Intermountain Healthcare and Utah State Rep. Stephen D. Clark were awarded the "Friend of Public Health Award," on Tuesday, as part of National Public Health Week.

"They [Clark and Intermountain Healthcare] really put their money where their mouth is," Commissioner Gary Anderson said.

Dr. Joseph Miner, executive director for the Utah County Health Department, presented the awards in keeping with the county's 13-year tradition of honoring people and entities that have advocated public health through fundraising or program institution.

Miner recognized Intermountain Healthcare for the founding of Mountainlands Community Health Center in downtown Provo and its continuing support of it. Since the founding, it has provided $500,000 in ongoing funding each year to meet the medical needs of low-income Utah County residents. Miner also listed sponsorship of community health fairs and campaigns among the organizations contributions.

David Clark, accepting the award with Bryant Larsen on behalf of Intermountain Healthcare, said keeping up with the growth in the county has been a challenge, but it's what they believe in doing.

"This is all about our mission, our values and our commitment to meet the growing needs of the county," he said.

Commissioner Anderson said Intermountain Healthcare's contributions have replaced the need for a state hospital and have relieved the county of a significant financial burden.

"If Intermountain Healthcare were not who they are, your taxes would be incredibly higher," he said.

Along with Intermountain Healthcare, Rep. Stephen D. Clark has also advocated public health through program institution and funding.

Clark represents his area of Utah County in the State House of Representatives and has consistently advocated public health with the legislature, Miner said. Through Clark's sponsorship, litigation passed in 2007 that provided funding to improve coordination and standardize environmental health programs in Utah. In this year's session, he sponsored a bill to increase funding to local health departments.

Clark's service to Utah County has reached beyond the confines of the legislature. More than three years ago, he helped found the Volunteer Care Clinic for Utah County, which relies on volunteer services from doctors, nurses, Intermountain Healthcare personnel and residents to provide care to those in need.

"He's a friend of local government and just a fun guy," Anderson said. "We can't say enough about Steve Clark."

lauren.shaw@byu.net