Legislative Initiatives

2008 NCPHA Legislative Priorities:

  • Increase "general aid to county" by $23 million for local health departments to build necessary infrastructure and support the capacity to provide essential public health services
  • Procure $12.5 million for obesity campaign
  • Continue funding for incubator funds for "project innovation, replication and expansion"
  • Provide county boards of health the authority to set and collect local fees for food and lodging inspections with approval by county board of commissioners

 NC Legislative Building

Why is Advocacy Important?

The North Carolina Public Health Association has led efforts to improve the public's health through advocating for resources and policies to promote a healthy society. In this time of public health challenges and limited budgets, NCPHA is working to ensure the needs of public health are met. NCPHA influences policies and sets priorities on a broad set of issues, including:

  • children's health
  • primary care
  • health disparities
  • funding for public health programs
  • access to care
  • public health infrastructure
  • bioterrorism
  • environmental health
  • disease control
  • tobacco control

NCPHA members and staff work with State Legislators and Members of Congress, regulatory agencies and other public health organizations to ensure that public health is priority in the legislative and policy-making process.

How Can I Influence Policy?

Every citizen can advocate on behalf of public health. Those employed in government should forward messages to their State Legislators and Members of Congress after business hours and use only personal stationary, email addresses, and personal telephone.

To learn more about the structure of the North Carolina General Assembly, how an idea becomes law, who represents you and directions to the General Assembly building, please go the NC General Assembly Citizen Guide.

To follow legislation or to obtain contact information on each legislator, you can also access that information on the main General Assembly website.

To obtain information relative to the US Congress, go to www.house.gov and www.senate.gov.