Public health agencies use their authority for more than preventing epidemics and the spread of disease. They work to prevent injuries; protect children from lead exposure; promote healthy behaviors; respond to disasters, like fires and floods; advance equitable access to support and health services; and more.
We know that these types of public health interventions work. Yet, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, more than half of U.S. states have passed legislation limiting the ability of public health authorities to take action to protect their communities, and many more states are considering such legislation.
Act for Public Health is a working group of the Network for Public Health Law and our partners, ChangeLab Solutions, the Center for Public Health Law Research, the Public Health Law Center, and Public Health Law Watch, that provides direct support through consultation, training, legal technical assistance, research and resources to help protect and promote the ability of public health officials and practitioners to take actions to protect the health of their communities.
Visit the Act for Public Health website for information and resources on public health authority. Connect with Act for Public Health legal experts to learn about the current state of public health authority in your jurisdiction, legislative actions in your state, and for support in navigating and identifying legal pathways that can be taken to address pressing public health issues in your community.
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