Imperial County
IMPERIALCOUNTY.ORG
A Message from the Chair
Chairwoman
Peggy Price
This month’s Imperial County Highlights showcases the continued impact of our County departments and community partners in supporting the health, education, and well-being of our residents. From youth partnerships and public health initiatives to mental health awareness and expanded access to care, these efforts reflect our shared commitment to prevention, opportunity, and service. Together, we continue working toward a stronger, healthier Imperial County for all.
Meet Lashes, Humanes' Society Pet of the Week
Meet Lashes, our Pet of the Week! Named for her unique eyelashes on her right eye, this charming pup is as beautiful as she is playful. Lashes is friendly, energetic, great with other dogs, and loves children, making her a wonderful fit for an active, fun-loving family. She’s ready to find a forever home where she can share her love and joyful personality.
April's Department Sunshine Moments
Imperial County Air Pollution Control District Recognized for Supporting Student Health Education and Air Quality Awareness
The Imperial County Air Pollution Control District was awarded the Industry Partner of the Year at the 2026 Cal-HOSA State Leadership Conference (SLC) for its partnership with Central Union High School District’s Southwest Academy for Careers in Health Sciences (SACHS).
High school students from Southwest High School’s HOSA Program attended the annual conference and one group placed 3rd Place in the Health Education Category. The award was given for their development of Project ACE: Air Community Education - a program supporting environmental literacy and air
quality awareness.
In June 2026, the Southwest High School HOSA students will be attending the 49th Annual International Leadership Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana
ASPIRE Youth Explore STEM Opportunities at Imperial Valley College
The ASPIRE Program partnered with the STEM and Chemistry Clubs at Imperial Valley College to engage youth in hands-on scientific experiments and introduce them to academic opportunities available on campus. This collaborative experience encourages participants to explore higher education pathways and expand their future goals
“Because of Where I Was; From Secure Track to On Track”
This spotlight highlights the remarkable accomplishments of a justice-involved youth who entered juvenile hall following a serious offense and spent several years in the Secure Track Program. During this time, he demonstrated extraordinary resilience and initiative by enrolling full-time at Imperial Valley College, where he consistently maintained a GPA of 3.5 or higher each semester.
Despite facing moments of overwhelm, he remained focused and committed to his goals, continually pushing himself to succeed. His dedication culminated in January 2026, when he graduated from Imperial Valley College with two associate degrees—one in Behavioral Science and another in Social Science, earning a 3.8 GPA with honors/distinction in his
major. He is also on track to complete a third associate degree in Sociology
this semester.
Building on this success, he was accepted to Sacramento State University, where he is currently enrolled in six courses as he pursues a degree in Kinesiology. With the support of Project Rebound, he has also secured stable housing, providing a strong foundation for his continued academic journey and personal growth.
As af first-generation college graduate, he reflects on his journey in the Secure Track Program, with a deep sense of gratitude and accomplishment, sharing, “I wouldn’t have done any of this if I wasn’t in there."
Breaking Ground on Hope and Healing
Imperial County Behavioral Health Services marked an important milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Adult Residential Substance Use Disorder Treatment Facility, a project that will expand access to treatment, recovery, and support services in Imperial County. The event brought together County leadership, staff, community partners, and project collaborators to recognize the teamwork behind this effort, including the dedicated staff who work behind the scenes to keep projects moving forward. Special thanks to Kristen Mitosinka, Peer Support Specialist, for sharing her powerful recovery journey and reminding us that this facility represents hope, healing, dignity, and new beginnings.
Public Health Launches Interactive Heat-Related Illness Dashboard
The Public Health Department enhanced community awareness by transitioning from a static heat-related illness (HRI) PDF report to an interactive dashboard that provides periodically updated, surveillance-based data, helping residents stay informed about heat-related trends during periods of extreme heat.
Strengthening Public Health Workforce and Community Awareness
The Public Health Department recognized National Public Health Week 2026 under the theme “Ready. Set. Action!”, highlighting the vital role of public health services, staff contributions, and initiatives that support disease prevention and improved quality of life. The department also reinforced its commitment to workforce development through its annual Staff Professional Development Event, strengthening internal capacity, innovation, and the ability to better serve Imperial County residents.
xpanding Access to Kindergarten Oral Health Screenings
At the 45th Annual Children’s Fair, the Maternal Child and Adolescent Health team partnered with Southwest High School HOSA students to provide free Kindergarten Oral Health Assessments to 70 children. The screenings helped identify early signs of dental concerns, supported California’s kindergarten oral health assessment requirements, and connected families with oral health education and preventive care resources. This effort reduced barriers to care, promoted healthy habits, and supported the overall health, school readiness, and well-being of children and families in Imperial County.
Imperial County Supports Youth Voices in Mental Health Awareness
Southwest High School senior Karissa Ruiz Ovando has been recognized as a 1st Place Winner in the Animation Suicide Prevention category of the Directing Change Film Contest for her PSA, “I Am Seen.” Her film now qualifies for the People’s Choice Award, and the community is encouraged to show support by voting. This recognition aligns with our shared commitment to mental health awareness and highlights the positive partnerships being built with local students, including HOSA students who have collaborated with Imperial County departments such as Public Health, Air Pollution Control District, and Behavioral Health Services.