Now is the time for Congress to act to shore up our public health system and slow the spread of COVID-19 transmission with robust, timely testing, contact tracing, and supportive services, and coordination across the federal, state and local levels.
NACCHO urges you to reach out to your Members of Congress and request Congress provide substantial additional investments to the governmental public health system at all levels (federal, state, local, tribal and territorial), including at least $3 billion in funding designed specifically for local health departments so they can continue to lead the response in the short term, as well as over the long-term response and through recovery.
Beyond general baseline funding for all levels of the governmental public health system, there are additional resources needed for specific aspects of the response in order to help ensure that Americans can safely dial back strict social distancing and other restrictions, including; contact tracing, establishment of a loan repayment program, investment in public health infrastructure and immunization infrastructure, while also ensuring the safety of public health officials.
You can personalize and send emails to your Members of Congress directly from NACCHO's website:
https://www.naccho.org/advocacy/take-actionPlease let me know any questions.
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Eli Briggs
Sr. Government Affairs Director
National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO)
Washington DC
202-507-4194
ebriggs@naccho.org------------------------------