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ASTHO Celebrates 75 Years of Public Health Leadership ARLINGTON, VA—Today the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) celebrates its 75th anniversary and recognizes the significant achievements of its members who have been at the forefront of promoting and protecting the public’s health for decades. Many defining moments make up ASTHO’s rich history, including its work supporting responses to the H1N1 pandemic, the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, the Ebola outbreak, and the proliferation of Zika virus. These events solidified ASTHO’s ability to convene and leverage an extensive network of state and territorial health officials and other partners when urgent public health challenges call for decisive leadership. “While ASTHO has been involved in virtually every significant public health crisis since the mid-20th century, the association remains focused on the long-term needs of the public health system,” says Michael Fraser, executive director of ASTHO. “Members must operate effectively in today’s environment, which demands greater attention to the social determinants of health, emphasizes population health, and requires an integrated, multi-sectoral approach to health—all while facing steep funding cuts to core public health services and infrastructure.” ASTHO was incorporated on March 23, 1942, with the mission of helping health officials navigate a rapidly changing public health landscape and to this day remains a strong voice in governmental public health. ASTHO’s mission is both focused and flexible: transforming public health within states and territories to help members dramatically improve health and wellness. State and territorial health officials have been exceptional leaders and champions for improving Americans’ health and well-being by preventing chronic diseases, responding to emerging health threats, safeguarding the nation’s food and water supply, and fostering innovation in our healthcare delivery system. Since 2008, each incoming ASTHO president has issued a President’s Challenge to call attention to our nation’s most pressing and unmet public health problems. Through these initiatives, state and territorial health officials have taken multifaceted approaches leading to significant policy changes in their jurisdictions resulting in lower rates of preterm birth and infant mortality, fewer prescription drug overdose deaths, and greater cross-sector leadership to promote optimal health for all. This year, ASTHO will continue to build on its successes with a focus on legislative activities, convening and supporting health officials as transformational leaders, building public health capacity, and elevating the visibility of state and territorial health agencies. ASTHO also plans to launch a virtual technical assistance series, assembling national experts for its members to address complex public health priorities, such as substance misuse and addiction. On Sept. 20-21, ASTHO will host its annual meeting and 75th anniversary celebration in Washington, D.C., recognizing the achievements of state and territorial public health agencies. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

ASTHO Executive Director Michael Fraser Responds to the Affordable Care Act Replacement Bill ARLINGTON, VA—“While millions of Americans may experience changes in their insurance coverage as part of the Affordable Care Act “repeal and replace” debate, all will lose with the elimination of the Prevention and Public Health Fund. Core state and territorial public health programs have been moved into the Prevention and Public Health Fund and its elimination without a clear replacement is concerning. States and territories rely on the fund to support long-standing public health programs that promote health, prevent disease, and allow rapid response to emerging public health threats. Eliminating the fund would result in cuts to programs that provide critical childhood immunizations, help smokers quit their deadly tobacco habit, fight obesity and diabetes, battle the opioid epidemic, and offer support for other disease-specific efforts. Preventing disease and promoting health is the most commonsense approach to controlling healthcare costs and improving health outcomes. We urge Congress to either find a replacement mechanism to fund these core health programs otherwise we will immediately put at risk the health and well-being of millions of people living in every urban city and rural community in America.” ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

ASTHO and Safe States Alliance Commit to Supporting State Injury and Violence Prevention Programs ARLINGTON, VA—The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials supports the just-released Safe States Alliance’s 2015 State of the States report, which highlights the important role that state health department injury and violence prevention (IVP) programs play in addressing injuries and violence across the nation, including falls, prescription drug overdoses, sexual violence, child passenger safety, and suicide. ASTHO and the Safe States Alliance are committed to advancing the significant efforts of state injury and violence prevention programs. According to the report, nearly one person dies every three minutes due to injuries and violence, and the total lifetime costs of injuries and violence sustained in a single year amount to $671 billion in medical and work loss expenses. The costs are disproportionate to the investments, with only $90 million dollars being invested into prevention across states surveyed for this report. “State IVP programs are working to lift the immense health and societal burden of injuries and violence to create a society where people can live to their full potential,” says Dr. Michael Fraser, ASTHO Executive Director. The State of the States report is the only national assessment of capacity among state public health IVP programs. “The State of the States report is critical for sharing the vital work of our state health departments and informing our federal, state, and local prevention partners of the need for continued and expanded support of comprehensive injury and violence prevention programs across the country,” says Amber Williams, executive director of the Safe States Alliance. ASTHO affirms that injury and violence prevention activities are an integral component of public health practice to improve health outcomes. Efforts should use a multidisciplinary approach, address prevention of injury and violence across the lifespan, and focus on a broad range of injury prevention issues. For more information, view ASTHO’s Preventing Injuries and Violence Position Statement. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate Safe States Alliance Boilerplate website yes

State and Territorial Health Leaders Praise Surgeon General’s Report on E-Cigarettes ARLINGTON, VA—The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) praises U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy for issuing a first ever report on e-cigarette use among youth and young adults, and calls on local, state, and national partners to redouble efforts to prevent tobacco use and support tobacco cessation efforts nationwide. The new report indicates a dramatic rise in e-cigarette use among youth and young adults. E-cigarettes are now the most commonly used tobacco product among youth, surpassing conventional cigarettes in 2014. Emerging data suggests that youth who use e-cigarettes are more likely to use combustible tobacco products. ASTHO members have a strong history of supporting programs that improve tobacco prevention and control efforts in their states, and this new report reiterates that tobacco use, in any form and at any age, is harmful to our health. “The report’s main message, that there is no acceptable level of nicotine when it comes to our children, is a strong one and one that I support as a physician, father, and champion for health in my state. That's why in Vermont we added e-cigarettes to the tobacco products restricted under our Clean Indoor Air Act,” says Harry Chen, MD, chair of ASTHO’s Prevention Policy Committee and commissioner of the Vermont Department of Health. “While there is still a lot we do not know about e-cigarettes, we do know that vaping products contain chemicals that could cause harm, especially in young people. Our research on the health effects of smoking clearly shows that nicotine, regardless of how it is delivered, is addictive and can harm the developing brain.” ASTHO President and Chief Medical Officer for the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, Jay Butler, MD, states that “our nation’s state and territorial health leaders are committed to aggressive efforts to reduce all tobacco use and address the issues posed by electronic cigarettes. This is an area where health, policy, and science can converge to prevent harm and potentially prevent addiction and substance misuse among our youth.” While all state and territorial public health agencies have experience addressing tobacco control and prevention, e-cigarettes pose new challenges to health leaders. “We are concerned about tobacco-attributable health disparities, tobacco-related morbidity and mortality, and the limited regulation and lack of definitive research on e-cigarettes and their components,” says ASTHO’s Executive Director Michael Fraser, PhD. “To this end, we support further investment in prevention efforts and research to inform local, state, and national policymakers. I think the surgeon general’s report is going to focus more attention on the unique issues raised by e-cigarettes and the need for additional policy work and investment at the state and national level to promote healthy behaviors among our nation’s young people.” ASTHO is currently updating its position statement on tobacco prevention and control to include the public health consequences of e-cigarettes and related vaping devices. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

ASTHO Board Selects Michael Fraser to Serve as New Executive Director ARLINGTON, VA—The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) announced today that Michael Fraser, PhD, CAE, will serve as the organization’s executive director beginning in mid- or late-August 2016. Fraser has extensive experience leading public health and healthcare associations. Most recently he served as the executive vice president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Medical Society in Harrisburg, PA. During his tenure he worked with physician leaders to transform the Pennsylvania Medical Society into a dynamic, relevant and effective membership organization representing all of the state’s physicians. “I am very excited by this opportunity to continue ASTHO’s legacy of leadership for state public health well into the future,” said Fraser. “Collectively, state and territorial health officials are a driving force in safeguarding and promoting the health of our nation. ASTHO members make decisions every day that impact the health and well-being of millions of people across the country. I look forward to supporting state and territorial health officials’ critical role in the states and territories and forging close partnerships with local, state, national, and federal stakeholders that value ASTHO members’ efforts to improve the health of our nation.” In addition to nationally recognized work at the Pennsylvania Medical Society to address the state’s opioid misuse and drug abuse crisis, Fraser has been a distinguished leader in public health for almost twenty years. He served as CEO of the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP) from 2007 to 2013, where his leadership was recognized nationally by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau’s Director’s Award in 2014. In addition the American Public Health Association’s MCH Section awarded AMCHP the Outstanding Leadership and Advocacy Award. Prior to joining AMCHP, Fraser was the deputy executive director of the National Association of County and City Health Officials from 2002 to 2007, and served in several capacities at the US Department of Health and Human Services, including positions at the Health Resources and Services Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fraser received his doctorate in sociology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in May 1997 and his M.A. in sociology in 1994. He is currently pursuing a M.S. in Management, Strategy and Leadership from the Eli Broad School of Business at Michigan State University. Fraser received his B.A. in sociology from Oberlin College in 1991. Fraser was selected after an extensive search. The ASTHO Board of Directors hired Association Strategies to manage the search and appointed a Search Committee chaired by Terry Cline, PhD, Oklahoma Commissioner of Health and Secretary of Health and Human Services. The Search Committee put forward Fraser and the ASTHO Board, chaired by Edward Ehlinger, MD, MSPH, Minnesota Commissioner of Health, voted to extend an offer at ASTHO’s June board meeting. “Mike is the ideal person to lead ASTHO forward,” said Ehlinger. “He is a dynamic leader in the health field, and his experience leading both public health associations and medical societies will serve us well as these two health sectors become increasingly intertwined. His knowledge, wisdom, and personality will guide state and territorial health agencies through the challenges of today’s health landscape and position them for a vital leadership role in the future.” ASTHO Interim Executive Director Sharon Moffatt, BSN, MS will continue to play a leadership role on ASTHO staff and help lead and coordinate the transition to the new executive director. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

ASTHO and de Beaumont Foundation Commit to Improve the Public Health Workforce ARLINGTON, VA—The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) and the de Beaumont Foundation announce a new project building upon their successful Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey (PH WINS). The new project will enhance public health workforce policies and practice and is called “PH WINS: Research to Action.” Earlier this year, ASTHO and de Beaumont released PH WINS, the first nationally representative survey of the governmental public health work force. PH WINS surveyed more than 10,000 public health workers, exploring their attitudes, morale, and climate, and developing a baseline of key workforce development metrics. Analyses of the PH WINS data set were published in a special supplemental version of the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice in November 2015. “PH WINS: Research to Action” builds on these findings to meet the training and development needs of the public health workforce. Together, the de Beaumont Foundation and ASTHO will: Create and maintain a community of practice focused on the development of the public health workforce. Craft and implement a standardized training needs assessment that goes beyond PH WINS. Develop and test a web-based tool for high-quality online training for the public health workforce. To achieve these objectives, ASTHO will utilize focus groups and a newly developed community of practice to develop innovative ideas to encourage the uptake of recommended policies and practices. The outcomes of “PH WINS: Research to Action” will be made available to all state and local health departments. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate de Beaumont Boilerplate website yes

Journal of Public Health Management and Practice Releases Studies Analyzing Largest Ever Public Health Workforce Survey

ASTHO Executive Director Announces New Role at the March of Dimes ARLINGTON, VA—Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) Executive Director Paul E. Jarris, MD, MBA, has announced that he is stepping down at the end of this year. Jarris will assume a new Senior Vice President and Deputy Medical Officer role at the March of Dimes, effective Jan. 25, 2016. Dr. Jarris has served as ASTHO’s Executive Director for the past nine years, where he transformed ASTHO to become a premier institution vital to promoting and safeguarding health and wellness across the United States and territories. Under his guidance, ASTHO has become a leader in public health systems and services research and the authoritative source of information on state and territorial public health. At the March of Dimes, Jarris will lead a new Maternal and Child Health Program Impact department. He will have overall responsibility for the March of Dimes’ Prematurity Campaign, which addresses health equity and seeks to reduce the rate of preterm birth—a leading cause of death among babies in the United States. Jarris is passionate about children’s health. A notable achievement as Executive Director of ASTHO was his aligning the efforts of ASTHO and the March of Dimes to challenge states to lower their preterm birth rates. Together with David Lakey, MD, former ASTHO President and now at the University of Texas, they championed the 2012 ASTHO President’s Challenge on Healthy Babies. After years of climbing prematurity rates, the trend has reversed. This contribution has helped save thousands of lives and improved the health of many more infants. “I am excited to be joining the March of Dimes, an organization that has had as great an impact on public health as any organization in this country and around the world,” says Jarris. “Some of my most gratifying work at ASTHO were the partnerships we were able to build between state health agencies and the March of Dimes. I look forward to continuing this work. We have already made tremendous gains. Now is the time to seize that momentum and ensure that all moms and babies have the best chance possible for a healthy start to life.” Under Jarris’ leadership, ASTHO became integral to the national public health preparedness and response system. During the influenza H1N1 pandemic and Ebola emergency, ASTHO was key in representing state health interests to federal agencies, providing guidance and consistent risk information for the states, facilitating partnerships with the provider community, and helping negotiate ready availability of pandemic vaccine at chain pharmacies nationwide. Minnesota Commissioner of Health and ASTHO President Edward Ehlinger, MD, MSPH, remarked, “Paul Jarris helped elevate ASTHO to a true leadership position in America’s public health community. He now will be bringing his skills to the March of Dimes. I thank him for his numerous contributions to state and territorial public health and I look forward to working with him to improve the health of America’s mothers and babies.” During Jarris’ tenure, ASTHO expanded its staff from 45 to 110 and budget from 9 million to 30 million. ASTHO was recognized as a top-50 employer in the Washington, DC area by Washingtonian Magazine in 2013. Jarris is a recipient of numerous awards, including the American Academy of Family Physicians 2014 Public Health Award and has authored or co-authored over 50 publications. Prior to his appointment at ASTHO, he served as Commissioner of Health at the Vermont Department of Health from 2003 to 2006. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

ASTHO Applauds Administration's Commitment to Combat the Opioid Epidemic ARLINGTON, VA—Michael Fraser, executive director of ASTHO, issued the following response to HHS Secretary Tom Price’s remarks at the National Rx Abuse and Heroin Summit in Atlanta: “ASTHO commends Secretary Tom Price and the Administration for their leadership and commitment to combatting the deadly opioid epidemic which has impacted Americans in every state and territory. In recent years, the epidemic of death and disease caused by misuse of prescription opioids has been exacerbated by the increase in heroin and illicit fentanyl use, bringing to light the complexity of issues surrounding addiction and the shortcomings of trying to address it through any single intervention. State and territorial health officials are actively addressing this issue and appreciate federal leadership and investment in these efforts. No organization, government, or group can address this issue alone. Health officials and public health leaders are acutely aware of the magnitude of the opioid epidemic, working vigorously in their states and territories along with other government agencies, healthcare providers, and local, state, and national organizations to reverse the trend in substance misuse and addiction. ASTHO and its members encourage the Administration to continue its focus on prevention, monitoring and surveillance, enforcement, and treatment and recovery strategies to turn the tide in this epidemic. We also encourage policymakers and other stakeholders to learn about the ASTHO President’s Challenge and public health approaches to targeting the drivers of substance misuse and addiction. Secretary Price’s prioritization of this issue is greatly appreciated. State and territorial health officials look forward to continued collaboration with the Administration and with Congress to assure vital resources and expertise are available to end the opioid epidemic.” To learn more about ASTHO’s 2017 President’s Challenge and how to take action, visit www.astho.org/addictions. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

ASTHO Announces Sixth Developing Executive Leaders in Public Health Cohort ARLINGTON, VA — Today, the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) announced its sixth cohort of Developing Executive Leaders in Public Health (DELPH). This highly competitive program began in 2021 and continues to strengthen the leadership capacity of mid- to senior-level governmental public health professionals. “I am thrilled to welcome the sixth cohort of the DELPH Program,” says Avia Mason, ASTHO vice president for leadership and learning. “This group of 20 scholars brings exceptional dedication and passion to the work of public health, and we are honored to support their journey as they strengthen their leadership, expand their impact, and improve the health of their communities.” Cohort six scholars include: Faisal Adam, DC Health Department Vina Ayuyu, Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation Misty Carney, Maryland Department of Health Colette Cobb, Office of the California Surgeon General Angela Cochran, St. Mary's County Health Department Jessie Fernandes, Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services Tynisha George, Chicago Department of Public Health Ethan Greenblatt, St. Louis County Department of Public Health Gabby Hadly, Snohomish County Health Department Shebra Hall, Delaware Division of Public Health Brandon Horvath, Philadelphia Department of Public Health Halana Kaleel, Austin Public Health Markeeta Keyes, City of Minneapolis - Health - Green Career Exploration Aracely Macias, New Jersey Department of Health Chelsea Moriarty Coffield, Harris County Public Health Natasha Pickens Shumpert, Jefferson County Department of Health Dipa Shah, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Nutrition and Physical Activity Program Jamilia Sherls, Washington State Department of Health Iliana Siarmalis, Maryland Department of Health Tenneh Turner-Warren, Arizona Dept of Health Services ASTHO continues its commitment to developing, elevating, and modeling strong leadership for the next generation of emerging public health leaders. At a time when public health demands courageous vision, strategic action and collaborative strength, programs like DELPH are more essential than ever. Through an innovative, cohort-model, participants will deepen their leadership identity, enhance their communication, and grow their ability to positively influence their organizations. Each participant is matched with an executive coach, accountability partner and DELPH team member for personalized, transformative leadership development. “Morehouse School of Medicine is proud to continue its partnership with ASTHO in facilitating the DELPH program,” says Sandra Harris-Hooker, senior vice president for external affairs and innovation and interim director of the Satcher Health Leadership Institute (SHLI) at Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM). “This ongoing collaboration between ASTHO and MSM’s SHLI advances our institution vision of ‘Leading the creation and advancement of health equity to achieve health justice.’ Together, we are equipping and empowering individuals to step into national and global arenas where strong, equity-centered public health leadership is needed most.” With support from the CDC, the success of the DELPH program’s more than 100 alumni demonstrates how strengthened leadership translates into stronger public health systems as they take on the pressing challenges facing our communities. Cohort six scholars will kick off their programming on December 8 in Arlington, VA. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

Juthani plans to focus presidency on the importance of public health and public health communications

ASTHO Members Convene to Share Perspectives on Rural Health Transformation Program ARLINGTON, VA — On September 4, ASTHO members and leadership convened for a panel discussion on the Rural Health Transformation Program. The panel focused on the $50 billion investment in rural health care as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. "Our vision for the rural health fund is to address issues we heard about from many rural health care providers and their community members. This includes maternal health, access to behavioral health services, emergency medical services, transportation, and workforce," said ASTHO Past-President and Secretary of Health for the Pennsylvania Department of Health Debra Bogen, MD. "It is essential that we strengthen the primary care workforce in rural parts of our state. Understaffed primary care results in overuse of emergency departments and missed opportunities for prevention. Working with many partners, we want this funding to be foundational for innovation in rural Pennsylvania." "The majority of Mississippians live in rural areas, so this grant is a big deal for us," said ASTHO member and State Health Officer for the Mississippi State Department of Public Health Daniel Edney, MD. "Some of the issues we are focused on include a statewide health information exchange, distribution of hospital beds, chronic diseases, investing in remote patient monitoring, leveraging telehealth, and emergency medical services. In terms of outcomes, we need to see the life expectancy of Mississippians go up. If all Mississippians benefit from this grant, poverty will go down and our whole ship will rise higher." In addition to Drs. Bogen and Edney, leaders from the National Rural Health Association, National Association of Medicaid Directors, and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services participated.  Learn more from a recent ASTHO blog: Understanding and Applying for the Rural Health Transformation Program. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

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 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

ASTHO issues a statement affirming strong support for routine vaccinations as a vital public health measure to protect individuals and communities from serious infectious diseases.

ASTHO highlights unseen public health work on Public Health Thank You Day

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 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 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

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