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.
HRSA Releases Final Reentry Care Guidelines Following NACo Input
On November 29, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) released their final Policy Information Notice (PIN) with policy guidance for health centers who support transitions in care for justice-involved individuals reentering their communities.
U.S. Senate Committee approves legislation to reauthorize programs for older adults
On July 31, the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions (HELP) approved the bipartisan Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2024 on a 20-1 vote.
Health does not have to be partisan: Talking about health in a way that resonates with everyone
The de Beaumont Foundation has identified tangible steps county officials can take to heal divides and talk about community health in a way that resonates with everyone.
Congress introduces legislation to restore critical public health funding
On November 14, the Public Health Funding Restoration Act was introduced in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. This legislation would address a pressing need to strengthen the nation’s public health infrastructure through direct and flexible funding to local health entities.
CMS finalizes Medicare rule with key improvements for justice-involved populations
On November 1, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published a final rule that, in a major advocacy win for counties, will improving access to Medicare for justice-involved individuals who are in pre-trial status or who are reentering the community.
Six years of the SUPPORT Act: Ongoing behavioral health policy priorities for counties
On October 24, 2018, the bipartisan SUPPORT Act was enacted. It represented the largest Congressional investment in overdose prevention at the time, aiming to strengthen the nation's response to the substance use crisis.
Contact
Blaire Bryant
