Imperial County
IMPERIALCOUNTY.ORG
A Message from the Chair
Chairwoman
Peggy Price
This month’s Sunshine Moments remind us that meaningful progress comes in many forms, from improving roads and expanding access to services, to celebrating professional excellence, strengthening emergency preparedness, and even helping a beloved pet find his forever home.
One of the most heartwarming stories this month was Kielbasa’s journey from the Board Meeting to a forever home. Just days after being featured as our Pet of the Month, Kielbasa was adopted, reminding us of the power of community visibility, compassion, and partnership. Stories like his reflect the heart of Imperial County and the difference we can make when we come together.
We are also proud to recognize the many accomplishments highlighted this month, including Dr. Bushra Ahmad’s distinguished recognition in psychiatry, the continued success of the CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work VITA Program, the renovation of the Calipatria Library Branch, regional emergency preparedness efforts, roadway improvements in the Imperial Townsite, and the ongoing transformation of community behavioral health services through Imperial County Behavioral Health Services.
On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, thank you to our County departments, community partners, employees, and residents who continue to move Imperial County forward. These moments reflect our shared commitment to service, progress, and the well-being of our communities.
From Board Meeting to Forever Home
Within just a couple of days of being featured at the Board of Supervisors meeting as our Pet of the Month, Kielbasa found his forever home! His adorable lowrider legs, playful personality, and sweet love for belly rubs quickly won over everyone who met him. We are so happy to share that this lovable pup has been adopted, and we wish Kielbasa and his new family all the best as they begin this exciting new chapter together.
March's Sunshine Moments
Behavioral Health Services
Recognizing Excellence in Psychiatry: Dr. Bushra Ahmad
We would like to recognize Dr. Bushra Ahmad, Medical Director for Imperial County Behavioral Health Services, for being named a Distinguished Fellow by the American Psychiatric Association. This prestigious recognition honors Dr. Ahmad’s significant contributions to the field of psychiatry and reflects the highest level of professional excellence and dedication to behavioral health. Congratulations to Dr. Ahmad on this well-deserved achievement and for representing ICBHS and Imperial County with distinction.
Social Services
ICDSS CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work VITA Program
The Imperial County Department of Social Services is proud to recognize the continued success of the CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, which completed its 24th year of providing free tax preparation services to families across Imperial County.
Through a strong partnership between ICDSS, IVROP, and the IRS SPEC program, free federal and state tax preparation services were offered in Calexico, El Centro, and Brawley. During the 2025 filing season, the program served 148 families, helping generate $580,804 in total tax refunds and saving participants an estimated $32,560 in tax preparation fees.
These refunds provide more than a financial boost, they help families cover essential needs such as housing, utilities, food, clothing, and debt reduction. By removing the cost of tax preparation and helping families access earned tax credits, the VITA Program supports financial stability, encourages workforce participation, and brings valuable dollars back into the local economy.
This Sunshine Moment highlights the meaningful impact of collaboration, service, and community-centered support in helping Imperial County families move toward greater self-sufficiency.
County Library - Calipatria
Imperial County Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for Renovated Calipatria Library Branch
The County of Imperial celebrated the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Imperial County Library Calipatria Branch on Thursday, May 15, marking a meaningful investment in education, literacy, and community access for residents of Calipatria and the surrounding northern Imperial County region.
The renovated branch represents more than an improvement to a public facility. It reflects the County’s continued commitment to creating welcoming spaces where children, students, families, seniors, and lifelong learners can gather, explore, and connect with resources that support personal growth and opportunity. From access to books and technology to programs that encourage learning and community engagement, the Calipatria Branch will continue serving as an important resource for generations to come.
Public Health
Strengthening Emergency Preparedness Across Imperial County
The Imperial County Public Health Department’s Emergency Medical Services Section, in collaboration with local healthcare, emergency response, fire service, law enforcement, education, and community partners, recently coordinated a full-scale emergency preparedness exercise to strengthen regional response efforts throughout Imperial County. The exercise simulated a mass chemical exposure incident and provided participating agencies with an opportunity to test emergency response systems, operational communication, patient management coordination, and interagency collaboration in a realistic training environment. Exercises like this play an important role in helping local agencies prepare for emergencies, improve coordination, and identify opportunities for continued training and improvement. This Sunshine Moment highlights the dedication of Imperial County’s emergency response partners and their shared commitment to protecting the health, safety, and well-being of our communities.
Transforming Community Behavioral Health
Imperial County Behavioral Health Services continues to make meaningful strides in transforming community behavioral health through expanded access, innovative programs, and a strong commitment to meeting residents where they are. This work reflects the County’s dedication to improving mental health and substance use services, strengthening community partnerships, and creating a more responsive system of care for individuals and families across Imperial County.