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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

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

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 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

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

State Health Officials Commend Public Health Emergency Declaration to Address Opioid Epidemic ARLINGTON, VA—Members of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) joined President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump today at the White House for a meeting declaring the nation’s opioid crisis a public health emergency.  “While emergency declarations are normally reserved for natural disasters or infectious disease outbreaks, the President’s announcement recognizes the work that states and territories are already undertaking to address the crisis and will allow for increased collaboration and coordination of regional and federal assets across the country for an even more effective response,” says John Wiesman, ASTHO president and secretary of health at the Washington State Department of Health. “We hope the public health emergency declaration, combined with future additional federal investments in substance abuse treatment and prevention, will lead to fewer deaths and better health for all Americans.” State and territorial health officials have been at the frontlines of this crisis working to address the many facets of the epidemic. Six states have already declared emergencies in their jurisdictions: Alaska Arizona, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Virginia. “While federal leadership has been working hard in partnership with states to address this crisis, many states have taken executive and legislative action to address the epidemic including implementing new laws and regulations around prescribing and providing additional funding for treatment services and evidence-based public health interventions to prevent substance misuse in the first place,” says Michael Fraser, ASTHO’s executive director. “The federal emergency adds to the work that states and territories have been doing in many different ways across the country.” Treating and preventing substance use disorders and addiction is very complex. “Opioid addiction is challenging because many people first become addicted when receiving the medications through the healthcare system. Addiction is not a moral failing on the part of the individual; it is a health condition we must address in healthcare and across all sectors as a society at the national, state, and community levels,” says Jay Butler, ASTHO’s immediate past president and chief medical officer for the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. “Addiction is treatable and, more importantly, preventable with appropriate evidence-based interventions. The declaration today will help us respond even more effectively to the loss of life and devastating impact of substance misuse and addiction.” ASTHO, in partnership with the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD), recently released a framework on public health responses to the opioid crisis that was developed to assist health officials in combating the epidemic. As federal agencies and Congress look to implement their response to this public health emergency, ASTHO urges national leaders to provide additional resources focusing on both treatment and prevention of addiction. “This is a crisis we ultimately are not going to arrest—or treat—our way out of; instead, we have to prevent our way out of this,” adds Fraser. “Like any public health emergency, addressing this problem calls for important steps to prevent the disease in the first place. We hope that the President and First Lady’s attention to the opioid epidemic will help us focus on both treatment and prevention. That is the work of public health, and states and territories are committed to mustering all resources available to end this epidemic.” ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

John Wiesman Named ASTHO President ARLINGTON, VA—The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) announced the appointment of John Wiesman, secretary of health at the Washington State Department of Health, as ASTHO’s new president, effective Sept. 21. “I am thrilled to serve as president of this amazing organization and to help tackle the many public health challenges facing our country,” says Wiesman. “ASTHO is a non-partisan public health powerhouse and I look forward to working with states and territories to further achieve optimal health for all.” Wiesman has served as secretary of health for the Washington State Department of Health since April 2013. During his career, Wiesman has transformed health departments from providing individual clinical services to implementing policies, systems, and environmental changes that make healthy choices easier and less expensive. In Washington state, he is working to create the healthiest next generation, end AIDS, reduce suicide deaths, and identify and fund foundational public health services across the state.  Wiesman is a native of Wisconsin and has worked in four local public health departments in Washington and Connecticut. He started his public health career in Connecticut in 1986 and was in one of the first groups trained to provide HIV counseling and testing. He earned his Doctorate of Public Health in public health executive leadership from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in 2012. He received a Master of Public Health in chronic disease epidemiology from Yale University in 1987 and his Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from Lawrence University in Wisconsin in 1983. “We are extremely honored to have Dr. Wiesman serve as our new president. He has a breadth of experience, he is a wonderful mentor, and he walks the talk,” says Michael Fraser, executive director of ASTHO. “As a local health department director, he understands the urgent need to address specific community health problems and his statewide perspective as secretary gives him the point of view an ASTHO president needs to inform national policy on behalf of states. I am truly excited to work with and learn from John in the year ahead.” Other ASTHO leaders elected at the meeting include Nicole Alexander-Scott, director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, who will serve as president-elect, and Gerd Clabaugh, director at the Iowa Department of Public Health, who will serve as secretary-treasurer.  ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

State and Territorial Health Leaders Commend Selection of Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald for CDC Director ARLINGTON, VA—The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) commends the Administration for nominating Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald to serve as director of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fitzgerald has served as commissioner and state health officer of the Georgia Department of Public Health since 2011, directing the state’s 18 public health districts and 159 county health departments and overseeing various state public health programs. “Brenda comes to the job with experiences as a successful leader in public health and healthcare” says Dr. Jay Butler, ASTHO president and chief medical officer for the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. “Her accomplishments in Georgia and her many contributions to ASTHO are a testament to her commitment to promote, protect, and improve the health of all Americans. Her perspectives gained from clinical practice as well as serving as chief of a state public health agency will be crucial to her success as director of our nation’s premiere public health agency.” Fitzgerald currently serves as president-elect of ASTHO, is a board-certified Obstetrician-Gynecologist, and has practiced medicine for more than three decades. She was in private practice before being tapped by Gov. Nathan Deal in 2010 to be part of his transition team, and then was ultimately selected to lead the Georgia Department of Public Health in 2011. As state health official, Fitzgerald has undertaken many state public health initiatives including launching the “Talk with me Baby” initiative to encourage increased language development among Georgia babies; leading a statewide, multi-faceted childhood obesity initiative, called the Georgia Student Health and Physical Education (SHAPE) Initiative, which took Georgia’s childhood obesity rate from second highest in the nation to 17th in just five years; and coordinating efforts across the state during the Ebola virus disease epidemic and protecting Georgia residents from the Zika virus through a Zika Awareness Campaign. “Dr. Fitzgerald’s first-hand experience working at the frontlines of public health and dealing with real-time health emergencies make her an ideal leader for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” says Dr. Michael Fraser, executive director of ASTHO. “Her collaborative approach to addressing both infectious disease and chronic health issues will serve the CDC well. We look forward to supporting her in this new role and working with CDC leadership well into the future to protect all Americans from health threats and promote optimal health for all.” Fitzgerald holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from Georgia State University and a Doctor of Medicine degree from Emory University School of Medicine. She completed post-graduate training at the Emory-Grady Hospital in Atlanta and held an assistant clinical professorship at Emory Medical Center. As a Major in the U.S. Air Force, Fitzgerald served at the Wurtsmith Air Force Strategic Air Command Base in Michigan and at the Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, D.C. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

State and Territorial Health Leaders Commend Nomination of Dr. Jerome Adams for U.S. Surgeon General ARLINGTON, VA—The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) commends the Administration for nominating Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. Jerome Adams to the position of U.S. Surgeon General. Adams has served as commissioner of the Indiana State Department of Health since 2014, where he oversees the public health protection and laboratory services, health and human services, healthcare quality and regulatory, and tobacco prevention and cessation commissions. “The Administration has nominated a true public health leader to serve as U.S. Surgeon General,” says Dr. Michael Fraser, executive director of ASTHO. “Dr. Adams understands the healthcare landscape, has first-hand experience dealing with serious public health issues, and will be a strong advocate for state public health, bringing a unique and valuable set of skills to the nation’s healthcare system. His knowledge of public health challenges and opportunities as Indiana State Health Commissioner will serve our nation well in the months and years ahead.” As a member of ASTHO, Adams has worked nationwide to address public health issues, including the challenges presented by the current opioid crisis. His clinical acumen combined with strong clinical and community-based experience make him a uniquely qualified candidate for the nation’s top physician. “Our nation needs a strong, experienced, and articulate public health champion, and Jerome is the right person at the right time to serve as our Surgeon General,” says Dr. Jay Butler, ASTHO president and chief medical officer for the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. “This nomination recognizes his state and national leadership experience, his broad perspective, and his clinical expertise—he brings all this to the very important job of Surgeon General.” Adams earned a B.S. in biochemistry and a B.A. in biopsychology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He has been a researcher at medical schools in both the Netherlands and Zimbabwe and has worked under Nobel Prize winner Dr. Tom Cech. He earned his Medical Doctorate at the Indiana University School of Medicine, and his Masters of Public Health at the University of California, Berkeley.  He has been an active member of ASTHO, including representing ASTHO at the American Medical Society House of Delegates and participating in national initiatives to address significant public health challenges. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

(More) Recent Shifts in HHS Leadership: June 2026 More Recent Shifts in HHS Leadership: June 2026 Catherine Murphy Get the latest updates on changes in leadership at CDC, FDA, HHS, and more in this Federal Health Policy Update. This provides updates to a previous Federal Health Policy Update: Recent HHS Leadership Changes That Impact Public Health. As Congress heads into a busy summer of work on FY27 appropriations, a potential reconciliation package, and looming midterm elections, the Trump Administration continues shaping HHS to the President’s Make America Healthy Again agenda. Since our last update in April, there have been a handful of new leadership shifts within HHS agencies. CDC Since the departure of Susan Monarez from her role as CDC Director in August 2025, the position has been covered by acting directors. In April, President Trump announced Erica Schwartz as his new pick for CDC Director. Schwartz brings experience as a physician in the U.S. Navy, as chief medical officer in the Coast Guard, and helped lead the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic as deputy surgeon general. The Senate HELP Committee has not yet noticed a hearing to review her nomination. Public response to her nomination, though, has been generally positive. In the same announcement, President Trump also highlighted his appointment of Jennifer Shuford as the CDC Deputy Director and Chief Medical Officer, and Sean Slovenski as CDC Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer. Shuford, an ASTHO alumni member, is the former commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services and an infectious disease physician. Before her tenure as commissioner, she was the chief state epidemiologist. Slovenski brings a background as a health care executive and entrepreneur, with experience ranging from telehealth and wellness incentives, major companies and brands, and advocacy. Surgeon General The confirmation proceedings of President Trump’s previous pick for Surgeon General, Casey Means, stalled as senators deliberated on her statements on vaccine safety after her appearance before the Senate HELP Committee in February. At the end of April, the President announced his nomination of Nicole Saphier, a radiologist, director of breast imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering Monmouth, and former medical contributor to the Fox News Channel. Saphier is viewed as a more mainstream nominee given that she is generally supportive of vaccines. Her priorities also include building trust in public health recommendations, combating chronic disease, and reducing ultra-processed foods. FDA In early May, it was announced that Commissioner Marty Makary would be leaving his role. Kyle Diamantas, formerly FDA’s Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods, has taken over as Acting Commissioner for the agency. Before joining FDA, Acting Commissioner Diamantas practiced law, focusing on food, drug, and life sciences regulatory matters. A nominee for FDA Commissioner has not yet been announced. Donald A. Prater has taken over as acting head of the Human Foods Program. ASPR In April, Sean Kaufman was announced as the White House nominee to lead ASPR as the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response. He specializes in preventing spread of infectious disease and brings experience as a Senior Advisor for Global Affairs at CDC and, in previous roles, responded to infectious disease outbreaks including anthrax, SARS, and West Nile virus. HHS Additionally, Sara Brenner was announced as Senior Counselor for Public Health to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. In her past roles, she served within FDA as Acting Commissioner and Principal Deputy Commissioner within the Office of the Commissioner. She is a preventive medicine and public health physician with extensive experience in federal health policy. In her broad federal experience, she has worked on COVID-19 response, within the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and worked on medical countermeasures and preparedness efforts. Leadership Promotes Trust in Public Health Minimizing leadership turnover bolsters stability in the public health continuum and allows for a more robust response to current and emerging public health threats. Ongoing changes within HHS can create uncertainty for the entire health ecosystem, from practitioners awaiting public health guidance to the broader public. In an environment where stability, clear communication, and transparency are needed, confirming leadership that promotes concise, well-researched advice will help continue efforts to rebuild trust in our governmental public health enterprise. These recently announced leaders bring a wealth of experience to their roles and have an opportunity to promote strong, evidence-based public health guidance for Americans. The Senate HELP Committee has not yet noticed confirmation hearings to review the nominations of the Senate-confirmed positions: the CDC Director, Surgeon General, and Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response are expected to be reviewed by the panel. ASTHO will continue to track updates to HHS leadership and confirmations. Reviewed by - Ekoma, Staley article yes

Don't Panic! A Panel on How to be an Effective Crisis Communicator This ASTHO webinar explored strategies for strengthening jurisdictional capacity for public health risk communication. The panel discussion featured insights from the subject matter experts, state health department representatives, and public health leaders listed below. The session showcased best practices for communicating about trending public health threats, innovative resources for applying the latest risk communications research, and an overview of practical tools to help public health communicators effectively address crises and emergencies across diverse jurisdictions. Speakers Amanda Kwong, MPH: Director, Public Health Communications Collaborative Kelley Richardson, MPH, CHES: Communications Supervisor, Division of Public Health, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Ann Rowe: Executive Board President and Member-at-Large, National Public Health Information Coalition Kasisomayajula Viswanath, PhD: Lee Kum Kee Professor of Health Communication, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health Moderator Susan Kansagra, MD, MBA (Alum-NC): Chief Medical Officer, ASTHO article yes

Investing in Public Health Infrastructure: Indiana's Success Story website yes

This episode emphasizes the importance of addressing heart disease and stroke prevention through approaches that center on health equity, including systems-level changes, quality improvement, and community development. CDC’s Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention is partnering with ASTHO to support jurisdictions in successfully integrating efforts with healthcare and community partners and implementing best practices and evidence-based policies to identify, control, and improve blood pressure.

In the Public Health Review podcast debut, host Robert Johnson speaks with public health officials from Alaska, Kentucky, and West Virginia about the ongoing opioid epidemic in the U.S. and its intersections with other epidemics like neonatal alcohol syndrome and hepatitis C.

This episode highlights ASTHO’s President’s Challenge, “Building Health and Resilient Communities,” which is a multi-year campaign that 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. The challenge is aligned with the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) and the U.S. Surgeon General’s focus on community health and economic prosperity.

Co-authors from CDC and the Alzheimer’s Association provide details about the new 2018-2023 Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map, which offers strategies for public health agencies to promote cognitive health and support people living with dementia and their caregiver, and a forthcoming companion guide for Indian Country.