5 Riverside County programs win statewide awards

Riverside County has won five statewide awards for its work ranging from promoting public health to opening three new libraries.

The five honors are the second highest given to any county in the state in the California State Association of Counties’ 2021 Challenge Awards.

“These achievements demonstrate our county’s commitment to public service and set a model of leadership,” Riverside County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Karen Spiegel said in a county news release.

The following Riverside County programs were saluted, according to the release:

Riverside University Health System’s Public Health Perinatal Equity Initiative

The Maternal Child and Adolescent Health’s initiative addresses the causes of inequality and seeks the best ways to end disparities in infant mortality in the African American community.

Take My Hand Live Peer Chat

Riverside University Health System — Behavioral Health used this live chat to help essential workers and members of the public who were experiencing stress and uncertainty during the coronavirus pandemic.

Library projects

A public-private partnership led to the opening of three new libraries in French Valley, Menifee and Desert Hot Springs. A “simultaneous construction approach” was used to save taxpayers time and money.

Library Connect

The program involves mobile library services such as science, technology, engineering, arts and math programs; computers; Wi‐Fi and other resources for underserved  communities.

Humanitarian aid for asylum seekers

The county’s Asylum Seeker Response program supports border cities and offers humanitarian aid to families seeking sanctuary in the United States. It is aimed at preventing people from ending up homeless on the streets.

The association’s annual awards program honors innovation and best practices in county governments. This year, it received 433 entries. An independent panel with expertise in county programs chose the award winners.

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