First Things First announces 2020 Yuma Region Champion

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - First Things First (FTF) is recognizing Amanda Aguirre as the 2020 First Things First Yuma Region Champion for Young Children.

FTF says the award is given to local champions who actively volunteer their time to raise public awareness of the importance of early childhood development and health.

Per FTF, champions spend a significant amount of time volunteering and promoting the importance of early childhood issues.

Aguirre is the president and CEO of Regional Center for Border Health, Inc. FTF says she has volunteered with FTF to raise awareness of the importance of early childhood education in the community for years.

FTF says Aguirre was recognized last fall at an FTF Yuma Regional Council meeting.

“The first months and years of a child’s life define the growth and cognitive development, this time is very important because the more positive the experience, the better quality of life the child will have,” Aguirre said.

As the CEO of Regional Center for Border Health, Aguirre, who lives in Yuma, has encouraged her entire agency to be true supporters of early childhood and continues to support the families with young children within our communities. 

Aguirre is a former Arizona state senator who has been involved in increasing access to quality affordable care throughout her career in business and public health.

She even provided early childhood information to pediatricians and medical staff at clinics in San Luis and Somerton.

“It takes a village to raise a healthy child,” she said. “The responsibility not only falls on the parents but also on teachers and caretakers. The local, state and federal governments also play