Public Health and Mental Health

Every county in New York State, as well as New York City, has its own local health department (LHD) that is responsible for public health services within its jurisdiction.

Our 58 LHDs play a crucial role in safeguarding public health and ensuring the wellbeing of residents. They are responsible for a wide range of functions and services, including monitoring communicable diseases, administering immunizations, providing education on topics like lead poisoning and substance abuse prevention, inspecting restaurants and swimming pools, providing crisis intervention services, and developing plans for public health emergencies, natural disasters, and disease outbreaks.

On this page, you’ll find educational and advocacy materials related to public and mental health.

Latest Public and Mental Health News and Resources

2026 Legislative Session Summary
Our 2026 Legislative Session Summary report highlights selected bills that passed both the Senate and Assembly in 2026 and may directly or indirectly impact counties if enacted. Each entry includes the bill number (linked to the bill text), a summary, and the bill’s current status:

By New York State Association of Counties - Jun 12, 2026
How Federal Budget Reconciliation Proposals Threaten New York’s Counties

NYSAC has released a new report that outlines the projected financial and service impacts of proposed federal cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and other core programs that counties help deliver every day.

By New York State Association of Counties - Jun 26, 2025
2025 Legislative Session Summary
Our annual Legislative Session Summary report detailing those bills that may have an impact on county government operations.

By New York State Association of Counties - Jun 25, 2025
Priorities for the End of the 2025 Legislative Session
Following the adoption of the state budget, NYSAC prepares a Legislative Program outlining our priorities for the remainder of the legislative session. With the budget so late this year, we're releasing it a little... early?

Learn about NYSAC's top priorities for the remainder of the 2025 State Legislative Session.

By New York State Association of Counties - May 02, 2025
SFY 2026 Executive Budget County Impact Report
Read NYSAC's annual report on Governor Hochul's proposed State Budget.

By New York State Association of Counties - Jan 22, 2025

Looking for the latest action from the NYSAC Public Health and Mental Health committee? Visit our resolutions page!

Resolutions

Public Health and Mental Health Committee

NYSAC Resolutions