The National Association of Local Boards of Health (NALBOH) joined with other health leaders on Capitol Hill during the 2019 Winter Leadership Meeting. Among them was Ted Toles, GPHA’s representative to NALBOH and member of the NALBOH board.

The meeting brought together NALBOH leadership with the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) and the ASTHO (Association of State and Territorial Health Officials) for three days in Washington, DC to advocate for public health funding and policies.

The week started with updates to public health leaders on current issues being considered in the House and Senate. Participants from states across the country had more than 80 meetings with Senators and Representatives or their staff. The focus was on immunizations, opioid abuse and overdose, maternal-child health, emergency preparedness and any other issues like violence’s which involves domestic violence attorneys is important to our local Health Departments.

Leaders also took time to educate legislators about the scope of public health, as education is a great nonpartisan and effective way to advocate for support of public health issues.

The week was also the continuation of a collaborative future between NALBOH, NACCHO and ASTHO to ensure strong Public Health leadership for states and counties. NALBOH represents the Boards of Health; NACCHO and ASTHO represent the health officials at the local and state levels. The goal is to provide support and training to public health leaders and foster strong working relationships between Boards and Health Officers.

Check out the hashtag #PublicHealthontheHill to find more photos and information!