Charting a New Path: Helping Local Health Departments Navigate Emerging Issues in Public Health.

Abstract

In communities across the United States, public health and health care systems are changing due to a number of forces. Health care reform spurs innovation in payment and service delivery. Economic instability leads to federal, state, and local budget cuts. Accreditation and community benefit requirements encourage collaborative assessment and improvement planning. The list goes on. Despite facing these often challenging forces of change, local health departments (LHDs) are seizing emerging opportunities, exploring new partnerships, and continuing to minimize—and prevent—threats to the health and well-being of their communities. The National Association of County & City Health Officials (NACCHO) helps LHDs find their footing in this changing landscape. We strive to understand their needs and challenges, highlight innovation, disseminate evidence-based practices, provide training and continuing education, and advocate for policies that support health and equity.