Home Issues & Interest Areas Restore the Partnership

For decades, the county and Federal governments worked together to answer the challenges facing the nation. But in recent years, that partnership has begun to wane. To change this, NACo has launched a campaign to “Restore the Partnership” between the Federal government and America’s counties.

The campaign emphasizes the importance of federalism to the American system of government. Its goals are to reestablish the partnership and to educate Presidential candidates and members of Congress about county issues and responsibilities.

The campaign began in 2006 with the 2008 Presidential Election Project. In 2009, the campaign will  focus on Restoring the Partnership with the Obama Administration and Congress.

NACo held an issue briefing on health care for 30 Congressional staff on June 8 as part of the Restore the Partnership Campaign. Three county officials discussed how county governments are integral to America’s health system and will be crucial partners in achieving successful reform. 

Speaking at the briefing were: Ken Ulman, Howard County, Md. executive; Carol Moehrle, North District director, North Central Health Department, Nez Perce County, Idaho; and Pat Fleming, director, Substance Abuse Services, Salt Lake County, Utah.

Ulman said that counties are obligated to provide safety net services to their citizens. He focused on how counties are payers and providers of last resort and maintain the safety net infrastructure.  He also spoke about Howard County’s program “Healthy Howard” that provides access to affordable health care for all residents of the county.

Moehrle discussed public health, prevention and wellness on a population basis.  She focused on the issue of creating efforts to reduce chronic disease and the struggles of getting a population to change their behavior to combat preventable diseases – and help to control rising costs of health care.

Fleming explained the role of counties in supporting individuals with mental health issues, substance use disorders and developmental disabilities – and their families. He touched on some of the innovative programs he has implemented in Salt Lake County through Substance Abuse Services.

NACo Executive Director Larry E. Naake, who moderated the briefing, told the 30 Hill staffers that counties are unique in their responsibility to both finance and deliver health services.