Enhancing the U.S.'s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats. - A strong national public health infrastructure is essential to prevent, detect and respond to infectious disease threats including emerging and re-emerging infectious pathogens, antimicrobial resistance (AR) and healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), as well as to rapidly surge capacity to respond effectively to infectious disease outbreaks. Local health departments (LHDs) are the foundation of the nation’s public health system and serve as the frontline governmental entities responsible for protecting and improving community health. Embedded within the communities they serve, LHDs possess unique public health authorities and trusted local relationships that enable them to conduct disease surveillance, investigate outbreaks, coordinate emergency response activities, implement prevention strategies, and convene cross-sector partners to address emerging health threats. As the only organization representing the more than 3,300 LHDs across the country, the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) strengthens frontline local public health through training, technical assistance, peer learning, quality improvement initiatives, and strategic partnerships that strengthen preparedness, workforce capacity, and public health practice nationwide. In response to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funding opportunity, “Building National Partnerships for the Prevention of Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases”, CDC-RFA-CK-26-0107, NACCHO will partner with CDC to strengthen the capacity of LHDs to prevent, detect, and respond to emerging and reemerging infectious disease threats. NACCHO will assist CDC in achieving its goals for Components 1, 2, 3, and 4 of this funding opportunity. Leveraging its national leadership role and its trusted relationship with LHDs as well as federal, state, Tribal and territorial partners, NACCHO will strengthen the public health system’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks by supporting LHDs across the country as well as by coordinating with public health and healthcare partners. NACCHO will facilitate bi-directional communication between CDC and local public health agencies, and will tailor, inform, and share evidenced-based resources and guidance for the prevention, detection, and response to emerging and re-emerging pathogens in healthcare and public health settings. NACCHO will strengthen LHD capacity through training events, technical assistance, and facilitation of peer learning to elevate local expertise and enhance partnerships. Building on years of work and its longstanding leadership in infection prevention and control (IPC), NACCHO will further enhance LHDs' ability to support healthcare facilities, expand IPC expertise, and rapidly scale IPC capacity during infectious disease outbreaks, ultimately strengthening the nation's readiness to respond to current and future public health threats.
