Policy & Advocacy

As the national voice for local health departments, NACCHO serves a critical role in Washington, advocating for local public health with federal policymakers. Our advocacy efforts are guided by our Federal Legislative and Policy Agenda, which is informed by our members and approved annually by NACCHO’s Board of Directors. In 2025, our key priorities are:

  • Strengthening and supporting the public health workforce;
  • Bolstering and improving access to federal public health funding, including resources to support public health infrastructure and data modernization at the local health department level;
  • Ensuring federal public health funding flows from the federal to states and local communities quickly and equitably; and
  • Addressing a wide range of public health concerns through work in coalition with partners.

NACCHO's policy statements and communications to Congress and the administration on a multitude of issues can be found below. The organization's Board of Directors determines positions on public health issues. Learn how local health departments have used NACCHO's policy statements to influence local, state and federal policy.

NACCHO members participate actively in the organization's policy development process through workgroups. Individual members are also invited to submit policy statements to be considered by the relevant workgroup and the Board of Directors.

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Local health department officials are encouraged to contact their Members of Congress to educate them on issues surrounding public health.

    Government Affairs

    The NACCHO Advocacy Toolkit February 2025

    This toolkit is designed to help break down the ins and outs of communicating with members of Congress and help advocates serve as trusted messengers.

    Government Affairs

    The NACCHO Advocacy Toolkit February 2025

    Government Affairs

    2025 Federal Legislative and Policy Agenda

    The Federal Agenda is informed by local health department input and approved annually by the Board of Directors.

    Government Affairs

    2025 Federal Legislative and Policy Agenda

    Read

    Public Health Workforce Loan Repayment Program FAQs

    Answers to frequently asked questions on the Public Health Workforce Loan Repayment Program.

    Read

    Public Health Workforce Loan Repayment Program FAQs

    Read

    Public Health Workforce Factsheet

    A factsheet on the current public health workforce landscape and why a loan repayment program is needed for a sustainable workforce.

    Read

    Public Health Workforce Factsheet

    Read

    Local Health Departments Impact Our Lives Everyday

    Local health departments at the city and county level are on the front lines of ensuring the health of the public.

    Read

    Local Health Departments Impact Our Lives Everyday

    Read

    NACCHO’s Recommendations for the Next President & Congress

    The incoming Presidential Administration and 119th Congress have a unique opportunity to strengthen the public health system.

    Read

    NACCHO’s Recommendations for the Next President & Congress

    Read

    Advocacy vs Lobbying

    A factsheet to better identify the differences between advocacy and lobbying.

    Read

    Advocacy vs Lobbying

    Read Now

    Public Health is Local

    A Common-Sense Investment to Achieve National Health Security and Prosperity

    Read Now

    Public Health is Local

    You can find blog posts on federal policy on NACCHO Voice.

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