In an impressive leap for county-level public health initiatives, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has notched up 20 National Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) this year. These accolades are a nod to the department's innovative and service-enhancing programs aimed at the county's 10 million-plus residents. According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, this haul of awards underscores its "ongoing commitment to improving the health and well-being" of its constituents.
"Public Health's mission is to ensure that all residents have the resources they need to be healthy. We achieve this through strong partnerships and a shared dedication to equitable, effective, and compassionate service," was the statement by Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, emphasizing the department's drive to merge public safety with public health. They aim to especially champion programs that uplift communities bearing the brunt of health inequities.
High-flying programs that claimed a spotlight in the 2025 honors include initiatives on Avian Influenza H5N1 surveillance, mobile medical services for homeless populations, and an Ebola travelers' clinical response strategy. Also making the cut was an educational push against vaping, and a collaborative effort to ensure equitable dementia care, dubbed Healthy Brain LA. An emerging strategy involving produce prescriptions aimed to address both social needs and chronic diseases also garnered recognition.
Efforts fostering resilience during environmental crises, such as the "Stabilizing Child Care during the 2025 Wildfire Emergency" program, showcased the department's capacity to adapt and meet urgent needs. An expansion of addiction treatment services highlights a workforce development approach, along with the establishment of the Office of Environmental Justice and Climate Health. This marks a concrete stride towards addressing the interface of health and environmental concerns.
