New York State Association of County Health Officials

Organized in 1979, the New York State Association of County Health Officials (NYSACHO) is a membership association representing the 58 local health departments in New York State, each of which has one vote. Participation includes health commissioners, public health directors, deputy commissioners, environmental health directors and directors of patient services. NYSACHO employs an Executive Director and other full-time program and administrative staff. NYSACHO is incorporated as a not-for-profit, non-partisan charitable organization with 501(C)(3) tax exempt status. (click here to view our 990 tax form from 2010 click here to view our 990 tax form from 2009 or contact the NYSACHO office at 518-456-7905)

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 officers and Board of Directors are elected by members and include a President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary. The NYSACHO Board of Directors consists of the elected officers, corporate committee members, and the chairpersons of program committees, including Disease Control, Environmental, Finance/Administrative, Home Care, Maternal Child Health, Emerging Issues, and Training and Education. NYSACHO work is conducted through a number of standing and ad hoc committees related to different public health subject areas.

Through its members and staff, NYSACHO seeks to build upon its strong collaborative partnerships with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and other academic and health related organizations in designing and implementing effective public health policies. As the operational arm of the public health system, local health departments understand the unique needs of their communities. As such, they are essential voices at the planning table in developing policies that are realistic, effective, and appropriate in scale.

NYSACHO also takes and practices an active role at the national level through 100% membership for New York State counties in the National Association of City and County Health Officials (NACCHO) and participation with other SACCHOs (state county health officials associations) in advocating for local health departments needs with federal policymakers. At the state-level, NYSACHO acts as an advocate for local health departments in the legislative and regulatory arenas, through tracking and analysis of existing and proposed state and federal legislation and regulations impacting public health and related issues and the development of position papers and policy recommendations on behalf of its membership. NYSACHO works closely with the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC), in the development of health-related legislative issues.

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 several grants of federal funds through NYSDOH and Health Research, Inc. (HRI). Activities include conferences and workshops on a broad range of public health topics, leadership development summits, orientation for new health commissioners and public health directors and sponsorship of a variety of regional and statewide immunization and emergency preparedness activities. NYSACHO is also a founding partner of Public Health Live: Third Thursday Breakfast Broadcasts, a monthly live satellite broadcast produced by the University at Albany School of Public Health which provides continuing education opportunities for public health professionals and others nationwide. Monthly mailings, a weekly web digest and a web site provide NYSAHCO members with a wide range of information pertaining to public health activities.