WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A veteran program in our region has received national recognition for its services.

The Whatcom County Health and Community Services Veterans Program was awarded a 2025 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties.

The county department says the program strives to improve wellness outcomes for vets by connecting them to benefits at multiple levels and helping them access resources like medical and social services.

NACo awards based on innovation in county programs across a wide spectrum of responsibilities.

San Juan County also received a nod from the association for their 32-hour work week.

Implemented in Fall of 2023, the county says they’ve seen promising returns following the switch, saving nearly $1 million in its first year and a drop in turnover rate by 43%.

Nearly 1,600 awards were given out this year to counties across the country.