Utah AHEC Employee Receives Certificate of Congressional Recognition from the U.S. House of Representatives
Utah AHEC Administrative Coordinator receives Congressional Recognition
The Division of Public Health in the University of Utah’s Department of Family Medicine and Public Health is home to three research centers. This includes the Utah Area Health Education Centers (AHEC), each supporting research, education, and community partnerships across the state. Utah AHEC works to improve access to quality healthcare by strengthening the healthcare workforce through strategic partnerships. This mission closely aligns with the Division of Public Health’s commitment to building inclusive learning communities, advancing educational success, and providing technical assistance to communities through mentorship, training, and research. That work was recently recognized at the national level when a program coordinator from Utah AHEC received formal recognition from the U.S. House of Representatives.
Oreta Tupola, MSW/CCHW, is an Administrative Program Coordinator with Utah AHEC. With a background spanning education, public health, and community engagement, she coordinates workforce development initiatives, community-based training, and outreach efforts that support current and future health professionals across Utah.
“Receiving this award from the House of Representatives is incredibly meaningful to me because it reflects not just my work, but the collective efforts of Community Health Workers and the communities we serve,” Tupola said. “It affirms the importance of advancing health equity and investing in community-driven solutions.” She emphasized the role AHEC plays in preparing a healthcare workforce that is responsive to community needs, particularly in rural and underserved areas. “My work with AHEC is deeply rooted in a shared commitment to building a strong, diverse, and culturally responsive health workforce,” she said. “AHEC plays a critical role in connecting education, clinical practice, and community engagement. Its mission strengthens public health by preparing professionals who understand not just the social but structural drivers of health and are equipped to partner with communities in meaningful, sustainable ways.”
On March 20, 2026, Tupola was among several Utah community health workers honored with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition. The certificates were presented during a special event at the Utah State Capitol by Representative Burgess Owens, R-UT, joined by State House Majority Whip Candice Pierucci, R-District 49, and Salt Lake County Councilmember Carlos Moreno, R-District 2. The ceremony coincided with International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month. “I’m honored to be part of that work and grateful for the recognition,” Tupola said.
Through programs like Utah AHEC, the University of Utah’s Division of Public Health continues to strengthen the state’s public health infrastructure by investing in people, partnerships, and communities. By connecting education, clinical practice, and community engagement, AHEC plays a vital role in preparing a health workforce that is not only skilled, but culturally responsive and deeply attuned to the needs of Utah’s diverse populations. Recognition of leaders like Tupola underscores the lasting impact of this work and the importance of community-driven solutions in advancing health equity and improving outcomes across the state.