Students in Planada standing by water filling station.Merced, Calif. –Dignity Health, The California Endowment, Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) and Le Grand and Planada school districts will gather to unveil water bottle filling stations that have been installed in elementary, middle and high schools. The filling stations were installed through the Agua4All campaign to provide and promote safe water in California’s rural communities.

The celebration will take place at Le Grand High School gymnasium, 12961 E Le Grand Road in Le Grand on Thursday, March 9, at 10 a.m. Speakers will include Dignity Health Director of Communications, Robert McLauglin; RCAC Chief Executive Officer, Stanley Keasling; Merced County Supervisor, Rodrigo Espinoza; representatives from U.S. Congressman Jim Costa and California State Senator Anthony Cannella’s offices; The California Endowment Program Manager, Brian Mimura and representatives from each school district.

“We’re proud to join our partners at Dignity Health, The California Endowment and local schools to celebrate this important accomplishment to help increase access to safe drinking water for Merced students,” Keasling said.

To date, the Agua4All program has installed nearly 200 water bottle filling in California schools and communities. Along with the installations, Agua4All staff provides outreach and education to promote consumption of and dispel negative myths about tap water.

Founded in 1978, RCAC provides training, technical and financial resources and advocacy so rural communities can achieve their goals and visions. RCAC serves rural communities in 13 western states and the Pacific islands. RCAC provides a broad range of community and economic development services and lending to support local efforts. To find out more about Agua4All, visit https://www.rcac.org/environmental/agua4all/

Contact:

Julia Helmreich, Director
Communications, Development & Events
(916) 447-9832 ext. 1008
jhelmreich@rcac.org