Kirk Benge

Director @ TriCounty Health. Husband & father. Fishing & outdoor enthusiast. Let's create better, healthier communities together.

[TriCounty Health Department @TriCo_Health]

As the measles outbreak continues, we express our deepest gratitude to the community for doing its part to stop the spread of measles. Follow us and visit our website for updates.

#TriCHD #UintahBasin #UintahCounty #DuchesneCounty #DaggettCounty #Measles

[Kirk Benge @kirk_benge]

Our amazing water systems work hard to ensure the removal of sediment, toxins, bacteria and viruses. Our water utilities conduct regular tests and inform the public if water quality violates established standards. America is great because we, the people, work to make it great.

[Kirk Benge @kirk_benge]

Over time this led to the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, effective regulatory oversight via the EPA, Utah's DEQ, DWQ, and tribes; Which work diligently to regulate water quality standards for public water systems.

[Kirk Benge @kirk_benge]

It is a privilege in our communities that was created over time because we collectively, as a society, decided to take action to combat diseases like cholera and typhoid in the early 1900's.

[Kirk Benge @kirk_benge]

I woke up this morning, took a hot shower and drank clean, safe water from my kitchen faucet. Nearly 3/4 of the worlds population is not so lucky.
To be clear though, luck doesn't have much to do with it.

[Kirk Benge @kirk_benge]

At local health departments, this might be nurses, health officers, or someone with the title of epidemiologist.

[Kirk Benge @kirk_benge]

Epidemiology can be done by anyone that’s trying to understand why a health problem exists and what can be done to address it, so long as they are genuinely trying to understand, not impose their preconceptions or ideals).

[Kirk Benge @kirk_benge]

Epidemiology (essentially the scientific study of epidemics) uncovers and identifies health problems, determines their causes, and develops and evaluates effective approaches to protecting health.

[Kirk Benge @kirk_benge]

An ounce of prevention costs less than a pound of cure... and it's better for our economy to spend a dime on prevention than spending $100 on a pound of cure.
Every $1 in public health investment typically saves between $5 and $88 in healthcare costs.

[Kirk Benge @kirk_benge]

I was honored participate in the groundbreaking ceremony of the Daggett County Community Center last week. The new building which will house the health clinic alongside mental health counselling, public health, and a community space. There will also be space to grow in the future

[Kirk Benge @kirk_benge]

89% of your health is determined outside of the doctor’s office. Some of the most important health influences in life are determined by:
Economic Stability
Education Access and Quality
Neighborhood and Environment
Social and Community Context
Healthcare Access and Quality

[Kirk Benge @kirk_benge]

Yes, it cost society about $240 billion to vaccinate all of these kids (and about $268 billion in work time and travel costs for parents), but every dollar spent directly saves $3 and results in $10 of measurable value to our economy. A 10x return on investment ain't so shabby!

[Kirk Benge @kirk_benge]

If you're healthy you can focus more on work, innovation, and adding value to the lives of your loved ones and community. By reducing illness, we can increase the number of people who are able to work productively; and that is good for everyone in society.

[Kirk Benge @kirk_benge]

As an example, if we look at the value of vaccinating all the children that received childhood vaccines between 1994 & 2023, our best estimate is that this effort will save $780 billion in direct costs and $2.9 trillion in societal costs. All by preventing illnesses and deaths.

[Tracy Gruber @DhhsTracy]

Investments in feeding new moms and babies pay off! Not only does it lead to better long term health, those improved health outcomes save money in diverted health costs and provide a $2.48 return on every $1 invested. That’s smart for families and smart for Utah! Happy 50th WIC!

[TriCounty Health Department @TriCo_Health]

Our annual Walking Challenge begins June 1st! From June to July you can complete our weekly step report to be entered into a grand prize drawing. We've also hidden 12 rocks in Roosevelt and Vernal that you can turn in for a prize. Visit https://t.co/ekJug2mPWU to track your steps

[Kirk Benge @kirk_benge]

Cherrie and I never planned to be foster parents, but a few years ago we became temporary mom and dad for a wonderful daughter who had faced a lot of life challenges. It was tough... and forced all of us to learn to be more flexible. We wouldn't change a thing. 💕

[Governor Cox @GovCox]

Utah, we need your help!

We urgently need more safe and loving homes to temporarily welcome youth and children in foster care while their own parents take the time they need to heal and be prepared to be reunified with their children.

Please, consider becoming a foster parent. Learn more here
https://t.co/DMHfqzWj9A

[HCNEU.org @HCNEU_org]

Failed septic tank?
HCNEU is proud to offer a Loan Program to help residents fix failed onsite wastewater systems.
The Decentralized Water Systems (DWS) Program provides 1% interest loans to eligible individuals residing in Daggett, Duchesne, and Uintah counties.

[Kirk Benge @kirk_benge]

@Labcorp - It's not cool to send invoices that state, "The amount due is the patient responsibility after we filed with your insurance carrier" when you haven't yet filed a claim with the insurance carrier.

[Kirk Benge @kirk_benge]

Most people have no idea how much thought, effort, science, and infrastructure goes into making water safe to drink.

I got a chance today to tour another of Utah's great water treatment plants, and I'm always impressed by both the professional staff and the awesome engineering.