You’ve probably tried negotiating with a large cactus get the facts. Utah’s complex health system is sometimes prickly. But, like the wild beauty that is the red rocks of Utah, it is something to marvel at. As we delve into Utah’s health-related quirks and benefits, pull up a chair.

Salt Lake City is that you? There’s a hospital for every stethoscope in these parts. Intermountain Healthcare is a big player in the hospital industry. It competes with University of Utah Health by offering a variety of services, from acupressure and zebrafish tests (ok, so maybe not zebrafish), but you catch my drift. Both balance their responsibilities with the acrobatics of circus clowns. They keep patient care in top shape while maintaining a healthy budget. From pediatric to geriatric problems, they try to be experts in all areas.

Remember the little people who are on rural routes. Utah’s community clinics play a vital role in the state’s more rural areas. These clinics have many roles, including being a doctor’s office and a therapy retreat. They run their businesses on shoestrings budgets and goodwill. And boy, are they grit. They conquer mountains each time they show locals preventive care slideshows.

Many people ask, “Is Utah’s healthcare expensive?” For some, getting a plate of food comes with an insurance ticket. Various insurance options keep the Beehive State humming. The cost, however, isn’t cheap. Aspirin is often needed to relieve the pain of paying premiums.

However, it doesn’t matter which way you cut it, Telehealth is on a roll. Remember the time when virtual exams were only a sci-fi dream? Moab’s and Monticello’s residents can now talk to doctors in the comfort of their pajamas as they tap away on tablets. Ain’t technology grand?

What is healthcare without the unsung fighters? It’s the nurses, doctors and para-professionals who make the engine run smoothly. The stories of the Provo doctor who delivered a newborn in ski boots during a storm are common. These people aren’t simply part of a system. They often represent the heart of a community.

Mental health, of course, is the hot topic in July. Utah is leading initiatives to care for the mind and spirit, something that should have been done when dinosaurs were roaming. This shows that Utah wants to talk about the issue over fries, rather than bury it.

And when it comes to conversation, oftentimes the patients steer the boat. Utahns will not be shy to express their opinion and push back if something seems fishy. Locals rallied, adapted, and at times revolted through social media advocacy groups to ensure healthcare in Utah didn’t stagnate.

Ever play amateur sleuth? If so, you’ll be familiar with the thrill of solving a challenging puzzle. Similarly, caregivers and residents navigate options, programs, or providers to create their own paths through a labyrinthine system of services. Just like when exploring canyons requires adventure and the willingness to take on bends.

There you have it, the ever-intriguing story of Utah’s healthcare system. It’s a bit like a big soup–weird and nourishing. We will see this tale continue to evolve in a state with landscapes that change at the blink of an eye. Utah is all about the awe of it.