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Information about key response actions to the first confirmed case of 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in the United States.

ASTHO has its Federal Legislative Agenda priorities set for 2020.

Perinatal substance use is a serious public health issue, resulting in detrimental and even life-threatening fetal outcomes, and it continues to grow.

Debra Houry, CDC's director of the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control discusses the impact of adverse childhood experiences and how discusses the prevention work that she and her team have done.

Catherine de la Cruz-Duran, Puerto Rico's territorial health official designee, explains how the island worked after Hurricane Maria to rebuild and improve its infrastructure and processes to better recover from future natural disasters.

ASTHO interviews Harvey Milkman, PhD, about his findings using the Icelandic Prevention Model to eenage substance use and improve support for adolescents.

States can use strategies like school vaccination requirements to help combat the spread of communicable diseases that have robust availability of a highly effective vaccine, such as measles.

Interview with Gina M. Raimondo, former governor of Rhode Island, to learn more about a Rhode Island Department of Corrections initiative that helps prevent and treat addiction among incarcerated individuals and other statewide efforts to combat the opioid epidemic.

State health agencies are well-positioned to build the infrastructure necessary for scaling up the use of community health workers by defining their core competencies and building opportunities for funding, training, and employment.

In this ASTHO Member Spotlight, Esther Muña of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands discusses her routine, professional influences, and public health priorities.

In this ASTHO Member Spotlight, Elke Shaw-Tulloch of Idaho discusses her routine, professional influences, and public health priorities.

Newsroom Newsroom ASTHO news, experts, in the news ASTHO's newsroom houses press releases and statements on recent public health issues. ASTHO can connect the press to state and territorial health officials for stories related to public health. article

ASTHO Unveils Top Five State Public Health Policy Issues to Watch in 2025 ARLINGTON, VA—The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) released its top five state public health policy issues for 2025, which give key insight into the legislative public health priorities lawmakers are expected to address during the coming year. ASTHO’s annual Legislative Prospectus Series provides valuable guidance as well as potential evidence-based solutions for policymakers, public health leaders and others as they prepare for upcoming legislative sessions. “Our Legislative Prospectus Series highlights emerging public health opportunities and evidence-based solutions that we hope will guide public health officials and policymakers in creating better health outcomes for all,” says ASTHO CEO Joseph Kanter, MD, MPH. “The prevention of infectious diseases as well as maternal and child health will remain a focus for ASTHO in 2025. Additionally, building up the public health workforce and modernizing our data system will be critical for effective future public health responses.” ASTHO identified the following five top public health policy issues for 2025: Containing and Preventing the Spread of Infectious Disease Infectious disease control remains at the heart of public health. ASTHO expects policymakers to focus on legislation that empowers public health officials to manage outbreaks, improve vaccine access, and address rising sexually transmitted infection rates. States may also consider laws impacting existing vaccination requirements as well as HIV prevention strategies. Maternal and Child Health ASTHO anticipates a continued legislative focus on addressing maternal and child health. Lawmakers may expand access to mental health services, establish maternal mortality review committees, and aim to reduce postpartum substance use. State legislation may also address expanding the healthcare workforce and licensing for midwives, doulas and community health workers, particularly in rural areas. Strengthening the Public Health and Healthcare Workforce Workforce shortages remain a critical challenge. In 2025, policymakers are expected to focus on recruiting and retaining the public health and healthcare workforces by exploring state funding to sustain federal investments, modifying professional licensing requirements and modernizing employment policies. States may also explore the use of artificial intelligence for certain tasks to alleviate additional burdens on public health workers. Substance Misuse and Overdose Prevention Substance misuse prevention remains a top priority as the nation continues to battle the overdose crisis. States in 2025 may focus on expanding harm reduction measures, such as decriminalizing drug-checking tools like fentanyl and xylazine test strips. States may also focus on increasing access to FDA-approved opioid antagonists and peer support services as well as developing policies to connect incarcerated individuals to care. Modernizing Public Health Data and Protecting Privacy Timely and accurate data is essential for improving public health outcomes. In 2025, state legislation will likely include expanding the use of health information exchanges, enhancing consumer health data privacy laws, and improving the accessibility of public health data systems. Legislators may also focus on balancing the use of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence against ethical considerations regarding data usage. For more in-depth information and analysis on these trends, visit ASTHO’s Legislative Prospectus Series. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate article yes

CDC-funded program will accelerate data exchange between healthcare and public health to drive timely, data-informed public health action

ASTHO Statement on House FY25 Labor-HHS Appropriations Bill appropriations bill, fiscal year, public health programs, substance abuse, mental health, centers for disease control and prevention, territorial health departments, optimal health, fy25 house appropriations bill, substance use disorder, public health agencies, core responsibilities, bill text, summary of the bill, astho, association of state and territorial health officials This week, the House Labor Health and Human Services and Education (LHHS) appropriations subcommittee released its version of the FY25 LHHS appropriation bill, detailing proposed funding levels across public health. ARLINGTON, VA—Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) Chief Executive Officer Joseph Kanter, MD, MPH, issued the following statement on the House Fiscal Year 2025 Labor Health and Human Services and Education (LHHS) appropriations bill, which was marked up and passed out of the House Appropriations LHHS Subcommittee. “The Fiscal Year 2025 LHHS appropriations bill approved this week, with counterproductive eliminations and funding cuts proposed for key public health programs, is highly concerning and woefully inadequate to the task of ensuring the public’s health is protected. While modest proposed increases in funding for public health infrastructure, substance use and mental health, and strategic preparedness are wise and welcomed, a more than 6% cut to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, including a 22% cut to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, would weaken efforts to protect health at a crucial time for our nation. ASTHO looks forward to working with members of Congress to ensure that state and territorial health departments are provided with appropriate resources to fulfill their vital mission of protecting the health of all Americans.” Learn more from ASTHO’s summary of the FY25 house appropriations bill. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

ASTHO and NAMD Call on Congress to Fully Fund Medicaid and CHIP in U.S. Territories ARLINGTON, VA—In a joint letter to Congress, the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) and the National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD) urged Congress to fully fund Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Programs (CHIP) in the U.S. territories. ASTHO and NAMD request that Congress lift the annual Section 1108(g) allotment cap for all territories and authorize a permanent 83% Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) for Puerto Rico. “ASTHO recognizes the importance of permanent, sustainable, and equitable Medicaid financing for all U.S. territories,” says Joseph Kanter, MD, MPH, ASTHO CEO. “ASTHO respectfully requests Congress make changes to territorial Medicaid funding structures to help our nation’s territories ensure the same access to essential public health and health care services available to citizens in mainland United States.” “Unlike the states, the U.S. territories face an annual cap on their Medicaid funding,” says Kate McEvoy, Executive Director of NAMD. “This has impaired the territories’ capacity to provide needed health care to Medicaid-eligible U.S. citizens and nationals. It has also held the territories back from making the structural investments in care delivery and value-based payment reform, workforce, IT systems, and program integrity that are crucial to high performing and innovative Medicaid programs.” Chronic underfunding has impaired territories’ capacity to serve the needs of their residents, who are U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals. By acting today, Congress can improve health and ensure equity for all. Learn more in the joint letter. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate NAMD Boilerplate website yes

On April 4, 2024 ASTHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office of Health Equity announced that they are launching an alliance designed to prioritize health equity during emergency responses.

ASTHO Appoints Joseph Kanter, MD, MPH, as New Chief Executive Officer ARLINGTON, VA—The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) today announced that Joseph Kanter, MD, MPH, has been named as the organization's chief executive officer, effective April 8, 2024. Dr. Kanter, a board-certified emergency physician, brings a wealth of experience to ASTHO including prior public service as both a Louisiana state health officer and municipal health director. He has demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in public health, making him ideally suited to lead the organization. "Dr. Kanter’s expertise navigating a complex policy environment, leading a dynamic team of public health professionals, and his compassion make him uniquely suited for this role," says Steven J. Stack, MD, MBA, ASTHO president. "I worked collaboratively with him during his tenure as a state health officer and witnessed first-hand his ability to communicate to a broad array of audiences to build trust amongst colleagues, partners, and the public." "I am honored by this opportunity to serve as CEO and look forward to supporting state and territorial health agencies in their collective mission to advance public health and promote optimal health for all," says Joseph Kanter, MD, MPH. "As a former member, I know the immense value ASTHO brings to the field of public health and its essential role in facilitating collaboration and coordination among public health officials nationwide. I look forward to advancing ASTHO’s mission by working in partnership with federal agencies, members, staff, affiliated organizations, and alumni." Dr. Kanter joins ASTHO from the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) where he served as state health officer and medical director from January 2021 - February 2024. He led the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and consulted on a range of issues relating to policy, program implementation, quality and accessibility of care, health equity, emergency preparedness, and infection control. Additionally, he oversaw the enforcement of the state’s Sanitary Code. He previously held key roles within LDH, including assistant state health officer, interim assistant secretary, and regional medical director. Prior to his state service, Dr. Kanter served as director of health for the City of New Orleans, leading a comprehensive opioid mitigation strategy under Mayor Mitch Landrieu. This initiative included issuing the first-in-the-state standing order for naloxone, equipping police with the reversal medication, expanding access to medication assisted treatment, promoting harm reduction services, and initiating a city-wide effort to reduce the stigma of addictive disorders. Dr. Kanter is a practicing physician and clinical assistant professor of medicine at both LSU Health Sciences Center and Tulane School of Medicine. He previously served as the medical director of the New Orleans Health Department Health Care for Homeless program. He received his medical doctorate and master's in public health from Tulane University, a B.A. in history from Northwestern University, and is a former U.S. Fulbright Scholar. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

Public Health Leaders Will Visit Congress and Stress the Need to Invest in Infrastructure, the WIC Program, and Island Priorities ARLINGTON, VA—Members of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) will gather in Washington, D.C. this week to advocate for critical investments in public health infrastructure, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and stronger island health systems. Health officials are expected to stress the importance of a strong public health system, building on post-COVID-19 investments in state, territorial, and island jurisdiction health agencies during their meetings with members of Congress and key officials at the Capitol. ASTHO requests Congress sustain funding of $350 million in FY24 and invest $1 billion or about $3 per person in the U.S. in FY25 for vital public health infrastructure. This urgently needed, flexible, disease-agnostic, sustainable funding is crucial for building a resilient system that protects all Americans. "The nation can’t afford another boom-and-bust or panic-neglect cycle, especially after all we learned from the COVID pandemic," says Michael Fraser, PhD, ASTHO CEO. "Emergency funding surges during crises, then disappears, leaving us unprepared for the next threat. Sustained funding matters. We are grateful Congress has taken steps over the years to invest in public health infrastructure and it is critical that these funds are maintained and increased to continue to meet evolving national healthcare needs. We are talking about less than the price of a cup of coffee a year for every American to support states and the islands to continue to build the public health system we need in the years ahead." ASTHO is also urging Congress to provide full funding for the WIC program in the final FY24 appropriations bill. WIC could face a $1 billion shortfall in 2024, resulting in a significant reduction in participation, that will disproportionately affect Black and Hispanic families if Congress maintains the current funding level for WIC. The impact of cuts would force states to limit participation and possibly establish waiting lists or turn away eligible individuals from the program. Senior leadership from the Atlantic and Pacific U.S. territories and freely associated states (FAS) will meet with key Congressional and federal partners to address unique healthcare challenges. Two challenges are at the center of their agenda: seeking a legislative change to achieve Medicaid funding for the U.S. territories in parity with state Medicaid funding structures and ensuring critical health financing is available to the FAS through an extension of the Compacts of Free Association. "ASTHO’s Spring Meeting is a critical convening for U.S. territories and freely associated state leaders to advocate for their priorities. We look forward to working with members of Congress and with federal agencies to find solutions to island health equity challenges," says Dr. Esther Muna, CEO of the Commonwealth of the Marianas Islands Healthcare Corportation and chair of the ASTHO Insular Affairs Committee and Director on the ASTHO Board. For more information about ASTHO’s advocacy, view ASTHO’s 2024 Federal Legislative Agenda. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

ASTHO Welcomes New Leadership to Executive Team executive leadership, public relations, director of communications, nebraska department of health and human services, chief of staff, national public health information coalition, data modernization, state epidemiologist, health security, united states, strategic planning, private sector, work experience, communicate effectively, bureau of labor statistics, developing and implementing, team members, build relationships, job duties, astho, association of state and territorial health officials ARLINGTON, VA—The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) announced that Khalilah LeGrand, EdD, and Tabatha Offutt-Powell, DrPH, have joined its executive leadership team. “Combined, Khalilah and Tabatha bring decades of public health experience to ASTHO,” says Michael Fraser, PhD, ASTHO CEO. “The COVID pandemic underscored the need for strong public health communications and data modernization. I’m confident our new leaders will bring necessary growth and change to the public health ecosystem.” Khalilah LeGrand, EdD, is vice president of communications and public relations and is responsible for overseeing the public relations and content development teams. LeGrand is a seasoned communicator and leader, boasting a diverse track record of success in both public and private settings. Previously, she served as director of communications at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. As a strategist and spokesperson, she supported the agency’s five divisions and was later promoted to chief of staff. In this role, she directed special projects for the CEO, oversaw both the office of communications and office of legislative services, while regularly liaising with the Governor’s administrative team and other key stakeholders. Before working with the state of Nebraska, LeGrand was the senior director of communications, media, and public relations for the Norfolk Public School system in Virginia. Between 2021 and 2022 she served as executive board vice president and executive board president of the National Public Health Information Coalition and currently serves on the board of Smart Gen Society and in an advisory capacity to Arclet—a startup health communications platform. Tabatha Offutt-Powell, DrPH, is vice president of public health data modernization and informatics, overseeing ASTHO’s public health data modernization strategy and informatics portfolio, supporting state health officials and their public health agencies through technical assistance, capacity building, planning, and implementation activities. Offutt-Powell joins ASTHO after serving as the state epidemiologist and chief of the epidemiology, health data, and informatics section for Delaware’s Division of Public Health. With over 20 years of experience in public health, Offutt-Powell has led initiatives in informatics, epidemiology, health security response, and state health data interoperability. Recently, Offutt-Powell directed Delaware’s COVID-19 epidemiology team, health statistics center, office of vital statistics, bureau of public health informatics, and epidemiology research unit working to streamline public health data sharing for the public and state. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes