County receives national recognition for 54 programs

THE County of San Diego won 54 Achievement Awards this year for standout programs from the National Association of Counties, which recognizes excellence in county government.

The county won awards in 15 categories including county resiliency, human services, information technology, health, community and economic development, criminal justice and public safety, children and youth, risk and emergency management, and civic education and public information.

“I am proud of our county employees that show up every day to meet the needs of our communities. This is a well-deserved recognition of the work we are doing and the high standard we strive for in delivering services and resources in San Diego County,” Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Nora Vargas said. “I am especially proud that many of the programs recognized reflect our commitment to transformational work that puts equity and inclusivity at the forefront. I see you and celebrate you! ¡Enhorabuena!”

Featured below are just providing a small sample of how the County is responding to emerging issues and priorities.

The county’s yearly online report highlights the county’s accomplishments and goals to deliver essential services, and use funds responsibly for health and social services, public safety and land use.  The interactive, engaging and accessible report, produced by the County Communications Office, invited the public to “Connect With Us to Build a Better Future” and focused priority projects that the public can help shape and influence through community engagement.

A new policy developed by the Health and Human Services Agency requiring daily document translation services and culturally responsive communications was expanded to include all departments and is helping the County reach people who did not previously have access to information.

A new tool developed by the Office of Sustainability and Environmental Justice called StoryMap allows people to go online and express the environmental health concerns they see in neighborhoods. This information is layered with socioeconomic data such as race and income using mapping tools. This combined information better guides planning, advocacy and education in communities.

In support of San Diego’s diverse region and new arrivals, the San Diego Sheriff’s Department collaborated with the International Rescue Committee, a resettlement agency, to create and provide “What to Expect” monthly public presentations for refugee newcomers in their native languages. The presentations are focused on basic public safety education and creating an environment of inclusivity for newcomers.

The full list of programs that won 2023 Achievement Awards is below:

• Comprehensive Broadband Plan
• $10 Million Capital Emergency Housing Solutions Grant Program
• A Systems-Focused Approach to Enhancing Behavioral Health Care
• Apiary Training Video
• Beach & Bay Program DDPCR Testing
• Bridging the Digital Divide to Promote Social Inclusion
• Career Days: Information Sessions Series – HHSA HR The Knowledge Center
• Community Care Coordination Straight to Home Program
• Community Harm Reduction Team and Harm Reduction Interim Shelter
• Community Health Worker Model: A Pathway to Equity
• Compassionate Leadership Toolkit and Workshop – HHSA HR The Knowledge Center
• Cooperative Grant for Removal of Trees Infested with Fusarium Fungus and ISHB
• Crisis Stabilization Unit Services
• Detector Dog Team Training Innovations
• Developing the San Diego Native Landscape Program to Foster Environmental Stewardship
• Email Encryption Training – HHSA HR The Knowledge Center
• Emergency Operations Center Playbook
• Experience the Outdoors Program
• Green Streets Clean Water Plan
• Guns for Gift Cards
• HHSA New Supervisor Onboarding – HHSA HR The Knowledge Center
• Homeless Pop-Up Resource Fairs
• Housing and Disability Advocacy Program
• Ildica County Park
• Incorporating Equity into A Local Roadway Safety Plan
• Integrated Pest Management Rodenticide Pilot
• Justice-Involved Parents & Children Program
• Let’s Get Out There: A Guide for Collective Climate Action Across Our Region
• Live Well Through Self-Care Wellness Workshop Series – HHSA HR The Knowledge Center
• Magnolia Safe Parking Program
• Maintenance Gardener Community Needs Assessment
• Meaningful Engagement through Regional Community Coordination
• Mexican Fruit Fly Hold Notices
• Mobile Crisis Response Team
• No-Cost Senior Transportation Program
• Optimal Care Pathways Model
• Organic Materials Ordinance Update
• Peer Reentry Leadership Academy
• Plan Check Inquiry Form
• Population Health Unit
• POS Scanner App
• Preventing Pet Overpopulation through Accessible Spay/Neuter
• Southeastern Live Well Center Input Tours – Creating Space With Community
• Subcontractor Disclosure
• Supporting Staff in Changing Work Environment During the Pandemic & Beyond
• Tech Connect
• The Southeastern Live Well Center Project
• Time Accounting Query
• Transportation Study Guide
• Youth-Led Town Halls
• “What to Expect” Safety Courses for Refugees
• County Annual Report – Connect With Us to Build a Better Future
• Environmental Justice StoryMap for the San Diego Region
• Equity in Communication: Translation, Language & Culture Connection Program.

(Yvette Urrea Moe/County of San Diego Communications Office) n