Greetings,
This month I would like to highlight our Health and Human Services department. HHS includes six divisions: the Adult System of Care; Children’s System of Care; Human Services; Public Health; Environmental Health and Animal Services; and Admin. Services.
Health & Human Services: Building a Healthier Community Together
Placer County Health & Human Services is the county’s largest department, with more than 800 staff across six divisions providing vital services to residents countywide. HHS supports communities through more than 100 programs, including food and healthcare assistance, mental health and substance use services, child welfare, public health, environmental health and animal services.
Unlike many other departments that service only unincorporated areas, most HHS programs serve the entire county, no matter whether someone lives in a city or a rural community. That means – if eligible based on their income or insurance – residents can turn to HHS for everyday essentials like CalFresh food benefits, Medi‑Cal help, WIC nutrition support, or employment services; for behavioral health needs like counseling, substance use treatment, or help for older adults and veterans; and for programs that keep the community healthy and safe, including restaurant and pool inspections, child welfare services and more. The majority of these programs are funded through state and federal dollars rather than local, and come with specific requirements.
Over the past few years, HHS has made several improvements that expand access to care. The department opened the new consolidated HHS Center in Auburn in 2024, creating a more accessible, one‑stop location for services and improving the experience for mid‑Placer residents. Mobile crisis services for those experiencing a mental health crisis are now available 24/7 by calling 1-888-886-5401. The department has rolled out new campaigns promoting cancer prevention and healthy aging, including Alzheimer’s awareness and fall prevention, and rolled out new EBT cards with secure chip and tap-to-pay technology. The Animal Services division reduced cat and kitten intakes in part thanks to a new low-cost spay and neuter program. HHS also increased permanent supportive housing capacity through Homekey sites in Tahoe and Roseville, adding much‑needed beds for individuals transitioning out of homelessness, with a third location planned in Auburn.
HHS works closely with local partners — from cities and schools to nonprofits and health systems — to ensure residents receive timely, coordinated support. For a deeper look at the department’s work and accomplishments, readers can explore the department’s most recent Annual Report, available here.
As always, I encourage you to contact my office with any questions or concerns you may have. You may do so by calling 530-889-4081 or via email at crivera@placer.ca.gov.
Anthony DeMattei
Placer County Supervisor, District 3
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