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Adopt and present a resolution recognizing April 2012 as National County Government Month in Solano County (Chair Seifert)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No __X_
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No __X_
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors adopt and present a resolution recognizing April 2012 as National County Government Month in Solano County.
SUMMARY:
Solano County is one of 3,068 counties across the United States providing essential services to improve and sustain the health, safety and well-being of county residents and their communities. More than 2,500 County staff in 19 departments work diligently on a day-to-day basis to meet the challenges of providing high quality services to highly diverse populations while maintaining a high level of accountability, fiscal stability and integrity.
April 2012 marks the 21st anniversary of National County Government Month, sponsored by the National Association of Counties and established to increase public awareness and understanding of the value of the responsibilities vested in county government. Counties play a critical role in the lives of their residents by protecting and enhancing the health, safety and well-being of their residents in practical, cost-effective ways.
The theme of 2012 National County Government Month is "Healthy Counties, Healthy Families," recognizing counties' unique role in their responsibility to both finance and deliver health services through public hospitals and clinics, local health departments, long-term care facilities, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and coverage programs for the uninsured.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no cost to the county with regard to the adoption of this resolution other than the staff time to prepare this report.
DISCUSSION:
National County Government Month provides an opportunity to educate community residents about the role counties play in their daily lives. This year's theme, "Healthy Counties, Healthy Families," showcases one of the many aspects of county government that positively impact the lives of all our residents, both on a daily and a longer-term basis.
Most people would readily understand the vital role that County-run health and dental clinics, child welfare and public health services play in maintaining strong, safe and healthy families. Fewer would be aware of the important support services that a "healthy county" provides, such as road maintenance, building and food service inspections, law enforcement and literacy support.
Following are examples of the depth and breadth of County services that contribute to the health of the county and its families, both through its mandated and discretionary services, and its many collaborative efforts with community organizations, such as Solano Coalition for Better Health and the school districts.
The Board of Supervisors provided "challenge grant" funding of $125,000 to the Solano Coalition for Better Health for its comprehensive Children's Health Initiative, helping ensure that every child and youth in Solano County has medical, dental and vision coverage. In 2011 these funds provided services to enroll and maintain children in public health insurance programs such as Medi-Cal and Healthy Families for 6,431 Solano residents, as well as direct health insurance coverage for 648 low-income children. In addition, Solano Coalition for Better Health, with the assistance of First 5 Solano, won a four-year, $800,000 federal grant to provide oral health services at school-based health centers in the county.
Solano County Health and Social Services is responsible for protecting the overall health of the community as well providing direct and supportive health care services and mental health services to needy residents. A sampling of statistics of how this department accomplishes these tasks include 55,000 clients were served by Family Health Services clinics, 10,600 vaccinations were administered and more than 100 children received dental treatment during the one-day Give Kids a Smile event.
First 5 Solano's funding for the "BabyFirst Solano" prenatal services program, in which Solano County Health and Social Services Department Public Health Division leads an extensive coalition of community partners, helped ensure that more than 300 babies born to high-risk mothers in Solano County were healthy. In addition, First 5 Solano partnered with H&SS Mental Health Division and a strong community collaborative to implement the Partnership for Early Access for Kids (PEAK) early developmental health program, screening, assessing and providing treatment for hundreds of young children.
Solano County Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) collected $37,957,844 in child support during the Federal Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2011. Of the $37.9 million in child support collected, over $30.3 million was distributed directly to families. For many families, especially those with low incomes, child support is an indispensable source of income used to meet the essential needs of children. The remaining $7.6 million was distributed to the State and Federal government as reimbursement for child support collected while the child was receiving public assistance.
Solano County Library offered 1,500 early childhood literacy programs and more than 1,000 programs for educational and entertainment for students. More than 39,000 one-time and repeat visitors enjoyed early childhood programs where trained library staff read to children and modeled good "read aloud" techniques to parents and caregivers, helping inspire a love of reading early on in a child's life, which is an important component in their future success in school. Programs for school-age children and youth included arts and crafts, music and dance, science and math projects and chances to meet and talk with published authors. The Library also engaged thousands of residents, adults and teens in meaningful volunteer opportunities providing more than 38,000 hours of service to the community. Volunteer projects ranged from teaching adults to read, tutoring students after school, teaching computer skills to individuals, and bringing companion dogs to the Library for reading programs.
Department of Agriculture has had the unique opportunity in the past year to work with area farmers and ranchers on a branding program for local agricultural producers, called "Solano Grown." That branding program is now a non-profit, farmer run marketing organization, dedicated to promoting and providing fresh locally sourced agricultural products for our community.
Solano County Assessor-Recorder recorded 125,249 documents, helping ensure that vital public records are accurate and recorded timely.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to adopt the resolution recognizing April 2012 as National County Government Month in Solano County. This is not recommended as this resolution offers Solano County residents an opportunity to learn about both the vital county services provided by county government and the dedicated county employees who daily serve the public.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
All County departments were consulted, along with the Solano Coalition for Better Health, to compile this report
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION