Public health nurses staffed clinics. made home visits. and compiled detailed records in an effort to combat tuberculosis. venereal diseases. and other communicable illnesses. They also aided crippled children. promoted maternal and child hygiene. broadened the school health program. and enlarged the countys mental health program. Significant accomplishments of the agencys sanitarians during this period included the setting of a higher standard for sanitary conditions for migrant workers. installation of septic tanks and sewers. and planning and development of local ordinances to help prevent typhoid and the consequences of unsanitary food handling. In 1939. a new health officer. in recognition of all these achievements. was presented with an award of distinction by the Junior Chamber of Commerce. Eventually. satellite public health offices were established at each end of Santa Cruz County. and the cities of Santa Cruz and Watsonville relinquished public health responsibilities to the county in order to consolidate all public health resources into one agency.