Join the Inaugural Public Health Nursing Summit: Now Accepting Abstract Submissions

Join us on April 19–21, 2027 at the Hilton Atlanta for the inaugural Public Health Nursing Summit. Presented by NACCHO and the Association of Public Health Nurses (APHN), this new national event will bring together public health nurses, nursing leaders, educators, students, researchers, and partners from across the country to learn, connect, and advance the future of public health nursing. The Summit theme, “Preparing for What's Next: Engaging the Power of Public Health Nurses," celebrates nursing's critical role in strengthening communities and improving population health. 

The abstract submission period is open through November 8, 2026 (11:59 PM ET). Visit the Public Health Nursing Summit website to learn more about the conference. 

Accepting Abstracts: 2027 Preparedness Summit

The call for abstracts for the 2027 Preparedness Summit, to be held April 19-21, in Atlanta, GA, is officially open! The theme for the 2027 conference, “Preparing for What’s Next: Building Bridges for a More Connected Future,” focuses on how the preparedness ecosystem can continue to adapt, align, and sustain readiness during a period of ongoing change while maintaining the foundational capabilities that support readiness and response. The abstract submission period is open through October 27, 2026 (11:59 PM ET). Visit the Prep Summit website to learn more about the conference.

Celebrate Accomplishments in Public Health: Apply for a 2026 NACCHO Award by December 31

Annually, NACCHO recognizes the remarkable accomplishments of local health departments and health officials through its annual awards program. With these awards, we aim to continue the tradition of honoring local health department leaders and programs that demonstrate extraordinary responses to distinct local public health needs. Winners will be honored at the 2027 NACCHO360 Conference in Orlando, Florida!

The following awards are currently accepting applications: 

• The 2026 National Champion of Local Governmental Public Health Award
• The 2026 Maurice "Mo" Mullet Lifetime of Service Award
• The 2026 National Advocate of the Year Award
• The 2026 NACCHO Model Practices Program

Applications close on December 31, 2026 at 11:59 PST. Learn more.

Funding Opportunity to Support Local Community Health Adaptation Initiatives Against Extreme Weather Events:

NACCHO intends to award up to three local organizations for up to $24,000 each to help turn extreme weather and health concerns into practical community adaptation projects. Projects may involve preparing communities for extreme weather through targeted outreach, staff training, incorporating adaptation planning into land use, housing, or transportation decisions, and more. Small and rural health departments will be given preference in this application process. Learn more and apply by November 16, 2026, 11:59 PM PT. NACCHO and CDC will also host an optional informational webinar for interested applicants on October 20 from 2:00-2:30 PM ET. Questions about this RFA can be directed to Aalsadi@naccho.org.

Funding Opportunity to Prepare for Environmental Health Events Through Cross-Sector Collaboration with Emergency Management and Response Organizations

NACCHO will issue three awards totaling $20,000 each to local health departments selected to identify, initiate, or strengthen partnerships with emergency preparedness organizations. Participating local health departments will assess their own strengths and priorities, as well as those of prospective partners, to bolster relationships and coordination that support and sustain preparedness, response, and related policy efforts around environmental health events. This funding opportunity is open to all local health departments. Learn more and apply by October 26, 2026, 11.59 AM ET. Questions about this RFA can be directed to PHLaw@naccho.org.

Request for Proposals: Reimagining Health and Public Safety Overdose Initiatives (RHAPSODI) Project

With support from the CDC, NACCHO is pleased to offer a funding opportunity to support overdose prevention programs at the intersection of public health and public safety. Through this funding opportunity, NACCHO will award up to twenty (20) applicants in different stages of their project development. Project proposals must use public health approaches that support people at high risk of overdose within or at risk of contact with the criminal justice system, are driven by local need, and are led by or partner with community-based organizations.

NACCHO will award up to twenty (20) applicants in different stages of their project development. Organizations are invited to apply to one of the following project tracks:

• Planning Award: Up to $50,000 each for applicants to begin planning a project that prevents overdose at the intersection of public health and public safety.
• Implementation Award: Up to $125,000 each for applicants ready to implement project activities with relevant partners engaged.

For full details about the funding opportunity, please review the Request for Proposals. Applications must be submitted using NACCHO's online portal no later than October 26, 2026 by 5:00 pm ET. Applicants may post individual questions to NACCHO at any point during the application process by emailing the Injury and Violence Prevention Team at IVP@naccho.org with the subject line “RHAPSODI RFP Question”.

In partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), NACCHO is excited to announce the Resilient, Innovative, Safe, and Empowered (RISE) Communities funding opportunity. RISE will provide up to $85,000 each to 8 sites to strengthen youth and community violence prevention efforts. The support focuses on collaborative work across organizations and sectors rather than the internal operations or development of a single organization.

Eligible applicants include community-based organizations, local health departments, local government agencies, and other entities working collaboratively on youth and community violence prevention at the local level. Read the full Request for Proposals (RFP).

Submit your application via NACCHO’s online portal by November 16, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET. Questions? Contact the Injury and Violence Prevention Team at ivp@naccho.org with the subject line “RISE RFP Question.” 

Healthy Brain Initiative Funding Opportunity

NACCHO, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, is accepting applications for the next cohort of the Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) Road Map Strategist Program, which supports local health departments and community partners in advancing population health approaches related to brain health, dementia, and caregiving. Up to eight local health departments will receive direct funding, along with education, peer support, and technical assistance, to designate a part-time HBI Road Map Strategist to advance population health approaches related to dementia using the HBI State and Local Road Map for Public Health, 2023–2027. Learn more about application requirements, submission instructions, eligibility, and timeline at alz.org/HBIPrograms. Submissions are due November 10, at 11:59 PM ET. Questions may be directed to publichealth@alz.org.

Help Public Health Students Take Their Next Step with NACCHO’s Student Section

Share NACCHO’s Student Section Program with undergraduate and graduate students and give them a direct path to connect with the field, strengthen their knowledge, and engage with a national network of emerging local public health professionals. 

Why Join the Student Section? Students can network with peers and professionals; access educational resources, trainings, and webinars; learn about local, state, and national public health work; take part in student-driven initiatives; connect through NACCHO’s Career Center; and participate in NACCHO conferences. Discounted membership rates are available now through December 31st for Individual Student or School of Public Health Membership. Join here