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Statement from ASTHO CEO Joseph Kanter, MD, MPH, on CDC Headquarters Attack

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Statement from ASTHO CEO Joseph Kanter, MD, MPH, on CDC Headquarters Attack ASTHO CEO Statement on CDC Headquarters Attack ASTHO CEO Joseph M. Kanter, MD, MPH, issues a statement on behalf of the organization following the attack on CDC headquarters. ARLINGTON, VA — The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) Chief Executive Officer Joseph Kanter, MD, MPH, issued the following statement today: “In the aftermath of a gunman opening fire on the headquarters of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) last Friday, the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials expresses our deepest solidarity with CDC employees and the broader public health community. Public health professionals across this country show up to work each day with one singular goal — to help improve the health and wellness of other people. In this time of heated rhetoric and polarization, we implore everyone to help dampen inflammatory slander undeservingly aimed at public health professionals and endeavor to recognize the collective humanity public servants across all sectors embody. We also honor the life of DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose and express our deepest gratitude to his family as his sacrifice in the line of duty undoubtedly saved lives.” ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

ASTHO Statement on Autism and Vaccines

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ASTHO Statement on Autism and Vaccines ARLINGTON, VA — ASTHO Chief Medical Officer Susan Kansagra, MD, MBA made the following statement regarding vaccines and autism: “As public health professionals, we unequivocally support the use of vaccines to prevent infectious diseases. The science behind vaccines is robust and well-tested and the overwhelming consensus of scientific evidence is clear that there is no link between vaccines and autism. Vaccines have been rigorously tested and examined for decades. They are one of the most significant public health achievements in human history, having saved countless lives and prevented immeasurable suffering. We all want our kids to be healthy and strong. Please consult your health care provider if you have questions.” ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

New ASTHO Legal Map Illuminates State and Territorial Suicide Prevention Infrastructure

New ASTHO Legal Map Illuminates State and Territorial Suicide Prevention Infrastructure ARLINGTON, VA — The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), in partnership with Temple University and with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), today announced the release of a new interactive resource, Legal Mapping of State and Territorial Infrastructure to Prevent Suicides. The tool visualizes state and territorial laws, as of January 1, 2025, related to suicide prevention commissions, offices, and fatality review processes, providing invaluable insights for strengthening prevention efforts nationwide. Suicide remains a significant public health crisis, ranking as the second-leading cause of death for individuals ages 10–34 in 2023, with over 49,000 suicides occurring across all age groups that year. Certain populations experience disproportionately higher rates of suicide, including those in rural areas, older adults, American Indian or Alaska Native individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans. "Understanding the variability of legal frameworks for suicide prevention infrastructure across jurisdictions can help leaders identify ways they might strengthen their own work,” says Joseph Kanter, MD, MPH, ASTHO CEO. “These new legal maps help jurisdictions examine the national landscape of policies, enable health agencies to pinpoint gaps, replicate best practices, and strategically implement evidence-based interventions tailored to their communities' unique needs. Strong, legally supported infrastructure is paramount to sustaining prevention efforts, especially amid evolving funding landscapes." The interactive resource allows users to explore various aspects of state and territorial suicide prevention infrastructure, including: The establishment of suicide prevention offices or coordinators. The existence of population-focused suicide prevention groups or taskforces. The establishment and scope of committees or bodies that review suicide. fatalities, including data collection on suicide attempts and information sharing requirements. Key findings regarding the legal landscape of state-level infrastructure as of January 1, 2025: Twelve jurisdictions had laws establishing a suicide prevention office or coordinator, with eight of these offices located within health department. Twelve jurisdictions have laws establishing suicide prevention task forces, commissions, or other advisory bodies. Thirty jurisdictions had a law establishing a committee, body, or other review process for some portion of suicide fatalities. On July 30, ASTHO is hosting a webinar focused on the new resource. Register here: State and Territorial Infrastructure for Suicide Prevention: Exploring New Legal Maps. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

ASTHO President Scott Harris, MD, MPH, Testifies to Congress Advocating for Sustainable and Predictable Public Health Funding

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ASTHO President Scott Harris, MD, MPH, Testifies to Congress Advocating for Sustainable and Predictable Public Health Funding ARLINGTON, VA — Scott Harris, MD, MPH, president of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) and state health officer for the Alabama Department of Public Health, testified today before the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Education and Related Agencies. Harris emphasized the importance of providing sustainable and predictable federal funding for key programs and initiatives at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Health Resources and Services Administration, and other federal health agencies that enhance our nation’s public health. In addition, he mentioned the challenges associated with the recent cancellation of COVID-19 grants by HHS. “Governmental public health agencies are on the front line protecting our nation and improving the health and well-being of the entire U.S. population. Our country continues to face many public health challenges, deaths associated with chronic diseases, the re-emergence of vaccine-preventable diseases, and opioid misuse,” says Harris. “To build long-term resilience, public health funding must be consistent, forward-looking, and rooted in community-driven initiatives that address the needs of people where they live.” ASTHO calls on Congress to provide stable and long-term financial support for public health agencies. Without consistent investment state, local, tribal and territorial health agencies will struggle to strengthen their infrastructure, build public trust and protect the health and safety of all Americans. We must have a firm commitment to lasting resources that ensure a healthier future for our communities. For more information about the hearing, please visit the committee YouTube channel and read Harris’s full testimony. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

State and Territorial Health Leaders Convene on Capitol Hill to Advocate for Sustained Funding

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State and Territorial Health Leaders Convene on Capitol Hill to Advocate for Sustained Funding ARLINGTON, VA—The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) leadership and public health officials will gather in Washington, D.C. from March 10-13 for the annual Spring Leadership Forum. Attendees will gather to discuss key policy issues, attend peer learning sessions, and advocate for critical funding on Capitol Hill. Health officials are expected to highlight the value of federal funding to public health agencies as well as infrastructure needs, with the looming expiration of federal funding on March 14. Specifically, ASTHO requests Congress provide $365 million in FY25 and invest $1 billion, which equates to about $3 per person in the United States, in FY26 for vital public health infrastructure. “This week, ASTHO members are meeting with Congress to advocate for adequate resources to sustain vital, life-saving public health operations,” says Joseph Kanter, MD, MPH, ASTHO CEO. “In-person meetings allow health officials to shed light on the impact of legislation on state-level health systems. Our goal is to foster bipartisan collaboration and advocate for Americans across the country who rely on federally funded programs to stay healthy.” Additionally, senior leadership from the five U.S. territories and three freely associated states (T/FAS) will participate in an island-tailored set of meetings with Congressional and federal agency partners. On Capitol Hill, ASTHO’s T/FAS members will discuss the impact of the recently renegotiated Compacts of Free Association, as well as emphasize the importance of territorial Medicaid funding and the challenges associated with the Section 1108b cap on territorial Medicaid funding. "ASTHO’s Spring Leadership Forum is a critical opportunity for U.S. territorial and freely associated state health officials to make our voices heard in Washington, D.C. We look forward to working with members of Congress and federal agencies on emerging federal and island public health priorities," says Dr. Esther Muña, CEO of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands’ Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation, chair of the ASTHO Insular Affairs Committee, and Director on the ASTHO Board. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

ASTHO Welcomes New Leadership to Executive Team

ASTHO Welcomes New Leadership to Executive Team ARLINGTON, VA — The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) is announcing three new executive team members. This includes Rachel Joseph as vice president of business development; Jennifer Layden, MD, PhD, as senior vice president of population health and innovation; and Manizha Nabieva, vice president of finance and chief financial officer. “As ASTHO continues to pursue expanded partnerships and improved sustainability, we are thrilled to have the tremendous expertise from Dr. Layden, Rachel, and Manizha,” says Joseph Kanter, MD, MPH, ASTHO CEO. “I am confident that their experience will help our organization better support state and territorial health departments as they tackle increasingly complex challenges.” Rachel Joseph joins ASTHO after more than a decade at the American Society of Clinical Oncology, where she led business development operations. Her work included launching a consultative services division, increasing philanthropic support, and improving internal coordination. Previously, Rachel served as director of business development for LifeBridge Health, a regional health system based in Baltimore, Maryland. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania, a master’s degree in Russian literature from Stanford University and an MBA from Columbia Business School. Rachel Joseph will serve under the direction of Jennifer Layden, MD, PhD, senior vice president of population health and innovation. Most recently, Dr. Layden served as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Office of Public Health, Data, Surveillance and Technology where she oversaw efforts to modernize public health data systems and improve the use of data for timely, actionable decision-making. During her five years at CDC, she played a central leadership role in the agency’s data modernization initiative and served as a trusted advisor to several CDC directors. She brings extensive national, state and local public health leadership experience to ASTHO. Prior to CDC, Dr. Layden held senior leadership roles with the Chicago Department of Public Health and the Illinois Department of Public Health. Her work spanned infectious disease outbreak response, electronic health record data improvements and development of a novel academic partnership to advance laboratory molecular detection. Dr. Layden earned her undergraduate degree from Notre Dame and her medical degree and doctorate in epidemiology from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She completed clinical training in internal medicine and infectious disease as well as authored more than 70 scientific publications. Manizha Nabieva brings over 20 years of senior leadership experience in financial and operational management, with expertise in financial planning, forecasting, budgeting, risk management, and compliance. Most recently, Manizha served as Chief Financial Officer at the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), where she led the development of a new investment strategy, implemented an ERP system, and strengthened compliance across both federal and private grants. She holds a Master of Business Administration from the George Washington University and is a Certified Accountant Practitioner (CAP) through the International Council of Certified Accountants and Auditors (ICCAA). ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

Insight and Inspiration: Conversations for Public Health Leaders

Insight and Inspiration: Conversations for Public Health Leaders ASTHO is honored to present Insight and Inspiration, the premier webinar series designed to motivate public health leaders as they respond to new and ongoing public health challenges. The nation’s preeminent thought leaders, authors, and strategic thinkers offer attendees strategies to further develop their leadership skills as well as ground themselves and their teams even amid crisis. This series is open to governmental public health professionals at all stages of their careers. Check out upcoming opportunities and previous session recordings below to take your leadership to the next level. website

Speakers

Speakers 2023 Health Equity Summit Speakers health equity, health equity summit, health equity conference, public health speakers, health equity speakers, public health experts, health equity experts Speakers at this year's Health Equity Summit are some of the biggest names in public health and health equity. Speakers at tthe 2023 Health Equity Summit are some of the biggest names in public health and health equity. Browse through the speakers below. article

Policy Statements

ASTHO policy statements outline positions on critical public health topics, supporting advocacy and leadership for state and territorial health agencies.