NACo’s Healthy Counties Initiative creates and sustains healthy counties by supporting collaboration and sharing evidence-informed approaches to pressing health issues. The initiative is centered on supporting and elevating best practices and county innovations in public health. By addressing key public health issues, Healthy Counties empowers county leaders with resources for promoting and advancing health policies and programs that meet the needs of their communities.

The Healthy Counties Initiative is supported by the Healthy Counties Advisory Board, a committee comprised of county elected officials, key county agency staff and corporate partners. These members work collaboratively to identify priorities and ensure that other county leaders receive timely and useful information to make appropriate health decisions for their communities.  

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New federal measures aim to enhance online protection for youth

On July 30, the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passed the bipartisan Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act, aiming to shield children from online dangers.

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SAMHSA releases new data on rates of mental illness and substance use disorder in the U.S.

On July 30, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released the results of its annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which provides data on rates of substance use and mental illness at the national, state and local level. 

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County community gardens fight food insecurity

Gwinnett County, Ga. established community gardens in county parks to help supply local food banks.

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U.S. Senate Committee approves legislation to reauthorize programs for older adults

On July 31, the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions (HELP) approved the bipartisan Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2024 on a 20-1 vote. 

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CMS releases guidance on Medicaid and CHIP services for incarcerated youth

On July 23, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued new guidance in response to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (P.L. 117-328) (CAA).

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Federal Actions on Key Maternal Health Policy Priorities: An Overview for Counties

Across the country, counties are facing a critical maternal health crisis. According to March of Dimes, 4.7 million birthing people live in counties with limited maternity care access.

Related Events

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Webinar

State Funding for County Behavioral Health Crisis Services: Examples and Opportunities

This webinar is hosted by the National Association of Counties (NACo) in partnership with The Pew Charitable Trusts and the MacArthur Foundation.

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Webinar

Stage CARES (Community Abatement Resources & Economic Solutions): Patent-Pending, Evidence-Based Tools to Solve the Opioid Epidemic at County and State Levels

Join us for a NACo Sponsored webinar to spotlight Stage CARES – Community Abatement Resources Economic Solutions. CARES is designed to help counties and states effectively solve their opioid epidemic through innovative, evidence-based tools and strategies. This session will share insights from national and local leaders.


Discover how CARES patent-pending technology provides data-driven recommendations along with program cost estimates from Stage Analytics’ Co-founders and Principals, Dr. Caleb Alexander, and Dr. Bill Padula.


Learn how to develop evidence-based plans and budgets for your county’s opioid abatement strategy.


Gain practical knowledge from local leaders on how CARES enables efficient collaboration and coordination among stakeholders.


Explore the platform’s capabilities in collecting, measuring, and visualizing real-time, compliant data to meet settlement requirements.


This webinar offers a unique opportunity to see firsthand how Stage CARES can empower your community with the tools and insights needed to solve your opioid epidemic. Don’t miss out—reserve your spot today!

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