Welcome to the Utah Association for Healthcare Quality!
A Message from the UAHQ 2026 President Emily Carlson, MHA, CPHQ, LSSGB
President’s Message – 2026
Welcome to the Utah Association for Healthcare Quality (UAHQ)! I’m truly grateful that you’ve found us and chosen to be part of this remarkable community. The Utah Association for Healthcare Quality is a special organization—one built on commitment, leadership, empowerment, and integrity. Although we may be a relatively small association, we are rich with opportunities for connection, collaboration, and shared learning. Together, we strengthen the quality of care for every person seeking healthcare in Utah.
I was first introduced to UAHQ in 2019 when I attended the Annual Conference after being invited to share a recent poster. That experience opened the door to an organization I wish I had discovered earlier in my career. Having worked in healthcare quality in Utah since 2005, it still surprises me that it took 14 years to find this community—but once I did, I knew it was something unique. The connections I made, the ideas I heard, and the sense of shared purpose drew me in immediately. Serving on the board only deepened that appreciation, bringing new friendships and a supportive network I value tremendously.
As we look ahead to 2026, the goals for our association build upon the foundation of collaboration and learning that shaped my earlier term as president. We continue to evolve—both in what we offer and in the collective strength of our membership.
Our 2026 Goals
1. Expand Membership Across Utah’s Healthcare Quality Community
There are countless healthcare quality professionals working in all corners of Utah—hospitals, outpatient clinics, insurance organizations, home health, skilled nursing facilities, and beyond. Each brings unique insight, expertise, and lived experience. This year, one of our primary goals is to grow our membership so that more of these voices are included in our collective discussions.
We know the impact this can have: when we broaden our membership, we broaden the solutions, innovations, and partnerships available to us. Strengthening collaboration starts with strengthening our numbers.
2. Expand Educational Offerings With CPHQ CEU Credits
High‑quality, accessible education has always been central to UAHQ’s mission. Last year, the association emphasized increasing educational opportunities that supported professional growth, including offerings designed to help members obtain CPHQ Continuing Education Credits.
In 2026, we plan to expand these opportunities even further—through workshops, Lunch & Learn sessions, conference content, and additional CEU‑eligible programs. Learning from one another is one of the greatest advantages of being part of this community. Sometimes an idea from someone working in a completely different area sparks exactly the innovation you need in your own role.
Continuing the Spirit of Collaboration
One of the most rewarding aspects of UAHQ is the relationships built along the way. I have seen firsthand how working together—whether formally on the board or informally through conversations at events—leads to new ideas, shared solutions, and long‑lasting connections. My hope is that each of you experiences that same sense of community this year.
Please come to our events, attend our educational sessions, participate in networking opportunities, and, most importantly, invite a colleague to join you. Every new member strengthens our voice. Every new perspective enriches our discussions. Together, we can ensure UAHQ continues to grow as the leading voice for healthcare quality in Utah.
A Shared Vision for 2026
I firmly believe that the expertise required to achieve any healthcare quality goal already exists within the professionals working across our state. What we need is a way to bring that expertise together—and this association is one of the most effective ways to do just that.
As your 2026 President, I am here to support you, advocate for you, and elevate the work you are doing. I hope you will join me by participating, connecting, sharing, and helping spread the word about the value of UAHQ.
Here’s to a year of growth, learning, and meaningful collaboration.
Welcome to UAHQ—let’s make 2026 our strongest year yet.