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Blaire Bryant

Legislative Director, Health | Large Urban County Caucus
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Julia Cortina

Associate Legislative Director, Human Services & Education | Immigration Advisory Council

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Counties can help troubled youth thrive

Among our numerous responsibilities, serving as the front line of the social safety net is a primary function of county governments to ensure healthy, safe and vibrant communities for our residents. County governments are steadfastly committed to protecting our residents’ quality of life, including by ensuring they can access the nutritious food they need to thrive. 

Food insecurity often corresponds with poor nutrition, which can negatively impact health, educational outcomes and productivity in all individuals, but especially in children. Meanwhile, diet-related diseases are some of the leading causes of death and disability in the U.S.

Counties are key partners with the federal government in developing, implementing and administering food and nutrition programs at the local level. Across the nation, county governments are leading efforts to combat hunger by transforming local food systems and often serve as conveners and/or key partners for local food councils. Counties sponsor programs in partnership with community organizations to increase access to fresh fruit and vegetables at farmers markets, organize food drives and support local food production. We are also investing significant portions of our American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF) allocations to combat food insecurity.

However, the county role in supporting food security and nutrition extends far beyond the administration of federal nutrition programs. Counties are owners and operators of the services, resources and systems that shape the way our nation produces, delivers and provides access to healthy, nutritious food to all the nation’s residents. This includes building and maintaining critical infrastructure that supports transportation routes from food producers to providers, and investing in facilities that provide food to low-income and vulnerable populations such as schools and public libraries. Counties are also responsible for consumer protection, economic development, employment and workforce training, emergency management, land use planning and zoning, which all support the social, environmental and economic conditions that keep our nation’s food system running. 

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Bernadette Hohl, Philadelphia Department of Public Health senior research investigator, speaks to attendees. Photo by Leon Lawrence III
County News

Counties can help troubled youth thrive

Combatting crime among youth means providing them with enriched education environments and mentorships, access to green spaces and opportunities for social connection and skill strengthening according to Bernadette Hohl, from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.

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Advocacy

CMS announces grant awards to improve the continuity of care for justice-involved individuals

On September 27, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced $106.5 million in state planning grants aimed at improving healthcare continuity for individuals transitioning from incarceration.

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SAMHSA releases new 2024 data on rates of mental illness and substance use disorder in the U.S.

On July 28, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released the findings of its annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), which provides data on rates of substance use and mental illness at the national, state and local level. 

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Advocacy

Congress introduces bipartisan legislation to strengthen rural health care access and funding

Rural communities face unique health care challenges, from provider shortages to funding disparities. To address these concerns, the U.S. Senate recently introduced two bipartisan bills aimed at improving rural health care access and funding: the Rural Health Focus Act and the Fair Funding for Rural Hospitals Act.

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Advocacy

HALT Fentanyl Act signed into law

On July 16, the Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act (HALT Fentanyl Act) (P.L. 119-26) was signed into law, marking a major turning point in the nation’s response to the opioid epidemic. The bipartisan legislation permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances (FRS) as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act, granting law enforcement the authority to combat the growing threat posed by synthetic opioids. The law’s enactment follows years of temporary extensions that placed these substances under federal control on a provisional basis.  

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Webinar

Leading Your County's Digital Transformation

Tuesday, August 26, 2025 | 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET

The digital era is upon us, and it has many leaders challenged by the digital transformation in front of them. NACo CIO Rita Reynolds and Dr. Tim Rahschulte, the chief architects of NACo’s AI Leadership Academy training program, are hosting this webinar to share insights and ideas on how some leaders are harnessing the power of digital products, services and processes to do more with less. 

Rita and Tim will demystify the digital era by looking to the past and providing insights into the future – that is, in many ways, predictable. Join this webinar to explore the key elements of digital transformation and learn practical strategies to prepare for the digital future. To be sure, this digital future is not all about technology. The digital era is also about meeting customer expectations, employee accommodations and leveraging models to operate the business of government. We will explore together the importance of building a digital-ready organization and the need for skilling employees to meet new demands of new work.

This webinar is brought to you by NACo EDGE, establishing people, purchasing, and performance cost-saving solutions that can be applied to counties nationwide. EDGE is owned by NACo, advised by county leaders and 100% focused on solutions for U.S. Counties. Learn more about NACo EDGE here.

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Webinar

Understanding the Homelessness Executive Order: Federal Shifts, County Impacts and Next Steps

Join NACo on Tuesday, August 26 at 3:00 p.m. ET for a timely webinar outlining major changes to federal funding, grant conditions, and policy priorities that directly affect county homelessness programs, behavioral health systems and enforcement strategies.

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Webinar

Enhancing Child Welfare: Best Practices for Measuring and Improving Outcomes

Join us for an insightful webinar focusing on child welfare specifically designed for county governments, with lessons that can be applied to other behavioral health programs. We will delve into evidence-based practices, informed funding decisions, cost efficiencies, and effective program management. Key areas of discussion will include out-of-home placements, prevention services, and reunification services.

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Webinar

Innovative Health Plan Strategies for County Governments

Please join Craig Ulrich, Surest Key Account Executive with United Healthcare, to explore alternative health plan approaches that prioritize price transparency and promote the use of high-value providers, including models like the Surest Health Plan.