The County Role in Public Health
Upcoming Events
Related News
Counties play a critical role in promoting and protecting the health of people and the communities in which they live, learn, work and play. As administrators and operators of the local health safety net, county agencies employ a wide range of public health services that protect resident health and well-being through the prevention of illness, injury and other adverse health outcomes.
A robust public health system centers equity and actively promotes policies, systems and overall community conditions that drive optimal health.1
Public health is an intersectional field that works to address the underlying causes of health outcomes. This work requires both intergovernmental collaboration between federal, state and local governments, as well as multisectoral partnership across local government agencies.
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. The brief will also outline key federal policy recommendations for our federal partners to safeguard funding and authority for local public health services and programs.
Counties Applaud Final Rulemaking to Improve 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
The National Association of Counties (NACo) today applauded a unanimous vote by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Board of Commissioners to move forward with georouting for the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Report released on 1115 waiver implementation in California
In January 2023, California became the first state to receive federal approval for a Medicaid Section 1115 demonstration waiver to partially amend the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy.
CMS announces funding 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.
CMS proposes rules to increase healthcare access for key populations
On September 9, NACo submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on two key areas: revisions to Medicare’s custody definition and Special Enrollment Period for formerly incarcerated individuals, and updates to crisis stabilization unit payment policies.
Treasury, DOL and HHS release final rule on Mental Health Parity
On September 9, the U.S. Department of Treasury, Labor and Health and Human Services issued a final rule to further enforce provisions under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, a sweeping mental health parity rule enacted in 2008. The rule establishes equitable treatment limits for mental health and substance use, in line with medical and surgical benefits.
Understanding New Medicaid and CHIP Requirements for Youth in Detention: What Counties Need to Know
Join us for an in-depth webinar on the latest guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding Medicaid and CHIP services for youth detained in public institutions. Effective January 1, 2025, these mandated changes, stemming from the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, require states to amend their Medicaid and CHIP plans to provide essential medical, dental and case management services for eligible youth, before and after release. Learn how these changes will impact county jails and how counties can collaborate with state health officials to ensure compliance and secure federal support.
Contact
Blaire Bryant
