Petaluma Health Care District Recognized With Transparency Award

PETALUMA, CA — The Petaluma Health Care District received the "District Transparency Certificate of Excellence" from the Special District Leadership Foundation in recognition of its outstanding efforts to promote transparency and good governance, the Petaluma Health Care District announced Tuesday.

"This award is a testament to the Petaluma Health Care District’s commitment to open government," said Ramona Faith, CEO of the Petaluma Health Care District. "Our staff and Board of Directors are to be commended for their contributions that empower the public with information and facilitate engagement and oversight. As a community-owned and operated public agency, we proudly uphold high standards for organizational integrity that reflect the values and character of the community we serve."

SDLF is an independent, nonprofit organization formed to promote good governance and best practices among California’s special districts through certification, accreditation, and other recognition programs.

To receive the award, the Petaluma Health Care District demonstrated the completion of essential governance transparency requirements, including conducting ethics training for all board members, properly conducting open and public meetings, and filing financial transactions and compensation reports to the State Controller in a timely manner, the District said in a news release.

Special districts are independent public agencies that deliver core local services to communities, such as utility, wastewater treatment, fire protection, parks and recreation, health care, sanitation, mosquito abatement, ports, libraries, public cemeteries and more. District boards are approved by voters to meet specific needs through focused service.

With a five-member board, as well as administrative and community health programming staff, the Petaluma Health Care District said it has sought to improve the health and wellness of southern Sonoma County residents through various initiatives, increased access to local health care, strong community partnerships and ongoing advocacy for all residents.

Community members can keep up with Petaluma Health Care District programs, events and announcements by following the District on Facebook and signing up for its monthly newsletter.