The County Role in Public Health
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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.
Collaboration and mental health support address youth substance use disorder
Counties are investing in education, harm reduction and peer support recovery to combat unintentional overdoses.
Ten states added to the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics Medicaid Demonstration Program
On June 4, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through CMS and SAMHSA, announced that ten new states have joined the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Medicaid Demonstration Program.
County Countdown – June 17, 2024
Every other week, NACo’s County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership.
NACo comments on proposed HRSA reentry care guidelines
On April 10, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) published a draft Policy Information Notice, which proposed critical guidance to improve health outcomes for justice-involved individuals reentering their communities.
Congress reintroduces the Michelle Alyssa Go Act, a critical step for county behavioral health systems
On May 28, the Michelle Alyssa Go Act was reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bipartisan legislation aims to increase the number of federal Medicaid-eligible in-patient psychiatric beds from 16 to 36, providing critical support for individuals seeking treatment for mental health and substance use disorders.
Bird flu: What county leaders should know
As of June 4, there have been three confirmed cases in dairy workers who contracted the virus, but no person-to-person spread has been detected.
Building a Behavioral Health Continuum of Care: The Role of Rural Leaders and Behavioral Health Directors
This webinar is hosted by the National Association of Counties (NACo) in partnership with the National Association of County Behavioral Health and Development Disability Directors (NACBHDD).
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Blaire Bryant
