National Association of County Health Officials (NACHO), is an independent affiliate of the National Association of Counties. As the U.S. federal, state, and local public health systems continued to expand, NACHO combined with the U.S. Conference of Local Health Officers, an organization affiliated with the United States Conference of Mayors, to form the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) in 1994. This unified organization more closely represents all governmental local health departments, including counties, cities, city/counties, districts, and townships. In 2001, NACCHO expanded its scope to include tribal public health agencies serving tribal communities on reservation lands. Today, active membership in NACCHO continues to grow with about 1,300 local health departments.

The organizational structure is intended to match the mission, vision, and valuesof the organization, enabling efficient management of programs and services.  Each of NACCHO's organizational units has a specific mission that is consistent with the overall NACCHO mission. The general direction of the organization is guided by a three-year strategic plan.