About US

Organized in 1979, the New York State Association of County Health Officials (NYSACHO) is a statewide association representing each of the 58 local health departments in New York. The membership includes health commissioners, public health directors, deputy commissioners, environmental health directors and directors of patient services. 

   The NYSACHO General membership meets monthly, providing a unique opportunity for the exchange of ideas and experiences among local public health officials as well as with state health department staff and others. Through the dissemination and discussion of important information at these and other forums, NYSACHO strengthens the provision of local public health programs and services. 

   NYSACHO has eight Standing Committees: Article Six, Disease Control, Executive, Home Care, Legislative, Maternal Child Health, Environmental Health and Emergency Preparedness. NYSACHO periodically convenes Ad Hoc committees to address emerging topics, such as West Nile Virus and Emergency Preparedness. NYSACHO officers are elected and include a President and Vice-President. The NYSACHO Executive Committee consists of the elected officers and the chairpersons of each of the eight standing committees. NYSACHO also employs a full-time staff.

   In addition to serving as the advocate for public health in New York State, NYSACHO provides a full array of education and training programs through a variety of grants. Activities include an annual statewide public health conference, an annual Commissioners/Directors retreat, orientation for new health commissioners and public health directors and sponsorship of student interns to assist in statewide immunization activities.  NYSACHO is also a founding partner of the Third Thursday Breakfast Broadcast (T2B2), a monthly live satellite broadcast that provides continuing education opportunities for public health professionals and others. 

   As a complement to our educational activities, NYSACHO acts as an advocate for local health departments in the legislative and regulatory arenas, NYSACHO tracks and analyzes existing and proposed state and federal legislation and regulations impacting public health and related issues and develops position papers and policy recommendations on behalf of its membership. NYSACHO works closely with its parent organization, NYSAC, in the development of health-related legislative policy. Monthly mailings, a quarterly newsletter and a web site provide NYSACHO members with a wide range of information pertaining to public health activities. 

OUR GOALS - To work for improved practices in the field of public health throughout New York State.

• To support and promote preventative health care programs and services.
• To enhance communication and operations between the State of New York and local health departments.
• To represent the interests of local health departments with the Governor's office, State Senate, State Assembly, and the agencies and departments of New York State government.
• To promote adequate funding and wise use of resources for local public health services at local, state, and national levels.
• To serve as the public health affiliate of the New York State Association of Counties.