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.

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Upcoming Events

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Webinar

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.

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Webinar

Bridging Gaps: Collaborative Strategies for Supporting Youth Reentry Through Medicaid

Join the National Association of Medicaid Directors and NACo for a deep dive into CMS’s latest guidance on extending Medicaid and CHIP services to incarcerated youth. This policy shift opens up new opportunities for state and county partnerships to ensure continuous healthcare coverage for young people in the justice system. Discover practical approaches for collaboration between Medicaid agencies and county jails to facilitate successful enrollment, improve health outcomes, and support youths’ transitions back into the community. This session will include insights from county health leaders, best practices for cross-system coordination, and strategies for leveraging federal support to enhance service delivery.

Contact

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Blaire Bryant

Legislative Director, Health | Large Urban County Caucus
Meghan McQuillen

Meghan McQuillen

CDC Public Health Associate