The annual NACo Achievement Awards recognizes innovative county government programs that improve public services, increase efficiency and develop solutions. 

AUBURN, CA (MPG) - Placer County’s Health and Human Services Department has received three awards from the National Association of Counties. 

The annual NACo Achievement Awards recognizes innovative county government programs that improve public services, increase efficiency and develop solutions. This year, more than 1,800 county programs were recognized across 18 categories.  

Two HHS divisions were honored for their programs: First, the Adult System of Care for The Harbor, a recovery facility that opened last year in Roseville and uniquely serves individuals waiting for or existing residential substance use treatment. Second, the Human Services division was recognized for two programs: One project that allowed staff to access real-time performance standards data, and another effort to address food waste and insecurity with a new mobile app. The full list of awardees is available on the NACo website.  

“Being recognized at the national level inspires us to continue developing thoughtful programs that address local challenges,” said Dr. Rob Oldham, HHS director. 

The Harbor is a 16 bed recovery residence designed to bridge critical gaps in Placer County’s substance use disorder (SUD) treatment continuum, providing a safe and structured environment for adults awaiting residential treatment or transitioning from inpatient care to a lower level of support. Operated in partnership with a nonprofit and serving more than 150 clients in its first year, The Harbor offers stability, daily recovery activities and connections to ongoing treatment. This dual purpose model reduces treatment disruptions, prevents homelessness or justice system involvement and ensures individuals remain supported during vulnerable in-between periods.  

Human Services’ initiative around real-time performance standards involved the creation of real-time dashboards, structured 1:1 documentation, quality assurance reviews and transparent division-wide reporting.  The effort improved timeliness, customer service and fair workload distribution across major services like Medi-Cal, CalFresh and more – critically important at a time when many of these programs are undergoing changes to eligibility.  

The final award went to EatWell: a mobile app that connects surplus food from local businesses and organizations with low-income residents in need, in partnership with Environmental Engineering.  

Health and Human Services has received numerous awards from state and national entities in recent years. The National Association of Counties Achievement Awards are non-competitive and recognize county government programs that demonstrate innovation, effective service delivery and measurable benefits for residents. The awards also encourage counties across the nation to share successful programs that can be replicated in other communities. 

For more information about Placer County Health and Human Services and its programs, visit placer.ca.gov/hhs.