Resource Summary
Discusses the legal structures and trends affecting local health departments (LHDs) and their abilities to address the challenges they face in the 21st century. Addresses the extent to which LHD consolidations are occurring and the ways in which they are done, the factors that facilitate these consolidations, and the effects they may have on services and finances. Summarizes recent literature on LHD consolidation and closes with thoughts on the state of knowledge on LHD consolidation and areas for future research.