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. 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.

Connect with NACCHO Government Affairs.

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Visit NACCHO's action center to join our Congressional Action Network and get in touch with your federal representatives.

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

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Advocacy Toolkit

NACCHO's 2026 Advocacy Toolkit

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Advocacy Toolkit

Government Affairs

2026 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

2026 Federal Legislative and Policy Agenda

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Public Health Workforce Loan Repayment Program FAQs

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

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Public Health Workforce Loan Repayment Program FAQs

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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.

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Public Health Workforce Factsheet

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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.

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Local Health Departments Impact Our Lives Everyday

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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.

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NACCHO’s Recommendations for the Next President & Congress

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Advocacy vs Lobbying

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

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Advocacy vs Lobbying

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Public Health is Local

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

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Public Health is Local

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Public Health Is Local

A Step-by-Step Guide to Taking In-District Educational Meetings with Your Members of Congress

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Public Health Is Local

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

House Appropriations Committee Advances FY27 Labor-HHS Bill

On June 9, the House Appropriations Committee approved its FY27 Labor, Health...

Jun 11, 2026

House Appropriations Committee Advances FY27 Labor-HHS Bill

NACCHO’s Coverage of FY27 HHS Budget Hearings

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., HHS Secretary, appeared before seven congressional...

Apr 24, 2026

NACCHO’s Coverage of FY27 HHS Budget Hearings

NACCHO Analysis: FY27 President’s Budget Request

Last week, the White House released its Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) President’s...

Apr 07, 2026

NACCHO Analysis: FY27 President’s Budget Request

Local Public Health Leaders Advocate for Federal Support

NACCHO was proud to convene more than 100 local public health professionals in...

Mar 03, 2026 | Victoria Van de Vate

Local Public Health Leaders Advocate for Federal Support

Congress Releases Bicameral Fiscal Year 2026 Labor-HHS...

Congress released the bill text and joint explanatory statement of the...

Jan 21, 2026 | Victoria Van de Vate

Congress Releases Bicameral Fiscal Year 2026 Labor-HHS...

NACCHO Government Affairs 2025 Year in Review

NACCHO had a busy year advocating on behalf of local public health in Congress...

Dec 19, 2025 | Lauren Soule, Molly Curington, Victoria Van de Vate

NACCHO Government Affairs 2025 Year in Review

House Appropriations Committee Releases FY26 Labor-HHS Bill

On September 9, the House Appropriations Committee approved its FY26 Labor,...

Sep 12, 2025

House Appropriations Committee Releases FY26 Labor-HHS Bill

Secretary Kennedy Testifies Before Senate Finance...

On September 4, Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy...

Sep 05, 2025

Secretary Kennedy Testifies Before Senate Finance...

  • Advocacy

Senate Appropriations Committee Passes FY26 Labor-HHS Bill

The Senate Appropriations Committee approved its FY26 Labor-HHS Appropriations...

Aug 05, 2025 | Adriane Casalotti, Victoria Van de Vate, Lauren Soule, Molly Curington

Senate Appropriations Committee Passes FY26 Labor-HHS Bill

To contact the Government Affairs team, please use the information below.

Public Affairs

Adriane Casalotti

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Government Affairs

Victoria Van de Vate

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Government Affairs

Lauren Soule

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Government Affairs

Molly Curington

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