Public Health Leadership Initiative
Sections
Counties are essential to the public health system, delivering services that protect and promote community well-being. From addressing substance use to tackling food insecurity, county policies and programs shape the conditions in which residents live and work. County investments in health ensure that all residents have access to the services they need to thrive.
NACo’s Public Health Leadership Initiative will engage county leaders on their role in public health and equip them with the skills needed to become public health champions in their communities. The initiative will include cohort programs as well as one-off peer exchange events and best practice briefs focused on highlighting successful strategies for empowering county officials to improve community health.
By the numbers
1,900
Local health departments
Counties support public health through the operation of more than 1,900 local health departments
$100B
Invested in community health
Counties invest $100 billion in community health and hospitals each year to provide community and public health services and support county-owned hospitals
$62.8B
Allocated to provide a safety net
Annually, counties allocate $62.8 billion to provide a safety net for the most vulnerable residents
Public Health Leadership Academy
Applications to NACo’s inaugural Public Health Leadership Academy are now closed. We will be launching applications for the next cohort this fall. If you are interested in being notified when applications launch, sign up here.
Upcoming Program Calendar
- August 2026 - September 2026: Applications open for the second Public Health Leadership Academy Cohort
- November 2026: Second Public Health Leadership Academy begins
- January 19 - 22, 2027: Second Public Health Leadership Academy in-person convening
- March 2027: Second Public Health Leadership Academy concludes
About the Public Health Leadership Academy
These 12 counties are participating in NACo's PHLA cohort:
- Alachua County, Fla.
- Arapahoe County, Colo.
- Cobb County, Ga.
- Delta County, Colo.
- Hennepin County, Minn.
- Rolette County, N.D.
- Saline County, Kan.
- Scott County, Minn.
- Shasta County, Calif.
- Thurston County, Wash.
- United Government of Wyandotte County, Kan.
- Yates County, N.Y.
Resource
The County Role in Public Health
This brief provides an overview of how counties provide integral public health services for all Americans, describes their public health authority, their role in preparedness and response efforts, and local public health efforts to address social determinants of health (SDOH) in our communities.
Resource
Building a Legacy of Health: Transforming the Health and Wellbeing of Our Communities
In partnership with the de Beaumont Foundation, NACo offers insights and actionable strategies to help county leaders build a legacy of health in our communities – beyond increasing access to clinical care.
Program
Healthy Counties Innovation Council
NACo’s Healthy Counties Innovation Council elevates national trends and county innovations in promoting and protecting the health and well-being of America’s residents; in addition, the Council advises NACo on the organization’s health programming.
Committee
Health Policy Steering Committee
The committee covers all matters pertaining to public health and healthy communities, including disease and injury prevention and health promotion, health disparities reduction, mental and behavioral health services, and financing delivering health care.
Resource
County Health Day 2026: County Participation Toolkit
Please join the National Association of Counties (NACo) in celebrating County Health Day on Friday, April 17.
Minnesota county library addresses public health
Dakota County, Minn. identified libraries as trusted accessible spaces to be used as community health hubs.
Partnerships drive better community health, leaders say
Participants in NACo's Public Health Leadership Academy focused on building trust between public health professionals and elected leaders.
CMS Issues Interim Final Rule on Medicaid Community Engagement Requirements
On June 1, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued an Interim Final Rule with Comment Period (IFR) establishing binding standards for how states must implement Medicaid community engagement ("work") requirements enacted under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (P.L. 119-21), also referred to as H.R. 1.
NACo launches 2026 Public Health Leadership Academy Cohort to Strengthen County Health
The National Association of Counties (NACo) announces the launch of the inaugural 2026 Public Health Leadership Academy.
Strategies for Sustainable Retiree Health Benefits
This session will provide practical guidance for navigating the rapidly evolving Group Medicare landscape while balancing affordability, compliance, and retiree satisfaction.