Local Health Department Programs City and County Health
Departments provide a solid framework for local tobacco control
work by engaging California’s diverse populations; providing
education and support to urban, rural, and suburban
environments; and ensuring that all community members have a
voice in proposing and implementing community solutions to
problems caused by tobacco use. Each of the 58 county and 3 city
health departments in California are designated as “Local Lead
Agencies” (LLAs) for a health jurisdiction by the California
Health and Safety Code, Sections 104400 through 104415. As the
lead tobacco control agency at the community level, the LLA is
responsible for coordinating information, referral, outreach,
and educational activities. Each LLA also facilitates a
community coalition to engage in grassroots efforts that educate
the public about health issues related to tobacco use, limit
tobacco industry strategies that promote tobacco use, and create
sustainable change to protect the health and we