RivCo wins most CSAC challenge awards in the state
February 25, 2025
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors today recognized three departments for earning prominent challenge awards from the California State Association of Counties (CSAC). The awards are indicative of the innovative, solution-oriented work done throughout the County’s many departments. The awards were presented to First 5 Riverside County, Riverside University Health System-Public Health (RUHS-PH) and the Executive Office.
“I am very proud that the County was presented with three challenge awards by CSAC, the most of any county in the state,” said Riverside County Board Chair and Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. “These awards demonstrate the vision, hard work, and leadership of staff at every level of all departments that serve the residents of Riverside County.”
CSAC bestowed the awards during a ceremony in Sacramento earlier this month.
One award went to First 5 Riverside County for the Early Childcare Education Wage Enhancement. Using federal American Rescue Plan Act grant dollars to stabilize the childcare industry, First 5 Riverside County provided wage enhancements from $1,200 up to $7,200 to childcare workers. The wage support was crucial in the region’s recovery from the pandemic, enabling parents to return to the workforce.
RUHS-PH took home another challenge award for the Dental Screenings Utilizing Artificial Intelligence program. Through a partnership with local dentists and schools, RUHS-PH piloted a program that offers students the state-mandated kindergarten dental assessment at no cost. The program also provides a detailed report of the child’s oral health using school staff members, artificial intelligence and a remote dentist. The pilot launched at two elementary schools in Riverside County.
“It was an honor to attend the CSAC awards ceremony recognizing these vital programs that improve the quality of life for our residents,” said Third District Supervisor Chuck Washington. “Riverside County is thriving— more people are moving here than any other part of the state, which acknowledges what we’ve known for some time – the County offers residents something special.”
For more information on these programs and the CSAC challenge awards, visit https://www.counties.org/post/2024-challenge-awards
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