January 7, 2022
The Eden Health District has been awarded $1,250,663 from the California Special District Covid Relief Fund. The District plans to use the funds to continue critical pandemic related services in partnership with community and public agencies. The funds were made available from a $100 million allocation provided by the State Legislature and Governor Newsom in the 2021-2022 State Budget.
“We our very grateful for the receipt of this award. It will help us increase our pandemic related services to the most vulnerable in our community. Covid testing, vaccination, distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE), and spreading reliable and vital information have been the pandemic priorities for our District and this award will allow us to sustain and expand our reach,” said Mark Friedman, Chief Executive Officer.
Eden Health District is committed to improving health outcomes for the community’s most vulnerable residents by working closely with community and public agencies through prevention, health education, and rapid response to emerging health issues. This funding arrives after special districts across California experienced budget and staff cuts necessitated as a result of the COVID pandemic. Throughout 2020 and 2021, California’s special districts provided essential services to their local communities, maintained a large portion of the state’s critical infrastructure, and employed thousands of front-line workers, but initially received none of the COVID relief funding available to cities and counties.
“Special districts are addressing our biggest statewide challenges, all at the local level,” said Neil McCormick, CEO of the California Special Districts Association (CSDA). We applaud Governor Newsom and our Legislature for recognizing this and responding to our requests for partnership. Special districts make a difference throughout California and this funding will make a difference in the communities special districts serve.”
Statewide, more than 2,000 independent special districts across the state serve the needs of all 40 million Californians at some level, and more than 60 percent of these local agencies provide specialized services to a disadvantaged community.
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About Eden Health District: The mission of the Eden Health District is to improve the health of the community we serve by providing access to direct and indirect care services and health education.
About CSDA: The California Special Districts Association is a 501c(6), not-for-profit association representing more than 2,000 independent special districts that provide water, sanitation, fire protection, park and recreation, healthcare, electricity, port and harbor, resource conservation, library, cemetery, and other specialized community services throughout California.