First 5 Sacramento Approves $40 Million In Funding

Sacramento CA

02 March, 2021

10:05 PM

Description

Press release from the Sacramento County Government: March 2, 2021 The First 5 Sacramento Commission unanimously approved more than $40 million in funding for contracts that will begin July 2021. Funding over a three-year period is for critical prevention and early intervention programs that will serve young children and their families in Sacramento County. Funding was allocated specifically to: Prevent African American Child Deaths Strengthen Families/Decrease Child Maltreatment and Trauma Improve School Readiness Build Quality Child Care Settings Increase Breastfeeding A list of agencies approved for funding can be found on the First 5 Sacramento website. As stewards of Proposition 10 tobacco tax public funds, First 5s across the state work toward three primary goals: 1) to ensure children receive the best start in life; 2) that parents and caregivers have the tools they need to help their children be successful, life-long learners; and 3) that systems serving children are streamlined and efficient. "For more than 20 years, First 5 Sacramento has invested considerably in a variety of early intervention and preventive programs serving children and families," said First District Supervisor and Chair of the First 5 Sacramento Commission Phil Serna. "These programs provide parents and caregivers the necessary tools to ensure children achieve their greatest potential and succeed in life." About First 5 Sacramento Research shows that 90% of a child's brain develops in the first five years and what parents and caregivers do during these years to support their child's growth will have a meaningful impact throughout life. Based on this research, California voters passed Proposition 10 in 1998, a tobacco tax, to support programs for expectant parents and children ages 0-5. In the last year, First 5 Sacramento distributed approximately $11 million a year in Prop 10 revenues to programs and services that meet local needs in Sacramento County. All 58 counties have a First 5 Children and Families Commission providing unique local services for that county. More information available at www.first5sacramento.net. This press release was produced by the Sacramento County Government. The views expressed here are the author's own.