June 10.
Daniela Moscoso has worked as the Latino outreach coordinator for behavioral health and prevention with Summit County Health for four months.
Moscoso said her previous job with the Park City School District showed her the Spanish-speaking community is always looking for ways to stay informed.
“They would always express to me that they want to be a part of all the events, they want to know all the information going on in our county and our city, but they don’t always have the tools and the information available,” she said.
Quinn said she and Moscoso are working on a series of behavioral and mental health resource posts to share this summer.
Learn more about Condado de Summit Utah WhatsApp channel here.
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