Serve as the trusted voice for local public health departments
Build capacity for population health and local public health departments
Improve public health policy
TACCHO researches and establishes statements on issues of importance to improving the health of the public.
2021____________________________________________________________
TACCHO Members Stephen Williams, Director, Houston Health Department and Robert Kirkpatrick, Director, Milam County Health Department presented testimony supporting the development of a Local Health Department Provider Type in the Medicaid Manage Care Organization system. This LHD Provider Type would allow LHDs to receive equal reimbursement for provision of services similar to other provider types.
TACCHO March 17 Testimony at Texas Senate Health and Human Services Committee
TACCHO Member COVID-19 Activities
2020____________________________________________________________
2019____________________________________________________________
2019 TACCHO Legislative Priorities - Immunizations, State Funded Contracts, Medicaid and LHDs, Data Access, Tobacco 21, DSHS Legislative Appropriations Request
2018____________________________________________________________
TACCHO educates policy makers and the public on the development and delivery of public health services and programs at the local level. This includes how various policies, rules and laws may impact the public's health and best practices that can improve the health of the population.
TACCHO Supports Continued Funding to Local Public Health Entities to deliver services within their local communities.
TACCHO Position on Public Health Funding - February 28, 2021
TACCHO Testimony on December 3, 2019 to Texas Senate Health and Human Services Committee
Stephen L. Williams MEd - Remarks on Texas Healthcare Transformation and Quality Improvement Program Section 1115 Demonstration Waiver, including DSRIP Transition Plan
Philip Huang, MD, MPH - Remarks on Multi-state Outbreak of EVALI (E-cigarette, or Vaping product use, Associated Lung Injury
TACCHO participated in the National Association of County and City Health Officials Annual Hill Visit Day! This year was unique in that TACCHO members met with US Congressional Offices virtually via Zoom calls. Discussions were held with the offices of Senators Cornyn and Cruz, as well as Representatives Burgess, Doggett and more.
TACCHO members presented stories of how LHDs are working to respond to COVID-19 and in particular the successes and challenges of providing vaccinations in their communities. They also discussed the reducing public health workforce and the need for a public health workforce loan repayment program that will attract and retain professionals within public health departments.
TACCHO members met in Washington, DC to visit with Texas Congressional policymakers and legislative staff. Members provided awareness on the impact of proposed federal funding cuts to public health programs and local public health departments (LHDs). LHDs use federal funds to provide, or augment, prevention, treatment and control services for:
- Core public health functions of assessment of health risks, policy development and assurance that prevention, treatment and control services are available in the community
- Infectious diseases (TB, HIV/STDs, flu)
- Chronic diseases (heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes)
- Emerging diseases (Zika, Ebola)
- Injury prevention (bicycle helmets, car seats)