About Us

Overview

The Big Cities Health Coalition (BCHC) is a forum for the leaders of America’s largest metropolitan health departments in the country’s most urban areas to exchange strategies and jointly promote and protect the nation’s health and safety to help foster a healthier America.

Big cities are critically important and have a unique ability to impact the health of large numbers of people. Local government agencies are also more likely to move nimbly and are home to many of today’s most innovative practices and achievements.

BCHC was founded in 2002 by leaders in New York City and Los Angeles County to provide big city health leaders with a core network of peers facing similar challenges and experiences. Initially run out of the NYC health department, and then as a program at both NACCHO and the de Beaumont Foundation, BCHC began operating as an independent 501c3 in January of 2023. The Coalition enjoys a mix of revenue streams from member dues, foundation and other private funders, and the federal government. 

Our vision

Thriving urban communities where everyone can live their healthiest lives

Our mission

Collaborating to advance the public’s health in America’s largest cities

Membership criteria

The Coalition represents the health leaders of the largest cities in the nation’s most urban areas. Member cities must have a city population of at least 500,000 to be eligible, and must be a locally controlled health department, not a state agency.* Membership is extended to the health department that has primary jurisdiction over the city, whether it be a city or county agency.

* All members that were in good standing each time eligibility has been amended have been grandfathered in, even if they did not meet the current criteria. This currently includes Cleveland, Long Beach, Minneapolis, and Oakland.