The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) was recognized as the Local Health Department of the Year by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO). This year’s theme of “Improving Public and Private Partnerships” honors Public Health’s work with diverse partners to eliminate the social and structural injustices that result in health inequities. Public Health, in collaboration with the Departments of Health Services and Mental Health, labor partners, community-based organizations, and community members, launched the Center for Health Equity in 2017 to guarantee that all people have the resources and opportunities needed for optimal health and well-being. The Center’s actions include ensuring all infants have an equal chance of survival, no babies are born with congenital syphilis, and a fair distribution of environmental benefits and burdens.

(From Left to Right) Mary Desvignes- Kendrick,
Jackie Valenzuela, Brenda Robles, Michelle Wood,
and recipient Dr. Barbara Ferrer

HEALTH CATEGORY

• Community Outreach to Address Contamination from the Exide Battery Facility - An outreach effort with partners to increase community awareness of the health effects of, and availability of services for, lead exposure and created a multipronged outreach strategy that now serves as a model for addressing environmental hazards.
• Zika Action and Prevention (ZAP) Mission Ready Team Program - Conducted door-to-door education and inspections in communities at high risk for Zika virus transmission.
• 2018 West Nile Virus Prevention Challenge - Encouraged and supported local municipalities to conduct outreach to promote West Nile Virus prevention.

COUNTY ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT CATEGORY

• Administrative Pathfinders in Grants Management - Improved collaborations, reduced fragmentation in processes, and provided centralized administrative support that has doubled grant funding over the past five years.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CATEGORY

• Vital Records E-Commerce Program - Recognized for providing an online and in-person e-commerce application to assist Funeral Homes and Mortuaries.