4,416
Population of young children (under age 6)
35%
Percentage of young children living in poverty
The Santa Cruz Region covers almost all of Santa Cruz County, the smallest county in the state of Arizona. Situated in the Sonoran desert of southeast Arizona, Santa Cruz County and the Santa Cruz Region are home to six communities: Nogales, Patagonia, Rio Rico, Sonoita, Elgin and Tubac. Nogales is the county seat and is one of the largest ports of entry between Mexico and the United States. The area surrounding the Amado community in the northwestern corner of the county is assigned to the Pima South Region.
Priorities
The Santa Cruz Regional Partnership Council makes strategic investments to support the healthy development and learning of the young children in the region. The regional council’s priorities include:
- Strengthening families through voluntary home visiting and family resource centers
- Oral health screenings and fluoride varnishes
- Improving the quality of child care and preschool programs
- Scholarships for children to access high-quality early learning
Regional Publications
First Things First Staff
Jessica Harrington
Sr. Director, Southeast Regional Area
Susan Faubion
Administrative Assistant II - Santa Cruz
Regional Office
