Clark County commissioners on Aug. 5 recognized county programs that won 2025 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards, spotlighting a mobile dental and optical service, a multi‑agency impacted‑persons database for reunification in mass casualty events, and a public defender drop‑in center intended to reduce recidivism.

The most detailed presentation described “Healthy Together,” Clark County Social Services’ mobile program that deployed dental teams across the valley during fiscal year 2024–25. Commissioner Marilyn Kirkpatrick said the mobile deployments totaled more than 60 events and provided dental care to “over 800 unduplicated Southern Nevadans,” including outreach to North Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Searchlight, Laughlin and Mesquite. Jamie Sorensen, a program representative, told the commission teams sometimes return to the same site for follow‑up care and have added vision exams and glasses to the mobile offerings.

County officials described the impacted‑persons database as a cross‑agency tool built to support identification and reunification after mass casualty incidents. Commissioner Kirkpatrick said the database was developed with multi‑agency partners — including hospitals, the Southern Nevada Health District, first responders and Metro — to allow real‑time identification and reunification while maintaining HIPAA compliance. Clark County staff said the tool has been used in events including university incidents and hurricane response and that state legislation (AB 50) was signed recently to support related work.

The commission also honored the newly opened Clark County Public Defender Drop‑In Center, a one‑stop resource for clients to access mental health evaluations, substance use services and required classes to help meet court‑ordered obligations. Michelle Bruning of the public defender’s office reported the center opened in March and has served “over 200 public defender clients” since opening, providing supports for clients who often lack phones, homes or transportation.

Commissioners brought the program teams forward for public recognition and photo opportunities. County staff and commissioners emphasized that the awards reflect county employees’ work to design services delivered close to where residents live, and to coordinate across agencies.

Details presented to the commission: the mobile dental program reported 60 mobile deployments and more than 800 unduplicated patients in the 07/01/2024–06/30/2025 fiscal year; the impacted‑persons database was described as a multi‑agency, HIPAA‑compliant system used for reunification in mass casualty events and referenced recent state action (AB 50); and the public defender drop‑in center opened in March and has served over 200 clients. The commission did not take additional policy or funding votes at the time of recognition.