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National County Government Month (NCGM), held each April, is an annual celebration of county government. Since 1991, the National Association of Counties (NACo) has encouraged counties to actively promote county roles and responsibilities in serving residents. Counties can schedule activities any time during the month. NCGM is an excellent opportunity for your county to highlight effective or innovative county programs and raise public awareness of services provided to the community.

This year's National County Government Month theme is consistent with NACo President Denise Winfrey's focus for the year, Counties RISE!

RISE! stands for Resiliency, Inclusion, Solvency and Empowerment - and the exclamation point speaks to the enthusiasm and passion with which we tell those stories. Counties are encouraged to reflect on this theme as you choose how to celebrate NCGM.

Questions?

If you have questions about National County Government Month, please contact Nicole Weissman at nweissman@naco.org.

Watch RISE Video

A message from NACo President Denise Winfrey

Dear Fellow County Leader,

National County Government Month (NCGM) is an opportunity - a moment to elevate our work and educate citizens on the importance of county government. Residents deserve to know about the many ways our work touches their lives, and the broader framework of intergovernmental partnership wherein we county leaders deploy local, state, and federal programs on the ground.

Our role is broad and deep, and there is much to say - when considering your approach to NCGM, think of how our counties RISE!:

• Resiliency refers to our focus on the future and our determination to serve our communities even as they grow and change
• Inclusion focuses on programming that ensures no one is left behind, especially those who have historically been underserved
• Solvency means fostering economic mobility opportunities that help residents and communities prosper
• Empowerment is a commitment to sharing resources, educating and informing one another

My presidential theme ends with an exclamation point because we must tell these stories with the passion and energy that convey the commitment of county governments to the communities we serve.

This NCGM, we will tell stories that celebrate our work and inform our residents. Spotlight your county's role in making life better for every single resident, and in contributing to the intergovernmental partnership that makes effective governing possible.

As you celebrate your finest programs, I also encourage you to nominate them for a NACo Achievement Award now through April 7, 2023. 

In the spirit of NCGM, we celebrate you and thank you for your service and your commitment to helping Counties RISE!

The Hon. Denise Winfrey
NACo President
Board Member, Will County, Ill.

 

Getting Started

National County Government Month (NCGM) is an annual celebration of county government held each April. Since 1991, the National Association of Counties has encouraged our members to actively promote county services and programs. Counties can schedule activities any time during the month. NCGM is an excellent opportunity for your county to highlight effective county programs and raise public awareness and understanding about the various services provided to the community. Here are a few ideas on how to get started:

Establish a Planning Committee

The committee will plan, organize and coordinate all activities related to NCGM. Committee members should include representatives from the county board, administration, school system and each county department. Additionally, a public information officer or county official experienced in media relations should be included. Consider including a county extension service representative. This could be a staff member, 4-H volunteer or 4-H member. All areas of county government and schools should be involved in the planning process.

Decide How Extensive Your Activities Will Be

Plan activities throughout the month or organize just a few featured events. Hold fun, interactive and informative activities to reach different segments of your community, including students, educators, senior citizens, young families, business leaders and community organizations. Activities should be designed to bring residents to county facilities such as the courthouse, parks, public safety building, public health department or a recycling/waste transfer station. Activities can be planned to deploy county officials to locations where residents are already assembled. Suggestions for activities such as open houses and public tours can be found on this page.

Involve the Media

Be sure members of the local news media are aware of NCGM and the activities your committee has planned. Consider involving a member of the news media in the planning process. Feel free to use the template press release included in this guide as a jumping off point.

Share your program

NACo encourages counties to share with us what programs you'll be highlighting this NCGM through two major channels:

• First, you can share a description of the program, event, or initiative you're celebrating through the form at the bottom of this page. This is a great way to incorporate your story into NACo's broader NCGM campaign.
• Second, you can nominate the program you're celebrating for a NACo Achievement Award. Achievement Award applications are due April 7, 2023. For more details, click here.

Counties Matter National County Government Month offers an opportunity to educate residents about county programs, services and responsibilities. It is also an opportunity to promote county priorities.  As part of NCGM, prepare and distribute county fact sheets. Some counties roll out a “County Fact of the Day” or distribute fact sheets representing key county departments, such as public safety, parks and recreation, public works and health. Help our residents see just how much Counties Matter.

Send the fact sheets to the media, post them on the county website and distribute via social media. Fact sheets can highlight county services and programs provided by your county. Examples include:

Children and Families	How many children, senior citizens or veterans received county services last year? Does your county support a child mentoring program or local food bank? How is your county investing in early childhood development?
Emergency Response, Public Safety and Justice	How many trained emergency responders are employed by the county? How many trained volunteer emergency responders serve the county? How many emergency calls were responded to last year? How many bookings were processed at the county jail last year? What is the daily average jail population?
Health & Hospitals	How many patients were served last year at county hospitals and clinics? How many health department inspections were conducted last year? How many vaccinations were administered last year? How many emergency room visits were made last year? How many nursing homes are in the county? How many county residents have health insurance?
Older Americans	How many seniors did your county serve last year? How does your county support caregivers? Does your county have programs to assist residents with mobility challenges?
Economy & Employment	How many people are unemployed in the county? What is the average county wage? How many residents received direct job training or unemployment services last year? How many businesses have been added to the county? How many new jobs have they brought in?
Veterans Services	How many veterans are in your county? How does your county serve veterans in your community?

NACo’s online interactive County Explorer tool is an excellent source of data on every county, parish and borough in America. It includes county and state-specific profiles on issues such as transportation infrastructure, public lands and forest management, community development and others.

• Go to Counties Matter
• Access the County Explorer

Open the County to the Public

A great way to educate residents about county services is inviting them to visit county facilities for an open house or public tour. If your office is not open for visits due to continuing COVID restrictions, consider a virtual tour.

Offer In-Person or Virtual Tours

Be sure to keep the public informed of what’s happening on the front lines. Stream meetings over your social media outlets and other digital platforms or offer virtual tours of meeting spaces.

Encourage Volunteerism

Inform residents of how they can help and what communities or businesses in your county they can offer aid to. 

School Involvement

Include schools in your National County Government Month activities to enable students to learn about county government.

Counties Work online game and My County Works activity book

NACo’s civic education resources provide perfect opportunities to inform young people about county government and have fun at the same time.

Developed in partnership with iCivics, the “Counties Work” online educational game and the downloadable “My County Works” activity book for young children are great activities individuals can enjoy from their homes.

The game educates students (and adults!) about local government functions by letting them run their own county. Along the way, they will learn about the many services provided by county departments while having to balance citizen requests and budgets.

The “My County Works” activity book offers hours of education and entertainment for elementary students.

Both resources are free and accessible at NACo.org/iCivics.

• LEARN MORE ABOUT COUNITES WORK & iCIVICS

Call Your Members of Congress

National County Government Month is an ideal time to discuss national policy issues affecting county government with members of Congress who represent your county.

During NCGM, schedule a call with your congressional representative(s) or key staff in your congressional district office. Use the call to explain the great challenges facing your county and how Congress can help.

Many important issues are being debated nationally that affect counties. Be prepared with facts and information about how specific federal issues affect your county. Know where your member of Congress stands on important issues and on which committees he or she serves. Your message should be focused, compelling and relevant. To find out about NACo’s 2023 Legislative Priorities and obtain fact sheets on current national issues important to counties, click here. 

Contact: Mark Ritacco, mritacco@naco.org, 202.942.4240

• Advocacy Resources

Sample Proclamation National County Government Month - April 2023 "Counties RISE!" WHEREAS, the nation’s 3,069 counties serving more than 330 million Americans provide essential services to create healthy, safe and vibrant communities; and WHEREAS, counties fulfill a vast range of responsibilities and deliver services that touch nearly every aspect of our residents' lives; and WHEREAS, [INSERT YOUR COUNTY’S NAME] and all counties take pride in our responsibility to protect and enhance the health, wellbeing and safety of our residents in efficient and cost-effective ways; and WHEREAS, under the leadership of National Association of Counties President Denise Winfrey, NACo is demonstrating how “Counties RISE!,” demonstrating exemplary Resiliency, Inclusion, Solvency, and Empowerment; and  WHEREAS, each year since 1991 the National Association of Counties has encouraged counties across the country to elevate awareness of county responsibilities, programs and services; and WHEREAS, [INSERT COUNTY SPECIFIC INFO TO HIGHLIGHT] NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT I, [INSERT NAME & TITLE OF CHIEF ELECTED OFFICIAL], do hereby proclaim April 2023 as National County Government Month and encourage all county officials, employees, schools and residents to participate in county government celebration activities. Download

Media Resources Kit

This is your one-stop online shop for NCGM design templates to produce your county’s own posters, flyers, banners, proclamations and buttons.

These additions are sure to enhance the festive atmosphere of your NCGM events. Plenty of space is available for you to add your county’s seal or unique county government month slogan or message. If you find something you want to use, download the file and add your county’s local touch.

NACo Media Relations Guide for Counties

The NACo Media Relations Guide for Counties contains helpful tips on speaking with reporters, writing news releases, planning press conferences, and much more. Learn more

Media Relations Strategies

Careful planning is essential to maximize public awareness of National County Government Month activities and the county services and programs you are highlighting. Here are effective ways to help secure positive coverage.

Educate the Media

Inform local reporters, editors and broadcasters early and often about NCGM and your county’s plans to celebrate it.

Plan to Make News

Coordinate newsworthy events or announcements. You can launch new initiatives, announce plans for new programs or recognize county employees for their excellent public service. Keep in mind that newspapers seek in-depth facts, television stations want good visuals and radio reporters want snappy sounds bites. All reporters seek good stories. They want access to knowledgeable and articulate sources to make their stories interesting and informative.

Publish a Calendar of Events

Publish a calendar of NCGM events on your county’s website. Ask the local newspapers to publish the calendar. Ask the local television, cable and radio stations to air public service announcements about county services or events.

Write Media Advisories

Prepare and send media notices well in advance for specific NCGM events. Describe who, what, where, when and why. Make it newsworthy.

Write News Releases

Have news releases ready to distribute to the media the day of special NCGM events. Highlight what’s new, beneficial and cost-effective. Use lively, concise quotes from appropriate county officials. Provide contact information.

Take Your Message to the Media

Actively engage with media to deliver the message that counties matter. All counties, regardless of size, can hold virtual press conferences, media tours of county facilities and programs, and effectively pitch reporters, editors and producers. 

INSERT YOUR COUNTY’S LETTERHEAD CONTACT: Bea Candid (123) 456-7890 bcandid@ablecounty.gov Able County to Celebrate National County Government Month Leaders to highlight county innovations in public health and safety, justice, other county programs Everytown, USA (April 1, 2023) — Able County will celebrate National County Government Month (NCGM) during the month of April to showcase how the county achieves healthy, safe and vibrant communities. The theme for this year’s celebration of NCGM is “Counties RISE!,” inspired by the signature focus of National Association of Counties (NACo) President Denise Winfrey. The theme is an acronym for and highlights Resiliency, Inclusion, Solvency, and Empowerment - all county priorities undertaken with energy and passion for building stronger counties. This year, Able County celebrates NCGM with a range of events and initiatives including: virtual tours of Able County’s government center, nomination of several county programs for NACo Achievement Awards, and the return of the popular “Able County Family Day,” to be held April XX, 2023. “Able County is proud of the programs and services we provide to our residents,” said Board Chair Allison Awesome. “Our efforts are building inclusive, resilient, thriving communities. I encourage all county residents to participate in National County Government Month outreach events to learn about the role our county plays.” Since 1991, NACo has encouraged counties across the country to raise public awareness about county roles and responsibilities during the month of April.   Able County NCGM public events include: [INSERT COUNTY SPECIFIC INFO TO HIGHLIGHT]. A full listing of NCGM events is available at www.ablecounty.gov. Download

Social Media Resources

The emergence of social media in recent years provides tremendous opportunities to promote your NCGM events. If you already have a page on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram or another platform, use it to promote activities and carry messages during NCGM. Coordinate a county government month “social media team” to plan social media outreach efforts.

Sample Social Media Posts

April is National #County Government Month and this year's theme is "Counties RISE!" [INSERT COUNTY SPECIFIC INFO TO HIGHLIGHT] #NCGM

To celebrate National County Government Month, check out the @NACoTweets "My County Works" activity book for elementary students, created in partnership with @icivics. Download your copy today #NCGM #CountiesWork http://www.naco.org/icivics

To celebrate National County Government Month, play the @NACoTweets @iCivics #CountiesWork game, an online game where anyone can simulate the important roles and functions of #county leaders www.NACo.org/iCivics #TeachLocal #NCGM

#Counties deliver vital services to residents - [INSERT SPECIFIC COUNTY INFO TO HIGHLIGHT] #NCGM

#Counties are on the front lines of community health care, operating over 1,900 public health departments and nearly 1,000 hospitals, facilitating critical infrastructure and responsibly investing federal recovery funds. To learn more, visit naco.org/topics/health #NCGM

#Counties serve nearly every American every day. Urban, suburban and rural — counties work to keep our communities healthy, safe and vibrant. To learn more, visit www.NACo.org/CountiesMatter #NCGM

#Counties employ 3.6 million people and serve 330 million residents. To learn more, visit www.NACo.org/CountiesMatter #NCGM

#Counties own and maintain 44% of our nation's road miles and 38% of our nation's bridges, and are involved in 40% of public transport systems and the operation of 34% of public airports. To learn more, visit www.NACo.org/CountiesMatter #NCGM

In 29 states, County Veteran Service Officers help #veterans access essential federal benefits. #NCGM

#Counties operate 91% of all local jails and invest over $107 billion in justice and public safety annually, including 911 centers. To learn more, visit www.NACo.org/CountiesMatter #NCGM

Social Media Graphic

• Download Graphic

Contact: Coleman Davis, cdavis@naco.org, 202.661.8834

NACo Programs Help Counties Help Communities

The National Association of Counties has many programs and initiatives available to assist counties.

Below is a snapshot of NACo programs designed to help counties thrive. If your county participates in any of these programs, NCGM is an excellent opportunity to inform the public about them. If your county does not participate in any of these programs, consider involving your county in one or more of NACo’s programs and announcing it during NCGM.

COVID-19 Recovery Clearinghouse

The NACo COVID-19 Recovery Clearinghouse features critical resources for counties, including allocation estimations, examples of county programs using federal coronavirus relief funds, the latest news and more.

• Access Clearinghouse
• ARPA Fiscal Recovery Fund Resource Hub

Contacts: Teryn Zmuda, TZmuda@naco.org, 202.661.8821 | Eryn Hurley, EHurley@naco.org, 202.942.4204

Resilient Economies and Communities

To help counties implement innovative and effective local programs, NACo provides members with information, trainings and assistance to engage counties and multi-sector partners bound by a common interest in growing stronger, more competitive, more equitable counties and communities. The Resilient Economies and Communities practice area supports county leaders seeking to develop and implement creative, innovative, locally driven strategies that will foster economic growth and ensure long-term county resiliency.

Topics within this practice area include:

• Economic opportunity and diversification
• Entrepreneurship and small business development
• Workforce development
• Infrastructure and transportation investments
• Land use planning
• Water resource protection and restoration
• Renewable energy planning, development and management
• Disaster mitigation, preparedness and response, and
• Eco-efficient purchasing and facility management.

Contact: Jennifer Kuiper, JKuiper@naco.org, 202.942.4253

Prescription, Health and Dental Discount Program

The National Association of Counties (NACo) Live Healthy Prescription, Health & Dental Discount Program is a NO-COST program available to all member counties. It provides relief to uninsured and underinsured Americans who face growing health costs offering three ways to save:

• Prescription Drug Discount Card - Provides savings up to 80 percent* on generics and up to 40 percent* on brand-name prescription medications for residents and their pets
• Health Discount Program - Includes a 24/7 telemedicine service and access to discounts on vision care, LASIK & PRK vision procedures, hearing aids & screenings, prepaid lab work, prepaid diagnostic imaging and diabetic supplies for $5.95/month or $59/year for individuals; $7.95/month or $69/year for families*
• Dental Discount Program - Discounts on most dental procedures, including check-ups, cleanings, x-rays, fillings, root canals, extractions and dentures for $5.95/month or $59/year for individuals; $7.95/month or $69/year for families*
• MinuteClinic Savings - Save 15% at the medical walk-in clinic located in select CVS Pharmacy© Stores using the Live Healthy Prescription Discount Card

Since 2004, nearly 1,300 counties, parishes and boroughs joined, saving residents over $725 million over 51 million prescriptions. The Live Healthy Program is NOT insurance.

NACo provides all marketing resources AT NO COST to participating counties through a self-service portal. Access digital and printed resources on demand to promote the program to the residents. County Live Healthy contacts have been given access to the self-service portal. 

Contact: NACo Membership Team, LiveHealthy@naco.org, 202.661.8832

*Prescription savings may vary by drug and pharmacy; discounts are only available at participating pharmacies. Health and dental discounts are subject to coverage and are available in every state except Washington. MinuteClinic discounts are available in 33 states and the District of Columbia

Contact: NACo Membership Team, LiveHealthy@naco.org, 202.661.8832
 
*Prescription savings may vary by drug and pharmacy; discounts are only available at participating pharmacies. Health and dental discounts are subject to coverage and are available in every state except Washington. MinuteClinic discounts are available in 33 states and the District of Columbia

Smart Justice Initiative

The Smart Justice Initiative aims to build knowledge and capacity for successful justice policies and practices among the nation’s counties and provide a closer examination of the need for intergovernmental collaboration and public private partnerships in an effort to create safer communities and invest taxpayer resources more effectively. Issues include pre-trial services, post-release service coordination, justice and mental health collaboration, supportive housing, and employment.

Contact: Nastassia Walsh, nwalsh@naco.org, 202.942.4289

Stepping Up Initiative

In May 2015, NACo, the Council of State Governments Justice Center and the American Psychiatric Association Foundation launched Stepping Up: A National Initiative to Reduce the Number of People with Mental Illnesses in Jails. Since then, more than 500 counties have joined the initiative.

Stepping Up participants receive a resources toolkit to assist with efforts, including webinars, networking calls, online tools, peer exchanges, conference workshops and a comprehensive resource library. Find out more and join the initiative at www.StepUpTogether.org.

Contact: Nastassia Walsh, nwalsh@naco.org, 202.942.4289

Healthy Counties Initiative

NACo launched the Healthy Counties Initiative in 2011 to enhance public-private partnerships in local health delivery, improve individual and community health and assist counties in implementing federal health reform. The initiative engages county officials and private sector partners to:

• Fulfill a leadership role in implementing health reform at the county level
• Enhance coverage, access to and coordination of health care for vulnerable populations in the community, including health services in hospitals, community health centers and county jails, while focusing on cost-containment strategies
• Promote community public health, prevention and wellness programs, including increased physical activity and healthy eating
• Participate in the national transition to health information technology and telemedicine, and
• Offer information, ideas and solutions for county government employee and retiree health benefits and programs.

Contact: Nastassia Walsh, nwalsh@naco.org, 202.942.4289

Nationwide Retirement Solutions

NACo’s Defined Contribution and Retirement Services Program offers county employees a voluntary, tax-deferred savings opportunity to supplement employer-sponsored retirement plans. It also offers a 401(a) match and stand-alone defined contribution plans. Since NACo’s partnership with Nationwide began, we’ve helped more than 1.5 million county employees and retirees save billions of dollars for retirement. 

Jump to Section Logos Sample Proclamation Media Relations Guide Social Media Resources My County Works Activity Book iCivics & Counties Work Counties Matter County Explorer National County Government Month (NCGM), held each April, is an annual celebration of county government. Since 1991, the National Association of Counties (NACo) has encouraged counties to actively promote county roles and responsibilities in serving residents. Counties can schedule activities any time during the month. NCGM is an excellent opportunity for your county to highlight effective or innovative county programs and raise public awareness of services provided to the community. This year's National County Government Month theme is consistent with NACo President Denise Winfrey's focus for the year, Counties RISE! RISE! stands for Resiliency, Inclusion, Solvency and Empowerment - and the exclamation point speaks to the enthusiasm and passion with which we tell those stories. Counties are encouraged to reflect on this theme as you choose how to celebrate NCGM. Questions? If you have questions about National County Government Month, please contact Nicole Weissman at nweissman@naco.org. Watch RISE Video A message from NACo President Denise Winfrey Dear Fellow County Leader, National County Government Month (NCGM) is an opportunity - a moment to elevate our work and educate citizens on the importance of county government. Residents deserve to know about the many ways our work touches their lives, and the broader framework of intergovernmental partnership wherein we county leaders deploy local, state, and federal programs on the ground. Our role is broad and deep, and there is much to say - when considering your approach to NCGM, think of how our counties RISE!: Resiliency refers to our focus on the future and our determination to serve our communities even as they grow and change Inclusion focuses on programming that ensures no one is left behind, especially those who have historically been underserved Solvency means fostering economic mobility opportunities that help residents and communities prosper Empowerment is a commitment to sharing resources, educating and informing one another My presidential theme ends with an exclamation point because we must tell these stories with the passion and energy that convey the commitment of county governments to the communities we serve. This NCGM, we will tell stories that celebrate our work and inform our residents. Spotlight your county's role in making life better for every single resident, and in contributing to the intergovernmental partnership that makes effective governing possible. As you celebrate your finest programs, I also encourage you to nominate them for a NACo Achievement Award now through April 7, 2023.  In the spirit of NCGM, we celebrate you and thank you for your service and your commitment to helping Counties RISE! The Hon. Denise Winfrey NACo President Board Member, Will County, Ill.   Getting Started National County Government Month (NCGM) is an annual celebration of county government held each April. Since 1991, the National Association of Counties has encouraged our members to actively promote county services and programs. Counties can schedule activities any time during the month. NCGM is an excellent opportunity for your county to highlight effective county programs and raise public awareness and understanding about the various services provided to the community. Here are a few ideas on how to get started: Establish a Planning Committee The committee will plan, organize and coordinate all activities related to NCGM. Committee members should include representatives from the county board, administration, school system and each county department. Additionally, a public information officer or county official experienced in media relations should be included. Consider including a county extension service representative. This could be a staff member, 4-H volunteer or 4-H member. All areas of county government and schools should be involved in the planning process. Decide How Extensive Your Activities Will Be Plan activities throughout the month or organize just a few featured events. Hold fun, interactive and informative activities to reach different segments of your community, including students, educators, senior citizens, young families, business leaders and community organizations. Activities should be designed to bring residents to county facilities such as the courthouse, parks, public safety building, public health department or a recycling/waste transfer station. Activities can be planned to deploy county officials to locations where residents are already assembled. Suggestions for activities such as open houses and public tours can be found on this page. Involve the Media Be sure members of the local news media are aware of NCGM and the activities your committee has planned. Consider involving a member of the news media in the planning process. Feel free to use the template press release included in this guide as a jumping off point. Share your program NACo encourages counties to share with us what programs you'll be highlighting this NCGM through two major channels: First, you can share a description of the program, event, or initiative you're celebrating through the form at the bottom of this page. This is a great way to incorporate your story into NACo's broader NCGM campaign. Second, you can nominate the program you're celebrating for a NACo Achievement Award. Achievement Award applications are due April 7, 2023. For more details, click here. Counties Matter National County Government Month offers an opportunity to educate residents about county programs, services and responsibilities. It is also an opportunity to promote county priorities.  As part of NCGM, prepare and distribute county fact sheets. Some counties roll out a “County Fact of the Day” or distribute fact sheets representing key county departments, such as public safety, parks and recreation, public works and health. Help our residents see just how much Counties Matter. Send the fact sheets to the media, post them on the county website and distribute via social media. Fact sheets can highlight county services and programs provided by your county. Examples include: Children and Families How many children, senior citizens or veterans received county services last year? Does your county support a child mentoring program or local food bank? How is your county investing in early childhood development? Emergency Response, Public Safety and Justice How many trained emergency responders are employed by the county? How many trained volunteer emergency responders serve the county? How many emergency calls were responded to last year? How many bookings were processed at the county jail last year? What is the daily average jail population? Health & Hospitals How many patients were served last year at county hospitals and clinics? How many health department inspections were conducted last year? How many vaccinations were administered last year? How many emergency room visits were made last year? How many nursing homes are in the county? How many county residents have health insurance? Older Americans How many seniors did your county serve last year? How does your county support caregivers? Does your county have programs to assist residents with mobility challenges? Economy & Employment How many people are unemployed in the county? What is the average county wage? How many residents received direct job training or unemployment services last year? How many businesses have been added to the county? How many new jobs have they brought in?   Veterans Services How many veterans are in your county? How does your county serve veterans in your community? NACo’s online interactive County Explorer tool is an excellent source of data on every county, parish and borough in America. It includes county and state-specific profiles on issues such as transportation infrastructure, public lands and forest management, community development and others. Go to Counties Matter Access the County Explorer Open the County to the Public A great way to educate residents about county services is inviting them to visit county facilities for an open house or public tour. If your office is not open for visits due to continuing COVID restrictions, consider a virtual tour. Offer In-Person or Virtual Tours Be sure to keep the public informed of what’s happening on the front lines. Stream meetings over your social media outlets and other digital platforms or offer virtual tours of meeting spaces. Encourage Volunteerism Inform residents of how they can help and what communities or businesses in your county they can offer aid to.  School Involvement Include schools in your National County Government Month activities to enable students to learn about county government. Counties Work online game and My County Works activity book NACo’s civic education resources provide perfect opportunities to inform young people about county government and have fun at the same time. Developed in partnership with iCivics, the “Counties Work” online educational game and the downloadable “My County Works” activity book for young children are great activities individuals can enjoy from their homes. The game educates students (and adults!) about local government functions by letting them run their own county. Along the way, they will learn about the many services provided by county departments while having to balance citizen requests and budgets. The “My County Works” activity book offers hours of education and entertainment for elementary students. Both resources are free and accessible at NACo.org/iCivics. LEARN MORE ABOUT COUNITES WORK & iCIVICS Call Your Members of Congress National County Government Month is an ideal time to discuss national policy issues affecting county government with members of Congress who represent your county. During NCGM, schedule a call with your congressional representative(s) or key staff in your congressional district office. Use the call to explain the great challenges facing your county and how Congress can help. Many important issues are being debated nationally that affect counties. Be prepared with facts and information about how specific federal issues affect your county. Know where your member of Congress stands on important issues and on which committees he or she serves. Your message should be focused, compelling and relevant. To find out about NACo’s 2023 Legislative Priorities and obtain fact sheets on current national issues important to counties, click here.  Contact: Mark Ritacco, mritacco@naco.org, 202.942.4240 Advocacy Resources Sample Proclamation National County Government Month - April 2023 "Counties RISE!" WHEREAS, the nation’s 3,069 counties serving more than 330 million Americans provide essential services to create healthy, safe and vibrant communities; and WHEREAS, counties fulfill a vast range of responsibilities and deliver services that touch nearly every aspect of our residents' lives; and WHEREAS, [INSERT YOUR COUNTY’S NAME] and all counties take pride in our responsibility to protect and enhance the health, wellbeing and safety of our residents in efficient and cost-effective ways; and WHEREAS, under the leadership of National Association of Counties President Denise Winfrey, NACo is demonstrating how “Counties RISE!,” demonstrating exemplary Resiliency, Inclusion, Solvency, and Empowerment; and  WHEREAS, each year since 1991 the National Association of Counties has encouraged counties across the country to elevate awareness of county responsibilities, programs and services; and WHEREAS, [INSERT COUNTY SPECIFIC INFO TO HIGHLIGHT] NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT I, [INSERT NAME & TITLE OF CHIEF ELECTED OFFICIAL], do hereby proclaim April 2023 as National County Government Month and encourage all county officials, employees, schools and residents to participate in county government celebration activities. Download Media Resources Kit This is your one-stop online shop for NCGM design templates to produce your county’s own posters, flyers, banners, proclamations and buttons. These additions are sure to enhance the festive atmosphere of your NCGM events. Plenty of space is available for you to add your county’s seal or unique county government month slogan or message. If you find something you want to use, download the file and add your county’s local touch. NACo Media Relations Guide for Counties The NACo Media Relations Guide for Counties contains helpful tips on speaking with reporters, writing news releases, planning press conferences, and much more. Learn more Media Relations Strategies Careful planning is essential to maximize public awareness of National County Government Month activities and the county services and programs you are highlighting. Here are effective ways to help secure positive coverage. Educate the Media Inform local reporters, editors and broadcasters early and often about NCGM and your county’s plans to celebrate it. Plan to Make News Coordinate newsworthy events or announcements. You can launch new initiatives, announce plans for new programs or recognize county employees for their excellent public service. Keep in mind that newspapers seek in-depth facts, television stations want good visuals and radio reporters want snappy sounds bites. All reporters seek good stories. They want access to knowledgeable and articulate sources to make their stories interesting and informative. Publish a Calendar of Events Publish a calendar of NCGM events on your county’s website. Ask the local newspapers to publish the calendar. Ask the local television, cable and radio stations to air public service announcements about county services or events. Write Media Advisories Prepare and send media notices well in advance for specific NCGM events. Describe who, what, where, when and why. Make it newsworthy. Write News Releases Have news releases ready to distribute to the media the day of special NCGM events. Highlight what’s new, beneficial and cost-effective. Use lively, concise quotes from appropriate county officials. Provide contact information. Take Your Message to the Media Actively engage with media to deliver the message that counties matter. All counties, regardless of size, can hold virtual press conferences, media tours of county facilities and programs, and effectively pitch reporters, editors and producers.  INSERT YOUR COUNTY’S LETTERHEAD CONTACT: Bea Candid (123) 456-7890 bcandid@ablecounty.gov Able County to Celebrate National County Government Month Leaders to highlight county innovations in public health and safety, justice, other county programs Everytown, USA (April 1, 2023) — Able County will celebrate National County Government Month (NCGM) during the month of April to showcase how the county achieves healthy, safe and vibrant communities. The theme for this year’s celebration of NCGM is “Counties RISE!,” inspired by the signature focus of National Association of Counties (NACo) President Denise Winfrey. The theme is an acronym for and highlights Resiliency, Inclusion, Solvency, and Empowerment - all county priorities undertaken with energy and passion for building stronger counties. This year, Able County celebrates NCGM with a range of events and initiatives including: virtual tours of Able County’s government center, nomination of several county programs for NACo Achievement Awards, and the return of the popular “Able County Family Day,” to be held April XX, 2023. “Able County is proud of the programs and services we provide to our residents,” said Board Chair Allison Awesome. “Our efforts are building inclusive, resilient, thriving communities. I encourage all county residents to participate in National County Government Month outreach events to learn about the role our county plays.” Since 1991, NACo has encouraged counties across the country to raise public awareness about county roles and responsibilities during the month of April.   Able County NCGM public events include: [INSERT COUNTY SPECIFIC INFO TO HIGHLIGHT]. A full listing of NCGM events is available at www.ablecounty.gov. Download Social Media Resources The emergence of social media in recent years provides tremendous opportunities to promote your NCGM events. If you already have a page on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram or another platform, use it to promote activities and carry messages during NCGM. Coordinate a county government month “social media team” to plan social media outreach efforts. Sample Social Media Posts April is National #County Government Month and this year's theme is "Counties RISE!" [INSERT COUNTY SPECIFIC INFO TO HIGHLIGHT] #NCGM To celebrate National County Government Month, check out the @NACoTweets "My County Works" activity book for elementary students, created in partnership with @icivics. Download your copy today #NCGM #CountiesWork http://www.naco.org/icivics To celebrate National County Government Month, play the @NACoTweets @iCivics #CountiesWork game, an online game where anyone can simulate the important roles and functions of #county leaders www.NACo.org/iCivics #TeachLocal #NCGM #Counties deliver vital services to residents - [INSERT SPECIFIC COUNTY INFO TO HIGHLIGHT] #NCGM #Counties are on the front lines of community health care, operating over 1,900 public health departments and nearly 1,000 hospitals, facilitating critical infrastructure and responsibly investing federal recovery funds. To learn more, visit naco.org/topics/health #NCGM #Counties serve nearly every American every day. Urban, suburban and rural — counties work to keep our communities healthy, safe and vibrant. To learn more, visit www.NACo.org/CountiesMatter #NCGM #Counties employ 3.6 million people and serve 330 million residents. To learn more, visit www.NACo.org/CountiesMatter #NCGM #Counties own and maintain 44% of our nation's road miles and 38% of our nation's bridges, and are involved in 40% of public transport systems and the operation of 34% of public airports. To learn more, visit www.NACo.org/CountiesMatter #NCGM In 29 states, County Veteran Service Officers help #veterans access essential federal benefits. #NCGM #Counties operate 91% of all local jails and invest over $107 billion in justice and public safety annually, including 911 centers. To learn more, visit www.NACo.org/CountiesMatter #NCGM Social Media Graphic Download Graphic Contact: Coleman Davis, cdavis@naco.org, 202.661.8834 NACo Programs Help Counties Help Communities The National Association of Counties has many programs and initiatives available to assist counties. Below is a snapshot of NACo programs designed to help counties thrive. If your county participates in any of these programs, NCGM is an excellent opportunity to inform the public about them. If your county does not participate in any of these programs, consider involving your county in one or more of NACo’s programs and announcing it during NCGM. COVID-19 Recovery Clearinghouse The NACo COVID-19 Recovery Clearinghouse features critical resources for counties, including allocation estimations, examples of county programs using federal coronavirus relief funds, the latest news and more. Access Clearinghouse ARPA Fiscal Recovery Fund Resource Hub Contacts: Teryn Zmuda, TZmuda@naco.org, 202.661.8821 | Eryn Hurley, EHurley@naco.org, 202.942.4204 Resilient Economies and Communities To help counties implement innovative and effective local programs, NACo provides members with information, trainings and assistance to engage counties and multi-sector partners bound by a common interest in growing stronger, more competitive, more equitable counties and communities. The Resilient Economies and Communities practice area supports county leaders seeking to develop and implement creative, innovative, locally driven strategies that will foster economic growth and ensure long-term county resiliency. Topics within this practice area include: Economic opportunity and diversification Entrepreneurship and small business development Workforce development Infrastructure and transportation investments Land use planning Water resource protection and restoration Renewable energy planning, development and management Disaster mitigation, preparedness and response, and Eco-efficient purchasing and facility management. Contact: Jennifer Kuiper, JKuiper@naco.org, 202.942.4253 Prescription, Health and Dental Discount Program The National Association of Counties (NACo) Live Healthy Prescription, Health & Dental Discount Program is a NO-COST program available to all member counties. It provides relief to uninsured and underinsured Americans who face growing health costs offering three ways to save: Prescription Drug Discount Card - Provides savings up to 80 percent* on generics and up to 40 percent* on brand-name prescription medications for residents and their pets Health Discount Program - Includes a 24/7 telemedicine service and access to discounts on vision care, LASIK & PRK vision procedures, hearing aids & screenings, prepaid lab work, prepaid diagnostic imaging and diabetic supplies for $5.95/month or $59/year for individuals; $7.95/month or $69/year for families* Dental Discount Program - Discounts on most dental procedures, including check-ups, cleanings, x-rays, fillings, root canals, extractions and dentures for $5.95/month or $59/year for individuals; $7.95/month or $69/year for families* MinuteClinic Savings - Save 15% at the medical walk-in clinic located in select CVS Pharmacy© Stores using the Live Healthy Prescription Discount Card Since 2004, nearly 1,300 counties, parishes and boroughs joined, saving residents over $725 million over 51 million prescriptions. The Live Healthy Program is NOT insurance. NACo provides all marketing resources AT NO COST to participating counties through a self-service portal. Access digital and printed resources on demand to promote the program to the residents. County Live Healthy contacts have been given access to the self-service portal.  Contact: NACo Membership Team, LiveHealthy@naco.org, 202.661.8832 *Prescription savings may vary by drug and pharmacy; discounts are only available at participating pharmacies. Health and dental discounts are subject to coverage and are available in every state except Washington. MinuteClinic discounts are available in 33 states and the District of Columbia Contact: NACo Membership Team, LiveHealthy@naco.org, 202.661.8832   *Prescription savings may vary by drug and pharmacy; discounts are only available at participating pharmacies. Health and dental discounts are subject to coverage and are available in every state except Washington. MinuteClinic discounts are available in 33 states and the District of Columbia Smart Justice Initiative The Smart Justice Initiative aims to build knowledge and capacity for successful justice policies and practices among the nation’s counties and provide a closer examination of the need for intergovernmental collaboration and public private partnerships in an effort to create safer communities and invest taxpayer resources more effectively. Issues include pre-trial services, post-release service coordination, justice and mental health collaboration, supportive housing, and employment. Contact: Nastassia Walsh, nwalsh@naco.org, 202.942.4289 Stepping Up Initiative In May 2015, NACo, the Council of State Governments Justice Center and the American Psychiatric Association Foundation launched Stepping Up: A National Initiative to Reduce the Number of People with Mental Illnesses in Jails. Since then, more than 500 counties have joined the initiative. Stepping Up participants receive a resources toolkit to assist with efforts, including webinars, networking calls, online tools, peer exchanges, conference workshops and a comprehensive resource library. Find out more and join the initiative at www.StepUpTogether.org. Contact: Nastassia Walsh, nwalsh@naco.org, 202.942.4289 Healthy Counties Initiative NACo launched the Healthy Counties Initiative in 2011 to enhance public-private partnerships in local health delivery, improve individual and community health and assist counties in implementing federal health reform. The initiative engages county officials and private sector partners to: Fulfill a leadership role in implementing health reform at the county level Enhance coverage, access to and coordination of health care for vulnerable populations in the community, including health services in hospitals, community health centers and county jails, while focusing on cost-containment strategies Promote community public health, prevention and wellness programs, including increased physical activity and healthy eating Participate in the national transition to health information technology and telemedicine, and Offer information, ideas and solutions for county government employee and retiree health benefits and programs. Contact: Nastassia Walsh, nwalsh@naco.org, 202.942.4289 Nationwide Retirement Solutions NACo’s Defined Contribution and Retirement Services Program offers county employees a voluntary, tax-deferred savings opportunity to supplement employer-sponsored retirement plans. It also offers a 401(a) match and stand-alone defined contribution plans. Since NACo’s partnership with Nationwide began, we’ve helped more than 1.5 million county employees and retirees save billions of dollars for retirement. 

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2023-02-07