Five Sonoma County Programs Get NACo Backing

Written by Gideon Rubin

Five resolutions introduced by a Sonoma County supervisor were adopted by the National Association of Counties Federal Legislative Program, the board announced on Monday.

Third District Supervisor Shirlee Zane's programs provide for local food systems, PACE energy programs, mental health, violence prevention and medical coverage for the uninsured.

The resolutions were introduced earlier this year at NACo's annual meeting in Fort Worth, Texas.

“Sonoma County’s Resolutions adopted by conference delegates will serve as the official NACo policy positions for the next 12 months,” Zane said in a prepared statement.

“I introduced this language to bring greater attention to key Sonoma County initiatives that are also relevant to other counties across the nation. I look forward to working with NACO staff on federal legislation and possible funding for these programs.”

NACo represents counties in Congress and with federal executive agencies.

Below is a description of the Sonoma County programs included in the NACo platform:

(Source: County of Sonoma)

Local Food Systems: Access to fresh, healthy food is one of the key strategies for combating negative health trends, health care and societal diet related health issues.

Property Assessed Clean Energy Conservation (PACE) Programs:  Energy conservation programs reduce greenhouse gases, impacts on the environment and strengthen the economy. Board Chair Rabbitt stated “the County’s Sonoma County’s Energy Independence Program is a leading program in the nation providing financing to enable property owners to make responsible and affordable energy improvements to stimulate the local economy, retain jobs and improve home values.”

Parity for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Disorders Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA): Mental health and substance abuse disorders must be equal partners with physical health care systems. Supervisor Shirlee Zane commented “in order to treat the whole person effectively there must be seamless coordination between health system partners and all health care plans must adequately cover behavior health care intervention and treatment.”

Community Violence Prevention: The County’s program supports prevention efforts and engaging public health research and programs on the causes and prevention of community violence. Research has shown and close linkage between violence and public health. People who have experienced violence are more likely to have major health problems including substance abuse, stroke, obesity, cancer, heart disease and depression.

Maintaining the Health Safety Net after Affordable Care Act (ACA) Implementation: Over 18 million individuals will remain uninsured after implementation of the ACA. Counties and their safety net providers will continue to be responsible to provide a safety net for this population. Supervisor Zane stated “it is imperative that health care continue to be provided to uninsured vulnerable populations by serving those who will remain uninsured as the Affordable Care Act is being implemented.”