State Rep. Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster) plans to introduce legislation that would require counties to build local public health capacity, either by starting their own health departments or joining their neighbors to create regional ones. The idea is in its early stages, and the proposed bill has yet to be written. Rep. Sturla said he is floating the proposal now to give stakeholders a chance to respond and offer feedback. At present, only six of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties have their own health department. There are four municipal health departments. Click here to learn more about the county and municipal health departments.
