Happy Friday from #OneUtah, a weekly update from the office of Gov. Spencer J. Cox. Here’s your recap of what we did this week, what's on the horizon, and more. Thank you for subscribing!

Combating a deadly epidemic 

In Utah, law enforcement seizures of fentanyl skyrocketed from 1,601 pills in 2018 to nearly 2 million in 2023. Alarmingly, more than a third of all drug samples tested in the first half of 2024 contained fentanyl, often without users' knowledge, complicating detection and reporting efforts. 

As our state troopers and agents have been working in the Jordan River Trail area, they have observed the extent to which fentanyl has infiltrated our community. What many may perceive as a distant issue is affecting lives right here at home, impacting everyone from parents to professionals. This rapid spread of fentanyl is largely driven by its affordability and potency. Fentanyl has become the leading cause of drug-related overdoses in Utah, with overdose deaths reaching a record high of 606 in 2023, of which 290 were specifically linked to fentanyl. Addiction does not discriminate; it affects individuals in all walks of life, including caregivers and professionals who find themselves in desperate cycles of dependency, often placing their loved ones in jeopardy.

In response to this crisis, we launched a state-led Fentanyl Task Force, a collaborative effort involving health providers, law enforcement, legislators, and various community organizations. The task force will work to increase awareness of fentanyl's dangers, disrupt trafficking networks, and address the root causes of addiction. With more than 714,000 fentanyl pills seized in Utah since last October, this problem can’t wait. By working together with urgency and focusing on both prevention and enforcement, we aim to combat this epidemic and safeguard Utah’s well-being. Together, we can combat this deadly epidemic.

Apple crunch day 

You're invited to celebrate Utah Apple Crunch Day at the State Capitol on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, as part of National Farm to School Month. Join the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food in welcoming more than 150 elementary students who will meet local apple producers, taste different apple varieties, and participate in fun, apple-themed activities. This event highlights Utah’s agriculture, supporting local growers and generating more than $44,000 in sales of Utah-grown apples statewide.

Discussing AI in Utah

Join us at Utah's premier Artificial Intelligence Summit alongside Gov. Spencer J. Cox, brought to you by the Utah Office of AI Policy, the Utah System of Higher Education, and the Utah Innovation Fund, in partnership with a collaborative network that includes the America First Credit Union, Salt Lake Community College, Silicon Slopes, TechBuzz News, the Utah Policy Innovation Lab, and the Women’s Tech Council, on Oct. 30, 2024, at the Salt Lake Community College Miller Campus. This free summit is your gateway to the forefront of AI innovation, policymaking, and its future impact. Engage with thought leaders like keynote speaker Gov. Cox and panel experts, including Cydni Tetro and Clint Betts, in deep-dive discussions on AI's integration across sectors. Participate in our unique Hackathon Sprint Groups to work on actionable policy solutions. This is more than a conference; it's a chance to shape the AI landscape. Don't miss out on defining the future of AI policy and innovation. Register now to secure your spot!

Remembering the Chapel by the Wayside

This week, Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson and former Rep. Lowry Snow were interviewed by FOX 13 to discuss the progress and history of the old Utah prison’s Chapel by the Wayside. Residents at the prison asked for and built a chapel with the help of Utah’s citizens. Lt. Gov. Henderson was a key figure in making sure the chapel stood when the prison was set to be demolished. 

Practicing Good Government

The Utah Department of Corrections practices Good Government every day by engaging with the families of the incarcerated, listening to feedback and working to improve the way services are provided. Learn more here.

ICYMI

• Last week we announced the launch of Operation Gigawatt, an initiative to double our reliable energy production in the next decade. Learn more here. 

• Utah is leading the way with housing solutions. As the housing crisis reaches critical levels, we’ve launched the National Housing Crisis Task Force to create scalable solutions for affordable housing. Together, we can ensure everyone has a place to call home. Read our op-ed in Newsweek here.

   

Coming up

• Oct. 21 - We look forward to recognizing state employees at the Governor’s Awards for Excellence!

• Oct. 22 - We’ll be helping the Utah Health Collaborative formally launch the Utah Model of Care

• Oct. 24 - Lt. Gov. Henderson is looking forward to visiting and touring Westwater.

Get involved!

Looking for a new job opportunity? With great employee benefits and versatile work schedules, the career opportunities with the state are truly rewarding. Join Team Utah today! 

Those looking to volunteer can also consider more than 300 boards and commissions. Find out which openings are available and how you can get involved here!

Get in touch!