Riverside University Health System – Public Health has started a year-long celebration marking its 100th anniversary of serving Riverside County. The centennial events began between February 17 and 24, with gatherings in Riverside, Perris, and Indio. County officials, including CEO Jeff Van Wagenen and COO Juan Perez, joined department leaders to recognize the founding of the public health department in 1926.
“It’s incredible to look back through our history and see how far we have come. We are indebted to all who have served this county before us and honored to carry that torch forward today,” said Kim Saruwatari, Director of RUHS – PH.
In its early years, the department focused on controlling communicable diseases such as polio, diphtheria, smallpox, tuberculosis, syphilis, and gonorrhea. Over time, its responsibilities expanded to include public health nursing, sanitation efforts, nutrition programs, improved data collection practices, and broader health education.
Throughout the decades since its founding, the department has provided critical medical support for children with special healthcare needs and worked on initiatives aimed at reducing smoking rates by influencing cultural norms. During the 1980s and 1990s HIV/AIDS crisis, RUHS – PH led local responses by providing advocacy and care when understanding was limited.
The agency also expanded into road safety programs that contributed to reduced car accident fatalities and introduced violence prevention initiatives. It achieved national accreditation as a public health department—a significant milestone for quality assurance.
RUHS – PH adopted strategic plans focused on community wellness and launched projects like the Community Health Worker Hub. The department adapted to new epidemics over time while addressing disparities in mortality rates related to substance use disorders and heat-related illnesses.
Innovative programs were developed around antibiotic resistance monitoring as well as wastewater testing for tracking disease clusters. The Women Infants & Children (WIC) program continued providing formula assistance throughout the county alongside other nutrition services.
“Change is constant and here in Public Health we understand that the future will require that we identify, adapt and meet emerging health challenges as they come. For that reason, the lessons of the past make us stronger so that we will be ready,” said Riverside County Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Chevinsky.
As part of its centennial observance, RUHS – PH presented Vital Signs—a review conducted by each program within the agency assessing their impact on local communities while seeking ways for ongoing improvement.
The department plans to create a historical timeline and a time capsule at its headquarters in Riverside. It will also engage residents through social media activities featuring trivia questions and milestones from public health history in Riverside County.
A dedicated webpage was established for residents interested in learning more about public health’s history locally; it includes information from various branches of RUHS – PH along with details about available resources. Each month will spotlight different topics or branches within the agency.
