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ASTHO Launches Public Health Podcast Series ARLINGTON, VA—The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) announced today the launch of Public Health Review, a podcast series featuring in-depth conversations with state and territorial health officials, national public health leaders, government officials, and other subject matter experts about the nation’s most pressing public health issues.  The series highlights leaders who are working to promote wellness and prevent disease, injury, and premature death for all Americans. Public Health Review will capitalize on current public health issues as a platform for discussion, offering timely and thoughtful perspectives on the value of public health.  “I am thrilled that my fellow colleagues, federal partners, and other public health leaders will be able to share their leadership experiences and impactful stories from working on the frontlines. Whether we’re working in urban centers or more rural areas, we are all in a position to teach and to learn,” says Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH, ASTHO president and director of the Rhode Island Department of Health. “Each podcast episode will feature interesting and illuminating discussions with health officials and other leaders on emerging topics. We’re excited that ASTHO’s podcast will serve as a forum for these critical conversations.” The Public Health Review podcast is available for listeners on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Google Play Music, Spotify, or via ASTHO’s website. Recent episodes available now feature discussions on several topics, including the opioid epidemic, sexually transmitted diseases, telehealth, early brain development, antimicrobial resistance, suicide prevention, and healthy and resilient communities, and more.  For more information, visit ASTHO's podcast webpage. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

State and Territorial Health Officials Join White House Opioid Conference ARLINGTON, VA—Today, nearly two dozen state and territorial health officials participated in a meeting at the White House, “Best Practices in Combatting the Opioid Epidemic Conference with State and Local Leaders,” to discuss national strategies with top federal officials, including Kellyanne Conway, assistant to the president and senior counselor, Veterans Affairs secretary Robert Wilkie, and Jim Carroll, deputy director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy. The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) is pleased to support the Administration’s leaders as they continue to use their platform to bring attention to the complex and multifactorial issue that is plaguing our nation.  The meeting included conversations with all sectors of government, including state and territorial health officials, Medicaid directors, public safety directors, mayors, judges, sheriffs, and many others for sharing best practices in addressing the epidemic. Discussion topics included leveraging federal resources to support responses to the opioid epidemic, addressing the social costs of opioid misuse, and combatting drug trafficking. Additionally, the White House presented on its upcoming Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. “I’m very pleased that our state and territorial health officials had a seat at the White House’s table with key federal leaders,” says Michael Fraser, ASTHO CEO. “It is important that their voices be heard. Solving this epidemic requires dialogue among state, local, and federal leaders and we thank the Administration for providing the opportunity for us to be part of this conversation today.” ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

ASTHO Recognizes State, Territorial, and National Leaders in Public Health ARLINGTON, VA—The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) presented several awards during its 2018 Annual Meeting this week to commend public health leaders for their service and dedication to improving our nation’s health. “On behalf of ASTHO, I am pleased to recognize this distinguished group of public health professionals who continuously strive to promote health and well-being in communities across the country,” says Karen McKeown, state health officer at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and ASTHO past president and chair of ASTHO’s Nominations, Awards, and Membership Committee. “We admire their commitment to raising the bar and ensuring that state and territorial health agencies play an active role in creating the conditions that allow us all to be healthy. We are grateful for the work of these dedicated individuals and for their contributions to the field of public health.” The 2018 ASTHO awardees include: Anne Schuchat, MD, Principal Deputy Director, CDC Ed Thompson Lifetime Achievement Medal Schuchat has been CDC’s principal deputy director since September 2015 and has played key roles in CDC emergency responses including the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, the 2003 SARS outbreak in Beijing, and the 2001 bioterrorist anthrax response. Upon completing 30 years of service in 2018, Schuchat retired from the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service at the rank of Rear Admiral. Karyl Rattay, MD, MS, Director of the Delaware Division of Public Health Arthur T. McCormack Award Rattay leads over 600 employees as state health officer and director of the Delaware Division of Public Health. As a board-certified pediatrician, Rattay has practiced pediatrics for nearly 14 years. Between 2001-2004, she served as a senior public health advisor to the U.S. Surgeon General and HHS Assistant Secretary of Health. Joan Duwve, MD, MPH, Associate Dean for Practice, Indiana University Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health Noble J. Swearingen Award Duwve is the Associate Dean for Practice at the Indiana University Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health in Indianapolis and the former chief medical officer at the Indiana State Department of Health. Duwve was a private practice family physician for 11 years. Prior to medical school, she served in the Peace Corps and worked in international public health in North Africa and the Middle East. Grant Baldwin, PhD, MPH, Director, Division of Unintentional Injury Prevention, CDC Injury Center National Excellence in Public Health Co-Award Baldwin began his career at CDC in September 1996. In his nearly 10 years of leadership at the Injury Center, he has helped raise the profile of motor vehicle injury prevention and scaled up CDC’s response to the prescription drug overdose epidemic. He has also advanced the work in older adult fall prevention and CDC’s efforts in the prevention of traumatic brain injury. Patricia Mitchell, MPH, Deputy Director, Division of Unintentional Injury Prevention, CDC Injury Center National Excellence in Public Health Co-Award Mitchell joined CDC’s Division of Unintentional Injury Prevention as deputy director in March 2014. After over 20 years in the agency’s diabetes division, Mitchell quickly got up to speed on pressing and high priority unintentional injury prevention topics, including opioid overdose, traumatic brain injury, transportation safety, and older adult falls. Jennifer Clarke, MD, MPH, FACP, Medical Programs Director, Rhode Island Department of Corrections State Excellence in Public Health Award Clarke led a treatment program for opioid addiction launched by the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, which was associated with a significant drop in post-incarceration drug overdose deaths and, ultimately, resulted in an overall drop in overdose deaths statewide. The first-of-its-kind program screens all Rhode Island inmates for opioid use disorder and provides addiction treatment medications for those in need. Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO) 2018 Legislative Champion Award Blunt was elected to the United States Senate in 2010. He serves on the Appropriations Committee; the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee; the Select Committee on Intelligence; and the Senate Rules Committee. Before serving in Congress, he was a history teacher, a county official, and in 1984 became the first Republican elected as Missouri’s Secretary of State in more than 50 years. Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) 2018 Legislative Champion Award Serving as a member of Senate Democratic leadership since 2007, Patty has established herself as a tireless and effective leader on education, transportation, budget issues, port security, healthcare, women, and veterans’ issues. She is currently Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. Terry Dwelle, MD, FAAP ASTHO Alumni Award Dwelle served as the state health officer for the North Dakota Department of Health from 2001-2016. He was previously the clinical director for the Indian Health Service clinic at Fort Totten, an assistant professor of pediatrics, an infectious disease consultant, and a medical missionary to Central and East Africa. Dwelle is the founder and director of the North Dakota Public Health Training Network and serves as the alumni society representative on the ASTHO Board of Directors. de Beaumont Foundation ASTHO Partner Award The de Beaumont Foundation’s mission is to strengthen and transform public health in the United States. The foundation improves the effectiveness and capacity of local and state health departments through research, collaboration, and strategic grantmaking. Texas Department of State Health Services Model Policies and Practices Challenge Winner ASTHO, in partnership with the de Beaumont Foundation, recognizes Texas’ health department for its grand rounds program, an organization-wide strategy that encourages thought-provoking conversations around the science of public health. Since its inception in 2008, the program has hosted 132 presentations and engaged nearly 25,000 learners on topics ranging from human trafficking to food access/insecurity and Zika to illegal pain clinics.    San Francisco Department of Public Health Model Policies and Practices Challenge Winner ASTHO, in partnership with the de Beaumont Foundation, recognizes San Francisco’s health department for its trauma informed systems model, designed to create a healing public health system of care that fosters wellness and resilience for everyone in the system. In addition, ASTHO presented its 2018 Vision Awards to the Texas Department of State Health Services, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Tennessee Department of Health, and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. <!--Learn more about their award-winning programs here.--> ASTHO congratulates the 2018 award winners for demonstrating excellence in public health leadership and working tirelessly to protect and promote our nation’s health. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

ASTHO Launches National Campaign to Support Healthy Communities, Aligning with NACCHO and the U.S. Surgeon General ARLINGTON, VA—The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) announced this week the launch of a multi-year initiative to build healthier and more resilient communities across the country. The challenge, “Building Healthy and Resilient Communities,” will be led by ASTHO’s president and director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH, in partnership with the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) and aligned with the U.S. Surgeon General’s focus on community health and economic prosperity. The challenge calls on state, territorial, local, and tribal health officials to align strategic investments and promote community-driven, place-based solutions to empower communities to be as healthy as possible, reduce health disparities, and stimulate economic development. Examples of such initiatives include Rhode Island’s Health Equity Zones, Purpose Built Communities in Georgia, the Fort Worth Blue Zones Project, and Live Well San Diego. Activities to support the challenge will center on creating opportunities for health officials to mobilize community advocates and partners towards making lasting systems and policy changes that improve living conditions at the community level. Using this platform, ASTHO and its partners, along with NACCHO and the U.S. Surgeon General, will connect public health officials with business leaders, policymakers, and other cross-sector stakeholders to shift investments to promote sustainable, equitable community development. “Health officials have a critical role to play ensuring that everyone in every community has an equal opportunity to be as healthy as they can be, regardless of their zip code,” says Dr. Alexander-Scott. “My vision is for ASTHO, along with NACCHO and the U.S. Surgeon General, to empower all public health leaders to build stronger, more connected communities that have the assets and resources they need to create the conditions for success to be as healthy as possible. By funding and implementing sustainable strategies that are tailor-made for each community, we can amplify the community’s voice and transform public health for generations to come.” “America’s greatest assets are its communities, so we should turn to them more often,” says VADM Jerome Adams, MD, MPH. “We have the best healthcare system in the world, yet life expectancy in the United States is lower than in many other high-income countries. State and local health officials know their communities best and should be inspired to change the community environment to make sure that healthy behaviors are easy behaviors that are available to everyone.” “We’re pleased to lead this challenge with ASTHO and recognize there are great synergies between state and local health officials that will allow us to be successful in equipping and encouraging communities to think more strategically about health at the community level,” says Kevin Sumner, MPH, NACCHO president and health officer for the Middle-Brook Regional Health Commission in New Jersey. View ASTHO’s President’s Challenge for more information. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

ASTHO Statement on the Bipartisan Opioid Crisis Response Act ARLINGTON, VA—Michael Fraser, CEO of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), issued the following statement in response to the release of the Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018, a bipartisan package to address the opioid epidemic. “The Senate’s Opioid Crisis Response Act will further support our nation’s state and territorial health agencies’ progress in addressing one of the worst public health crises our nation faces today. Specifically, the bill will help support the ongoing work of preventing addiction by authorizing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to further support state prescription drug monitoring programs; improve data collection, analysis, and dissemination; and create an interagency task force to identify, prevent, and mitigate the effects of trauma on infants, children, youth, and their families.” “These are good steps forward. While this bill is comprehensive in its approach, it does not include enough provisions to support community-based public health programs that prevent individuals from misusing opioids and other substances in the first place, which is the best way to end our nation’s epidemic. Primary prevention needs to be a core component in future legislation and we look forward to working with congressional leadership to incorporate state needs and priorities in future bills.” “We are especially concerned about the return of sequestration next year. In FY20, non-defense discretionary funding is slated to receive a $55 billion cut from current levels. Unless Congress implements a budget deal to address this near-term fiscal challenge, the promises of this legislation will not be realized. In addition to authorizing new programs, Congress also must prioritize appropriating resources to implement them.” ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

ASTHO Statement on Rise in National Sexually Transmitted Disease Rates ARLINGTON, VA—Michael Fraser, CEO of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), issued the following statement in response to new preliminary findings released today from CDC indicating that the United States is seeing a significant increase in STD rates. “We’re facing new and reemerging challenges as the nation’s STD rate continues to rise. Public health officials are particularly concerned with the resurgence of syphilis—including congenital syphilis—and the emerging threat of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea. State health agencies are working hard on the frontlines to fight rising rates of infection through STD prevention strategies with limited resources. We know for a fact that these strategies work and are effective. Unfortunately, we haven’t seen the right level of investment in this space—and the record STD rates are a testament to that fact. Federal resources account for nearly half of all state and territorial health department funding. But in the past 15 years, STD prevention funding at CDC has decreased by $21 million. This translates into less resources for state and territorial health agencies to carry out their critical work in STD prevention. Health agencies across the United States are committed to working in collaboration with national partners like CDC, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders to find integrated solutions in stemming the tide of rising STD rates. If we are to avoid the overwhelming costs—both health and economic—of these preventable infections, investing in state and territorial health agencies is essential.” For more information and resources for combating STDs, visit www.astho.org/std. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

Health Officials Seek Sustained Investments to Protect Moms and Babies ARLINGTON, VA—Health officials say a new CDC study on Zika-associated birth defects is a stark reminder that emerging infectious diseases constitute a persistent threat to our nation’s health security. Given the higher rate and broader spectrum of disabilities associated with Zika during pregnancy, the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) urges policymakers to direct continued resources to monitor the impact of Zika on mothers and babies. According to the largest report to date on health outcomes among babies in the U.S. territories one year or older, 1 in 7 have been diagnosed with health problems possibly caused by exposure to Zika. The report also presents new information on neurological conditions seen in infants affected by Zika—even those who appeared healthy at birth. “State and territorial public health departments are working with healthcare providers to collect and report medical information, share clinical guidance, and raise awareness about the risks of Zika,” says John Wiesman, president of ASTHO and secretary of health at the Washington State Department of Health. “To continue this and respond to both ongoing and emerging disease threats, we need sustained investments in the U.S. Zika Pregnancy and Infant Registry to strengthen our nation’s health security capabilities.” The height of the Zika outbreak has passed, but it remains a threat to mothers and babies who are especially vulnerable to infectious diseases and birth defects that can result from these infections during pregnancy. While the full extent of long-term health problems caused by Zika remains unknown, state and territorial health departments play a critical role in monitoring the health and developmental outcomes of children affected by many different types of infectious diseases and conditions, such as pandemic influenza, prenatal opioid exposure, and congenital syphilis. Unfortunately, funding to safeguard the public’s health has fluctuated drastically over time, dictated by emergency responses to specific disease events. “We urge Congress to provide at least $10 million to support initiatives to address emerging threats to mothers and babies. This will allow CDC to continue collaborating with state, tribal, territorial, and local health departments to monitor mothers and babies impacted by Zika and other infectious diseases,” says Michael Fraser, chief executive officer of ASTHO. “We need adequate resources in place so that we’re prepared for the next public health emergency.” ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

ASTHO Files Amicus Brief in Michigan Case, Argues Against Criminally Charging Health Officials During Major Public Health Crises ARLINGTON, VA—Last week, the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) filed an amicus brief with the Genesee District Court in Michigan asserting that criminal prosecutions of health officials based on their professional judgment and decisions will weaken governmental public health’s ability to respond during health emergencies and present additional risks to the public. The court case is the first of its kind where a standing health official has been criminally charged for an alleged failure to notify the public regarding an outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease in Genesee County in 2014 and 2015. The outcome of this case is of great interest to ASTHO and its members who are concerned that the threat of criminal sanctions based on a health official’s professional, discretionary decisions will endanger public health. “We are very alarmed by this case, and the fact that a health official can be criminally charged to this extent for doing his job, especially during a public health crisis, is not right,” says John Wiesman, president of ASTHO and secretary of health at the Washington State Department of Health. “ASTHO’s board has carefully considered the allegations in the case. As public health officials, our decisionmaking does not fit within a one-size-fits-all model, but rather includes a thoughtful approach to limiting widespread panic, translating meaningful communication about public health risks and proper efforts to address the crisis at hand, especially when information is subject to change or incomplete.” “The outcome of this case could have an immediate chilling impact on the entire public health profession and a cascading effect on critical life and death decisions public health officials face every day,” says Michael Fraser, CEO of ASTHO. “The public must trust our public health officials to make the right decision at the right time and the fear of criminal prosecution will stymie their efforts.” The amicus brief also notes that “the basis for responsible public health communication is scientific knowledge and consensus,” and “[p]ractitioners have a responsibility to examine the quality of the available scientific information prior to performing any communication activity.” ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

Public Health Leaders Note Great Progress in National Adult Smoking Rate Reduction, But More Needs to be Done ARLINGTON, VA—New data from CDC’s 2017 National Health Interview indicates that smoking rates among U.S. adults have hit an all-time low, with only 13.9 percent indicating they smoked last year. The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) believes that these findings represent a major public health success, but more work needs to be done, as cigarette smoking is responsible for almost 500,000 deaths each year and the toll of tobacco use on heart disease and cancer alone has resulted in extensive human suffering.  For the past five decades, national public health leaders and state and territorial health departments have worked diligently to implement evidence-based practices and policies to curb tobacco use. ASTHO is pleased to see the positive results of these public health efforts, including evidence-based interventions such as smoke-free workplace policies, laws that increase the tobacco purchase age to 21, and state quitlines to help smokers quit, and increasing the cost of tobacco products. “Tobacco control is widely recognized as a priority by state public health leaders across the nation. State leaders have led the way by enacting evidence-based interventions that have made a difference,” says John Wiesman, president of ASTHO and secretary of health at the Washington State Department of Health. “However, we must address other tobacco related issues, such as e-cigarettes and vaping, and disparities like the high rates of tobacco use among individuals with behavioral health conditions, and challenge aggressive marketing practices targeting youth and minority communities where there is a greater prevalence of smoking, particularly those from lower income groups.” Continued tobacco control funding and implementation of evidence-based tobacco control policies are still needed at the state and territorial level. Cigarette smoking continues to be the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, but funding has been reduced from longstanding sources like tobacco taxes and Master Settlement agreement revenues. States are now on the front lines of reducing youth access to tobacco products and e-cigarettes that encourage addiction to nicotine. “While these declines are certainly encouraging, the battle is far from over,” says Nicole Alexander-Scott, president-elect of ASTHO and director of the Rhode Island Department of Health. “Big Tobacco continues to shamelessly target youth and lower income communities with their dangerous, highly addictive products. We cannot stop fighting until every single person has an equal opportunity to breathe free and thrive, no matter what ZIP code they live in, and no matter their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, level of education, level of income, or insurance status. Together, we absolutely can make this happen.” ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

Nation’s Health Officials Very Concerned About the Public Health Impact of Family Separations at the U.S.-Mexico Border ARLINGTON, VA—Michael Fraser, chief executive officer of ASTHO, issued the following statement today in response to the current federal actions to separate children from their families at the U.S.-Mexico border. “Our nation’s health officers are extremely concerned about the policy of separating children from their families at the U.S.-Mexico border. All children should have the opportunity to thrive in safe, stable, and nurturing environments. Separating children from their parents exposes them to one of the most serious adverse events imaginable. We know this can have a lasting, long-term impact on the developing brain and the future social and emotional health and well-being of these children.  As a non-partisan, consensus-based association of state and territorial public health leaders, ASTHO supports efforts to prevent adverse childhood experiences and encourages policies that promote the health of children and families. Relationships developed in early childhood are the foundation for lifelong health and, as our colleagues from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Public Health Association have noted, these separations interrupt these bonds and may lead to serious consequences for children who do not heal from this trauma. We are very concerned that this policy will have serious long-term, deleterious effects on children who are not reunited quickly with their caregivers and we call upon the President and Congress to resolve this matter immediately. Partners and stakeholders from various perspectives and political affiliations agree that the time is now to change the family separation policy. In all cases, any adverse consequences of policy must always be balanced by a good that is equal or greater. On that basis, there is little justification for the harm that this practice is inflicting. There are surely more humane ways to resolve immigration policy and enforce our nation’s immigration laws than separating parents and children. ASTHO urges the Administration and members of Congress to reconsider the current policy in the interest of protecting and promoting the health and well-being of families.” ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

ASTHO and Safe States Alliance Respond to Rising Injury Deaths Among Children and Adolescents ARLINGTON, VA—Today, CDC released a report showing that injuries, suicides, and homicides are leading to more deaths among children and young adults in the United States. “After several years of progress in reducing injury deaths among 10 to 19 year-olds in the United States, this alarming upturn in deaths caused by motor vehicle crashes, suicides, and drug overdoses demonstrates that significant challenges remain,” says John Wiesman, president of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) and secretary of health at the Washington State Department of Health. “Preventing injuries and violence is a top priority for our nation’s health departments. ASTHO and the Safe States Alliance are committed to strengthening the capacity of state and territorial health departments to effectively advance these efforts.” While summer is the time of year when injuries among children dramatically increase, health departments are working year-round to create safe and healthy communities. “We urge Congress to invest in effective prevention programming. Expanding the CDC’s Core State Violence and Injury Program, for example, would provide necessary resources to health departments to ensure the safety and protection of all people, especially our youngest citizens,” says Rich Hamburg, executive director of the Safe States Alliance.  “As public health leaders, we find the 56 percent increase in suicides between 2007 and 2016 to be wholly unacceptable,” adds Wiesman. “To address this serious issue and save lives, we need to consider the role of mental and behavioral health and how to better integrate these principles within the governmental public health and healthcare systems. We must intensify our efforts to prevent these tragic deaths and direct greater investments toward childhood injury and suicide prevention programs.” In light of these findings, continued assessment, vigilance, and resources are needed to put proven prevention strategies into practice to save lives and prevent lifelong disability for America’s children. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate Safe States Alliance Boilerplate website yes

ASTHO Member and West Virginia Health Commissioner Rahul Gupta Testifies on Nation’s Opioid Epidemic ARLINGTON, VA—Rahul Gupta, commissioner and state health officer at the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources’ Bureau for Public Health, testified today on the nation’s opioid epidemic before the United States House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The hearing, “A Sustainable Solution to the Evolving Opioid Crisis: Revitalizing the Office of National Drug Control Policy,” provided members of Congress the opportunity to discuss reauthorizing the Office of National Drug Control Policy to elevate evidence-based initiatives to combat the current opioid crisis.  The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) is pleased Congress continues to address the greatest public health threat facing Americans today. The nation’s state and territorial health agencies are on the front lines combating the current substance misuse, addiction, and drug overdose crisis and it is vital that Congress and the Administration support efforts to end the epidemic. “I am grateful for the opportunity to represent West Virginia and discuss the twin challenges of overprescribing opioids for pain and the growing use of heroin, often adulterated with fentanyl. West Virginia continues to experience the highest rate of overdose fatalities in the nation and is also enduring a surge in the rate of neonatal abstinence syndrome,” says Gupta. “Collectively, states and territories recognize the opioid crisis as a public health emergency. To develop sustainable solutions to this contemporary challenge we need authentic national leadership, expanded access to evidence-based treatment, and increased focus on primary prevention strategies to avert drug use and misuse before it starts. I will continue to work tirelessly in my state to address those areas, but we rely on a strong partnership with the federal government. To implement these solutions, it is critical that we take a comprehensive, science-driven approach that combines the efforts of federal, state, and local agencies, along with other organizations and industries. The hearing today was a very important first step in that process.”  For more information on the hearing, visit the committee's website. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

ASTHO Statement on President Trump's Plan to End the Opioid Epidemic and Address America's "Crisis Next Door" ARLINGTON, VA—Michael Fraser, executive director of ASTHO, issued the following statement on President Trump’s Initiative to Stop Opioid Abuse and Reduce Drug Supply and Demand. “The president’s plan demonstrates important leadership for this critical public health issue and contains vital measures states and territories can take to address the opioid misuse and addiction epidemic that is plaguing our nation. We believe the President is serious about implementing the recommendations of his commission, many of which will strengthen the capacity of state health agencies to address the problem. These include increasing availability of overdose reversal medications, improving linkages between state prescription drug monitoring programs, and assuring that federal health programs expand evidence-based treatment and recovery services. The focus on expanding access to medication assisted treatment will greatly assist state and territorial health departments in their efforts to get more Americans evidence-based treatment and access recovery services. We look forward to continued conversations with the Administration and Congress about how to further efforts to provide evidence-based public health approaches to preventing opioid misuse and addiction, including the proposed media campaign and other public health messaging to prevent drug use. It is our hope the Administration will continue to emphasize the critical role state, territorial, and local public health departments play in addressing this issue. As the President noted in his speech today, preventing individuals from using opioids or other illicit substances in the first place is the best way to end our nation’s epidemic. State and territorial health agencies are on the front lines of responding to the current crisis of substance misuse, addiction, and drug overdose.” ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

ASTHO Statement on FDA’s Announcement to Reduce Nicotine in Cigarettes ARLINGTON, VA—ASTHO’s chief medical officer, Marcus Plescia, issued the following statement on FDA’s announcement to reduce nicotine in cigarettes:  “We are pleased that FDA is seeking public comment on a potential product standard to lower nicotine in cigarettes to make them less addictive. This is an important and aggressive intervention to address the tragic burden of tobacco use in this country. The highly addictive qualities of nicotine have led to the premature death and suffering of millions of Americans by making cigarettes hard to quit. The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) looks forward to commenting on the proposed rule and we hope FDA will move forward with regulating the nicotine content of combustible cigarettes to prevent disease and save lives attributed to tobacco use.”  ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

ASTHO Statement on Resignation of CDC Director ASTHO Statement on Resignation of CDC Director Fitzgerald ARLINGTON, VA—The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) president and executive director issued the following statements in response to the announcement on the resignation of CDC Director Brenda Fitzgerald: “We respect Dr. Fitzgerald’s decision to step down from her role as CDC director and understand the difficult choice she had to make,” says Michael Fraser, executive director of ASTHO. “While her tenure was a brief six months, Dr. Fitzgerald created momentum for improving the health of our nation, specifically around her agency’s role in fighting infectious disease and promoting health security, addressing the opioid epidemic, combating this year’s deadly flu season, and bringing a public health perspective to early childhood development in a new way for CDC. ASTHO stands ready to support the future CDC director, whom we hope has the same depth of experience in leading a state, local, or territorial public health agency. It is also our hope that a new director will continue to value state and territorial public health leaders as primary partners in the implementation of CDC’s work. We know these kinds of changes can be disruptive to an agency that is already underfunded and works around the clock to protect us from our nation’s gravest health threats.” “As public health officials, we uniquely understand that the role of CDC director is critical to protecting and promoting the health and well-being of the American people above all other interests,” says John Wiesman, ASTHO’s president and secretary of health at the Washington State Department of Health. “We hold Dr. Fitzgerald in great esteem for her many contributions as Georgia’s health commissioner, where she spearheaded efforts to reduce childhood obesity and promote early brain development, laying the foundation to help people enjoy longer and healthier lives. We accept her decision to step down, and we look forward to working closely with CDC’s next director to continue advancing the work of our nation’s top public health agency.”   ASTHO is supportive of HHS Secretary Alex Azar’s announcement of Anne Schuchat as the interim CDC Director. “Dr. Schuchat’s experience working in the field and at CDC headquarters gives her the perspective one needs to understand the breadth, scope, and importance of the agency,” Fraser says. “We look forward to working with her during her tenure as interim director.” ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

New ASTHO Profile Report Offers Comprehensive Look at Nation's Health Agencies ASTHO Profile Report Volume 4 Offers Comprehensive Look at Nation's Health Agencies ARLINGTON, VA—The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) released the ASTHO Profile of State and Territorial Public Health, Volume Four (Profile), a comprehensive report that takes an in-depth look at state and territorial health agencies, including funding levels, agency priorities, and governmental public health workforce. The Profile reveals important trends, challenges, and developments across public health agencies in the states, U.S. territories, and freely associated states, including a decreasing public health workforce, prioritization of chronic disease, and increased resource sharing. “State and territorial health agencies do incredible work to promote population health and the span of activities described in this report is impressive,” says Michael Fraser, executive director of ASTHO. “Reliable and comprehensive data is one of the best ways to demonstrate the value of public health to policymakers, researchers, public health practitioners, and the public.” The report reveals that 25 percent of the public health workforce could be lost to retirement by 2020, leaving a dramatic gap in the nation’s ability to protect the public’s health. Bolstered succession planning and recruitment efforts are essential to prepare the workforce for the next public health crisis. While state health agency total revenue has remained relatively stable over time, demands are ever increasing and as a result these agencies are working to maximize limited resources through collaboration and partnership. The number of states sharing resources with other states on a continuous, recurring (nonemergency) basis increased substantially, from 9 percent in 2012 to 27 percent in 2016. The report also reiterates the many public health services provided by the health department, including but not limited to emergency preparedness, maternal and child health, food inspections, and clinical care. State health agencies most frequently reported chronic disease prevention as a top priority, reflecting the larger public health goal to reduce the burden of chronic disease in the United States. This report was developed with support from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. To learn more about the Profile report, visit www.astho.org/profile. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

ASTHO Statement on Media Reports Regarding “Banned Words” at CDC ARLINGTON, VA—Michael Fraser, executive director of ASTHO, issued the following statement on recent media reports regarding “banned words” at CDC: “It is critical that public health professionals use science and evidence to make informed decisions to improve the health of the population. Today, ASTHO sent a letter to Acting HHS Secretary Eric Hargan expressing that science must remain the bedrock of policies formulated at HHS. Public health professionals should be empowered by both the Administration and Congress to use the language necessary to convey the importance of their work to the public, policymakers, and other stakeholders. We are encouraged by CDC Director Brenda Fitzgerald’s clarification that there are no ‘banned’ words at CDC and we look forward to continued collaboration across HHS to implement scientifically-sound, evidence-based best practices at the state and territorial levels.” ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

Health Officials Encourage Flu Shots to Protect Pregnant Women and Infants ARLINGTON, VA—Flu season has arrived in the United States and with influenza activity on the rise, being vaccinated against the flu for people six months and older remains the best line of defense to prevent illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths caused by influenza. This is particularly true for older adults, children under five, and pregnant women. However, many people do not receive an annual flu shot, even though they have been shown to offer significant public health benefits. New CDC data show that two-thirds of pregnant women are not protected against flu. As the 2017-2018 flu season gains momentum, health officials are recommending that pregnant women talk to their healthcare provider about getting a flu shot to protect them and their babies throughout the flu season. Peak flu activity in the United States most often occurs from December through February, but can last as late as May.  While it is best to get a flu shot before the start of influenza season, vaccinations received later may still provide protection. With early data pointing to a moderately severe flu season, getting vaccinated is more important than ever. “It’s not too late to get vaccinated,” says Randall W. Williams, an obstetrician/gynecologist and director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. “Many state health departments, working with local healthcare providers and other partners, have robust influenza vaccination campaigns underway and are working hard to scale up efforts to protect mothers and babies from the flu.” State and territorial health departments play an integral role in ensuring access to vaccines, providing public education on vaccine preventable diseases, and galvanizing community partners and healthcare provider to improve vaccination rates. These efforts and partnerships are needed to encourage the population to take the initiative to get vaccinated and to ensure access to the more than 148 million vaccines that have been distributed across the country. CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends flu shots for all women who are or will be pregnant during the flu season. Pregnant women are at increased risk of complications due to the flu. Changes in the immune system, heart, and lungs make a pregnant woman more susceptible to influenza. ASTHO partnered with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American College of Nurse Midwives to create a suite of resources that public health professionals and healthcare providers can use to educate and promote influenza vaccination among pregnant women. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

New Opioid Reports Support ASTHO Call for Increased Investment in Prevention ARLINGTON, VA—Two reports released this week highlight the continued need for additional resources to combat the national opioid epidemic. A report released by Trust for America’s Health estimates that deaths from drugs, suicide, and alcohol combined are projected to increase 41 percent nationwide in the next 10 years without additional investment in prevention. Additionally, the White House’s Council of Economic Advisors reports that the economic cost of the opioid epidemic has been underestimated, with the true cost now projected at $504 billion—six times more than originally thought. “The cost of this crisis is staggering—not only in terms of dollars, but also in terms of the suffering, loss, and grief sustained by our nation’s families,” says ASTHO Executive Director Michael Fraser. “Investments in treatment and prevention are what is needed to turn the tide on this epidemic. We urge Congress to act swiftly to fund the many important priorities identified in the President’s Commission report as soon as possible, with a special emphasis on preventing substance misuse and addiction. “While we applaud the administration for bringing national attention to the opioid crisis, more investment in public health prevention is needed. State and territorial health agencies are partners on the front lines of this epidemic, but they won’t be able to maintain momentum without additional investment in evidence-based prevention programs. You don’t end an epidemic without preventing it. We must ramp up efforts now so that public health professionals at the state and local levels can continue to compile data, connect providers, communities, and patients, and innovate to better understand overdose hot spots and save lives.” ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

New Guidelines Highlight Public Health Role in Promoting Heart Health ARLINGTON, VA—The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) agrees the updated blood pressure guidelines published this week by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology may lead to more Americans diagnosed with hypertension. However, health officials are optimistic that these new guidelines will help decrease mortality from heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States, since the lower threshold means that high blood pressure will be identified and addressed earlier. The new guidelines indicate high blood pressure should be treated at 130/80 rather than 140/90. “Hypertension is often framed as a clinical issue, but public health plays a crucial role in raising hypertension awareness, encouraging healthy lifestyle changes, and supporting people to monitor their blood pressure in the community setting,” says Michael Fraser, ASTHO’s executive director. Health departments help form important linkages between physicians and community programs to serve populations at high risk for cardiovascular disease and promote institutional changes to make treatment more effective. Increasingly, health departments support changes that help individuals manage and control their blood pressure in community settings. They also collect and monitor population data to identify trends and areas of greatest need. Most importantly, they play a unique role in providing and ensuring support for population-wide behavior changes to both prevent and control high blood pressure.  Since 2013, ASTHO’s Heart Disease and Stroke Learning Collaborative has transformed the way state and territorial public health departments approach hypertension and chronic diseases. ASTHO has worked with public health leaders in 25 states, the District of Columbia, the Republic of Palau, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands to develop, expand, and sustain efforts to improve hypertension prevention, detection, and control. To learn more about how states and territories are working to combat hypertension, view ASTHO’s Tools for Change website. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes