Public Health Finance
The sustainability of the governmental public health system depends on the financial health of state and local public health agencies. This is a challenge because public health programs and services are often provided in fiscally strapped environments (e.g., government revenue declines, budget reductions, economic recessions, unfunded mandates). NACCHO's research and engagement with local health departments (LHDs) across the country provides a national perspective on the local public health financial situation. This website provides resources to help LHDs sharpen their big picture understanding of local public health finance and enhance their individual organizational financial health.
Innovation Snapshots
NACCHO conducted a systematic literature review to uncover various ways in which local health departments and their partners use innovative financing approaches to address their community health needs, or to address limited funding. Additionally, NACCHO conducted key informant interviews with local health departments nationwide to develop a deeper understanding of these methods and gather case examples of each.
The Innovation Snapshots below describe the benefits, considerations, and case examples of the funding mechanisms.
501(c)(3) Backbones for Community Health Coalitions
Webinar Series
To learn more about these innovations, participate in the Public Health Innovative Funding Mechanisms Webinar Series:
With support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), NACCHO worked with JP Leider, PhD and Jason Orr, MPH to conduct interviews and develop case studies of three local health departments to understand how the federal grants and cooperative agreements from the CDC make their way to local health departments across the country. These case studies discuss the importance of characterizing requirements and synthesize learnings on delivering upon agreements and the impacts of facilitating and impeding requirements.
A multi-county health department in the Southeast region of the United States, serving a largely rural population greater than 200,000.
A midwest region of the United States, serving a semi-urban population greater than 200,000.
A local health department serving an urban population greater than one million.
- "Anatomy of a Public Health Agency Turnaround: The Case of the General Health District in Mahoning County" examines methods used by LHDs to reverse periods of financial and operational declines. (Journal of Public Health Management and Practice).
- For the Public's Health: Investing in a Healthier Future (2012) examines public health measurement, law, and funding in this three report series with actionable recommendations for agencies and stakeholders.
- Public Health Finance & Management provides access to information and training around financial management in public health.
- "Public Health Financial Management Competencies" can be used to help refine position descriptions, assess performance, identify gaps and create programs. (Journal of Public Health Management and Practice).
- Public Health National Center for Innovations is a division of the Public Health Accreditation Board providing trainings, tools, and opportunities to connect across sectors.
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For more information on public health finance, you can email phisteam@naccho.org.