The Local Health Department of the Year Award values that local health departments are the local stewards of public health—known for helping to ensure the safety of the water we drink, the food we eat, and the air we breathe. This award recognizes and honors the outstanding accomplishments of small, medium, and large local health departments across the United States for their innovation, creativity, and impact on communities.

This award is open only to active (dues-paying) members of NACCHO whose memberships are in good standing. If you are unsure of your membership status, contact [email protected] or call 877- 533-1320.

Applications are accepted Feb. 1 through April 8. Log in to MyNACCHO and select NACCHO Applications. Apply online and submit payment for the application fee, which is based on the size of the local health department—small ($25), medium ($55), large ($75).

Selection Process: Each year focuses on a different theme. Awards are categorized by the size of the population the local health department serves: Small (<25,000-49,999), Medium (50,000-499,999), Large (500,000+). NACCHO’s Awards Committee, in collaboration with subject matter experts, judges applications based on their impact to the community, health improvement, originality, creativity, uniqueness, and overall contribution to promoting public health. Up to three awardees (gold, silver, and bronze) are selected for each size category. NACCHO notifies award recipients in the spring and recognizes the winners at the NACCHO Annual Conference in the summer.

Learn more and see other NACCHO awards now accepting applications