Rural Butte County faces significant challenges that affect the health and well-being of its residents. With some of the highest Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) scores in the state, the county has recently been devastated by two of the deadliest wildfires in U.S. history. These disasters have compounded existing issues, including a troubling rise in youth substance use, overdoses, poverty and homelessness, as well as a lack of health care providers. The legalization of marijuana has also led to heightened usage and a decreased perception of harm, and concerning mental health issues have begun rising, including suicidal ideation, depression and feelings of hopelessness.

According to Joleen Levey, executive director of the Feather River Health Foundation, “All of these issues have been compounded by the region’s digital divide.” Rural communities like Butte have historically had limited internet access, and the wildfires have further damaged connectivity, hampering access to essential services and social connections. “That’s why it’s critical for our community to work together to promote connection—whether in-person or on the web.”

In response to these pressing issues, Butte County's Accountable Communities for Health (ACH) initiative, supported by the California Equitable Recovery Initiative (CERI) and the California Accountable Communities for Health Initiative (CACHI), launched in May 2024. The ACH is built on a foundation of collaborative action among partner organizations committed to inclusivity, equity, and engagement with youth and residents. The initiative aims to provide services that are culturally and linguistically appropriate, affirming the ACH values of belonging, dignity, and justice.

Danelle Campbell, Project Manager for the ACH, outlines three key priorities for the initiative: “Number one, strengthening community resilience. That means expanding the equity work that is currently being implemented through the CERI grant, specifically to include partner organizations who share the goal of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) focused system transformation. Second, improving community health through chronic disease prevention and upstream preventive actions. And lastly, convening healthcare providers, community organizations, residents/youth and multi-sector stakeholders to foster sustainable collective impact.”

The ACH has already formed a steering committee and is building its general membership. A recent “world cafe” event has gathered diverse residents, youth and stakeholders to enhance understanding of the ACH, create momentum around its priority focus areas and cultivate a culture of collective impact to reduce silos and encourage deeper collaboration. Most recently, it has launched a series of weekly training sessions called “DEIB - System Transformation Lunch & Learns.”

Now, Butte County is on a path toward healing and revitalization, drawing strength from its community and its residents’ commitment to tackling the complex challenges they face.

“Our response to the multiple crises we have experienced demonstrates our community’s resilience, hope and determination, as well as our ability to rise from the ashes and create meaningful change,” said Campbell.

For more information, visit buttecounty.net/610/Public-Health.