Nevada County has received statewide recognition for Public Health programs focused on expanding health care access in isolated, rural communities. 

The California State Association of Counties (CSAC) presented Nevada County with an 2025 Challenge Award that recognizes new, effective and cost-saving ways to provide services to residents. Representatives from the County accepted the awards at a ceremony in Sacramento last week.  

“This recognition, chosen from among 400 submissions, highlights the innovative, community-centered programs happening across our County from North San Juan to Truckee,” said County Executive Officer Alison Lehman. “This award is a testament to our dedicated Public Health team, who serve every day to help everyone in our community stay healthy and thrive.” 

Public Health Director Kathy Cahill said the County is expanding access to preventative care by bringing in-person services and self-service resources to residents who face barriers to finding a doctor or dentist.  

“Nearly 30 percent of our population — half being elementary students — rely on Medi-Cal, where finding a primary care doctor or dentist is challenging, especially in our more rural communities,” Cahill said. “Preventative services like immunizations, dental care, and health screenings improve long-term health outcomes, so we are bringing these services directly to those who need them most.” 

The award recognizes a range of initiatives that expand access to care, including mobile health services, school-based dental screenings and self-service health vending machines. 

Mobile Health Van

Launched with Covid-19 pandemic recovery funding, the mobile health unit travels monthly to six rural locations providing immunizations, dental screenings, HIV and Hepatitis C testing, and soon, blood pressure and diabetes screenings. 

The mobile van now provides 10 percent more immunizations and screenings in various locations such as Grass Valley, North San Juan and Truckee, plus additional outreach to high-risk populations such as unhoused residents and families served by Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and Community Beyond Violence. 

School-Based Oral Health Program 

Oral health teams screen children in grades TK–8, ensuring positive early dental experiences that build trust and healthy habits. Three Registered Dental Hygienists in Alternative Practice joined the program providing cleanings, molar sealants, fluoride treatments and dentist referrals. 

Since 2022, the Oral Health Program has screened 1,522 students, expanding to 10 schools in 2024–25 with 725 screenings, a 59 percent increase from the year before. Just six weeks into 2026, the program has already served more than 45 children through the Virtual Dental Home Program, providing X-rays and dental care directly at school sites. 

Health-Focused Vending Machines

Five machines located at health centers, community hubs and government offices provide discrete access to free or low-cost essential items such as toothbrushes, Narcan, first aid kits and pregnancy tests.  

Partnerships with Yuba Harm Reduction Collective and Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital keep supplies well-stocked. The vending machines are gaining popularity and distribute hundreds of items each week.