Empire State Review Contributor 
Over 2,200 public health professionals from across North America gathered at the Anaheim Convention Center on July 14, marking the launch of NACCHO360, the largest annual conference hosted by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO). Running from July 14 to 18, this five-day event embraces the theme “Bright Lights, Bold Ideas: Shaping the Future of Public Health Practice,” bringing together a diverse mix of local health leaders, federal officials, and subject-matter experts to explore innovative, community-directed strategies addressing infectious diseases, mental health, environmental threats, and crisis readiness.
The conference kicked off on Monday with an engaging keynote address from Dr. Mandy Cohen, the former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dr. Cohen reflected on her experience steering America’s health infrastructure through the COVID-19 pandemic and highlighted the importance of continued investment in foundational public health systems. She urged attendees to view local health departments as agile hubs of innovation and resilience—not only in times of crisis but as everyday protectors of community well-being .
NACCHO360 features an ambitious agenda of over 500 sessions and workshops led by more than 800 speakers. Topics span a wide array of critical public health issues, including immunizations, data modernisation and artificial intelligence, mental and behavioral health, substance use prevention, chronic disease, food safety, maternal and child health, HIV/STI/Hepatitis, environmental health, and emergency preparedness. One notable pre-conference session titled “From Sewers to Solutions” focused on harnessing wastewater monitoring as a powerful tool for early detection of infectious diseases—highlighting the intersection of environmental engineering and epidemiology in monthly and pandemic-level public health response .
A special emphasis at this year’s conference is mental and behavioral health. Scheduled plenary sessions include “Mission Possible: Population Mental Health” on July 18, underscoring the challenge of growing mental health concerns nationwide and the need for targeted public health interventions . Another highlight is Wednesday’s interactive plenary, “Superheroes, UNITE! Mobilizing the Public Health Workforce Amidst a Changing Federal Landscape,” which will explore workforce resilience, recruitment, professional development, and local workforce readiness.
The role of technological innovation in public health is receiving increasing attention. A dedicated session on AI and automation—dubbed “Shining Spotlight: The Superpowers of AI and Automation”—scheduled for July 17, will explore digital tools and data solutions designed to modernise disease surveillance, lab management, and communication strategies. These discussions reflect a sector-wide shift: the NACCHO tracks include Informatics, Surveillance & IT, Public Health Law & Policy, Workforce & Leadership, and Public Health Protection & Response, among others.
For public health officials at the county and city level, NACCHO360 serves as a high-impact platform to connect, collaborate, and reimagine community health efforts. Sessions in Health Equity & Social Determinants of Health stress inclusive, culturally informed strategies that address systemic barriers and environmental justice issues. Workshops led by the Public Health Foundation (PHF) will also tackle workforce development, retention strategies, and recruitment ingenuity—with one session spotlighting retention and recruitment toolkits tailored to local health departments.
The conference includes operational components such as hands-on poster sessions, pre-conference workshops, quick-hit conversations, and sponsored exhibits. Over 100 exhibitors present cutting-edge tools and resources designed to enhance local health department effectiveness .
Set against the broader backdrop of a shifting federal health-policy landscape, NACCHO360’s “Bright Lights, Bold Ideas” theme underscores a collective push for bold, local-level action. As federal funding evolves, municipal and county health agencies are being called upon to step into more visible leadership roles. Attendees are unpacking how to integrate municipal departments into national preparedness frameworks and serve as frontline responders to climate-driven events, infectious disease outbreaks, or mental health crises.
The economic and sociocultural context of Anaheim is also playing a noteworthy supporting role. The city—with its proximity to Disneyland, upscale restaurants, entertainment venues, and travel networks—offers an accessible and dynamic backdrop, suitable for large-scale convenings. Conference organizers have encouraged attendees to explore Orange County’s hospitality offerings, further encouraging high-engagement networking both inside and outside the venue .
Beyond advocating for collaboration and innovation, NACCHO360 reflects a 30-year legacy of local public health impact. As the longest-running conference of its kind, it marks a milestone occasion for new attendees and veterans alike .
By mid-week, attendees are expected to return home equipped with new tools and insights—from hands-on applications of wastewater testing to AI-driven communications and strategic approaches to mental health services. They will also take home actionable strategies for engaging with federal policymakers, securing funding, and forming cross-sector partnerships.
In a time of rising public health demand—including infectious disease surveillance, mental health accessibility, environmental health hazards, and climate resilience—the NACCHO360 gathering underscores a core principle: local public health departments are essential community anchors. Their capacity to adapt, convene, innovate, and advocate directly shapes public well-being.
As the conference continues through Friday, July 18, participants are preparing for one final plenary focused on mental health, concluding with a renewed commitment to community health equity, workforce readiness, and innovative public service.
