NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL BOARDS OF HEALTH

The idea for a national organization serving the interests of local boards of health was conceived at the 1991 American Public Health Association (APHA) meeting in Atlanta, Georgia. At that time, representatives of six state associations of local boards of health (Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Ohio, and Utah) and the Washington State Board of Health recommended the formation of a national organization of local boards of health.

During 1992, a steering committee developed bylaws and processed the appropriate applications to create a non-profit organization known as the National Association of Local Boards of Health (NALBOH). At the 1992 APHA meeting, bylaws were ratified and the first officers and Board of Trustees were elected. NALBOH:

• Represents the interest of all local boards of health.
• Establishes and maintains communication nationally with state associations of boards of health, local boards of health, public health organizations, agencies, and elected officials.
• Promotes, identifies, or provides public health information, education and training for local board of health members, designed to improve their effectiveness in establishing sound public health policy.

NALBOH maintains a database on 3,178 local boards of health. A national survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and NALBOH profiled the boards' makeup, responsibilities, and needs. To meet information and educational needs, NALBOH publishes (and distributes) a quarterly, Newsbrief, to all boards of health. An educational conference, designed to address the needs of board of health members, is held annually. In addition, specific topical programs and materials have been developed. Topics have included "Making Effective Public Health Policy" and leadership presentations. Guides on Tobacco Control Authority, Environmental Health, Establishing a Local Board of Health and Developing a State Association of Local Boards of Health have been prepared.

In cooperation with other national health organizations and agencies, NALBOH participates in the development of national public health policies and performance standards relevant to local boards of health.

The membership of NALBOH consists of local boards of health, tribal boards of health, state boards of health, state associations of boards of health, and individuals who share the concept of citizen boards of health.

NALBOH is governed by an Executive Board consisting of 13 members: President, President Elect, Past President, Secretary, Treasurer, seven Regional Trustees, and two State Affiliate Trustees. The Executive Board is elected by the Institutional and Affiliate members at the NALBOH Annual Education Conference.

An Executive Director and full-time staff is maintained at the NALBOH Administrative office in Bowling Green, Ohio. A Director of Liaison and Governmental Relations is housed in Washington, D.C.

Ned E. Baker