Displaying 121-140 of 154 results for

Public Health’s Silent Defender: Cybersecurity ASTHO, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, Public health, health sector coordinating council, strategic preparedness, preparedness and response, ASPR, HHS, cybersecurity, cyber attack, health data, public health data, hack, cyber threat, patient care, healthcare system, hospital data, disabled systems, information technology, department of health and human services, patient data, medical devices, public health trends, health information, patient safety, ransomware attack, federal government, sector risk management, critical infrastructure, medtech pharma, infrastructure security, mandatory reporting, mitigating attacks, cybersecurity video, cybersecurity resource, HICP, health industry cybersecurity practices Jennifer Jean-Pierre ASTHO | Learn the importance of cybersecurity to public health and hear strategies for public-private cyber partnerships. In August of 2022, a cyberattack took the Fremont County Department of Health offline for 30 days—and health systems continue to be a top target of similar attacks. In this conversation, Brian Mazanec and Greg Garcia share how health systems can prepare for and prevent cyber attacks. Hear strategies for public-private cyber partnerships, easy wins every health agency can take, and how cyber attacks have evolved—and dramatically increased—in recent years. Show Notes Interviewer Jennifer Jean-Pierre, Director, Content Development and Communications, ASTHO Guests Greg Garcia, Executive Director, Healthcare Sector Coordinating Council Brian Mazanec, PhD, Deputy Assistant Secretary and Director, Office of Security, Intelligence, and Information Management, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Interview Transcript-Blog - Public Health’s Silent Defender: Cybersecurity website yes

Partner Spotlight: Q&A with Lilly Kan, Project Director, The Pew Charitable Trusts Q&A: Importance of Data Sharing Between Healthcare & Public Health ASTHO Staff Lilly Kan, project director at The Pew Charitable Trusts, discusses the importance of data sharing between the healthcare system and public health. State and territorial health agencies need access to timely, standardized, and high-quality health information, which healthcare providers can report seamlessly through automated data sharing using modern scalable response-ready systems. As ASTHO’s Public Health Data Modernization Policy Statement notes, this core capacity requires not only technological and workforce investments but also strong policies that facilitate the exchange and governance of public health data. We speak with Lilly Kan, project director of Public Health Data Improvement at The Pew Charitable Trusts, who asserts that data sharing between the healthcare system and public health forms the basis for timely public health action. She explains how staff in state health departments have informed Pew’s efforts, including an upcoming 50-state report, and can support the drive to modernize public health data exchange. Tell us about Pew’s work to improve public health data sharing. The public health data improvement project follows our previous work around the interoperability and usability of electronic health record systems and focuses on leveraging those technologies to improve data sharing with public health departments. Our aim is to identify strategies that facilitate more seamless sharing of timely and complete data from those who collect it (e.g., doctors, labs, and other providers or care settings) with those who need it in our public health agencies, reducing provider burden and helping to protect their communities. Some of our work is at the federal level, as we are engaging with agencies like CMS, CDC, and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology on rules governing topics such as incentives for data sharing. In addition, we’re developing a 50-state report that reviews data sharing policies throughout the country, discusses how data between healthcare and public health gets shared in practice, and includes interviews with public health officials that provide deeper context on their needs and challenges. We’re aiming to release the report this fall and look forward to showcasing steps state health agencies are taking that may be useful for their peers as well as highlighting some of the most common trends we’ve seen throughout the country. What role does the healthcare system play in the public health data infrastructure? The billions of data points generated by doctors’ offices and hospitals every year could yield a dynamic, high-definition picture of the nation’s health and provide insight into potential threats, but only if public health agencies have timely access to it. What we’ve heard in conversations with providers is that they see public health data as a potential benefit for them as well. The data state health agencies compile and analyze could be a boon for patient care if providers receive bidirectional access to it. Building connections with partners in the healthcare system could make it easier for everyone to work together and support healthier communities. Which partners are important to this project and how can they help to support it? Since our project is focused on supporting health departments, public health officials in states, counties, and cities are critical—they know their operating environment and what policy changes would be best for them. We’ve been speaking with officials throughout the country as well as organizations supporting public health departments, such as ASTHO, from the start, but we’re also thinking of the groups that collect data (e.g., hospitals, individual practitioners, and labs). Additionally, elected officials at the state level may be responsible for shepherding policy changes into law. Every one of those groups has important perspectives to offer and different questions they’ll need answered. How have your conversations with public health officials shaped Pew’s approach? At its core, our work needs public health practitioners’ experiences, perspectives, and voices. We have heard from public health officials that having quality data isn’t enough; having the people and systems in place to analyze it and harness it is equally important. Sorting through reams of faxes when every hour counts for contact tracing is not a good position for health agencies to be in, especially if they are understaffed. As such, resources are a frequent concern for people we speak to—as anyone who works in public health will understand, making improvements without further financial and staff support is an immensely difficult task. We also recognize the importance of understanding a state’s specific challenges. What if a state has less access to high-speed broadband internet, and faxes or phone calls are the best way for some providers to contact patients? What if new systems or connections would be an undue financial or staff burden? That’s why, again, the biggest takeaway in our conversations is that we need to understand states’ specific situations before we provide guidance. That is critical for our work going forward. Finally, we know that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to advance data sharing between healthcare and public health. Every state comes at this from a different starting point and with different needs and challenges, and public health officials are working heroically in their own specific environments every day. But we also know that there are common themes or aspects across different states’ policies and practices that peers could adopt in their own settings. As we work to better understand where states are in this process and what policy changes might get us closer to seamless electronic data sharing, we know a single top-down strategy will not work; collaborating with people who face these issues every day is key to finding the solutions that will work for them. What do you have planned for the continuation and/or expansion of this work? We’re also conducting research into states that have implemented successful data sharing practices between their public health agencies, other state agencies, and even external partners beyond the government—all of which could help other states take steps of their own, based on the experiences of their peers. We’ll aim to highlight some of those in case studies to come over the next year. Ultimately, our goal is to help better prepare our country for the next public health challenge before it arises. The best time to make these changes is when we aren’t facing a health crisis—so we can take the time to ensure we’re ready for the next one and better able to deal with existing issues in our communities that may need extra intervention. Health departments are essential for that, and we’re looking forward to working with them further. website yes

Integrating Health Equity into State and Local Data Sharing Practices Morgan Zialcita, Lana McKinney, Christina Severin, Reema Mistry, Melissa Lewis It is crucial that health agencies incorporate health equity principles into policies and relationships that advance state and local data sharing. Timely and efficient public health data sharing improves public health response and decision-making. It enables local public health agencies (PHAs) to enhance community-level interventions and state PHAs to provide equitable response and allocation of resources within the jurisdiction. However, data sharing between state and local PHAs can be challenging due to resource capacity constraints, factors that limit technical solutions, and sensitivities and complexities associated with public health data collection and dissemination. Adopting policies to advance state and local data sharing and incorporating health equity principles into these relationships can help PHAs better identify and address data disparities, utilize resources effectively, and create an equity-centered public health data infrastructure. Equity Impact Assessment for Policy Changes Adopting data sharing policies using a health equity-focused framework can mitigate unintentional harm to specific populations. An equity assessment requires the systematic examination of available data and expert input to understand how a policy, program, or process will affect various groups, especially those who are either at risk of or experiencing health disparities. The Health Equity Impact Assessment (HEIA), designed to address racial disparities and root causes of inequities that could arise from policy changes, can help agencies explore potential inequities that may result from a policy initiative. Health Equity Considerations for Key State and Local Data Sharing Priorities Informatics Workforce Developing a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities it serves is important for advancing an equitable, inclusive approach to data modernization. However, recruiting and retaining diverse informatics staff—with strong technical, relationship-building, and change management skills—can be challenging for PHAs, especially in resource-limited locations. Health agencies can incorporate health equity principles into their workforce strategies in several ways: Consider soft skills, such as communication and collaboration, alongside technical expertise. These skills are important in establishing and maintaining state and local data sharing relationships. Include data sharing tasks in job descriptions to promote accountability and transparency amongst staff. This approach helps identify the role(s) responsible for data sharing activities and can also support sustainability by minimizing staff turnover. Prioritize inclusive practices and invest in ongoing development of agency staff. For example, provide training on cultural humility and data sovereignty to better equip staff working with tribal nations on data-sharing initiatives, and provide on-the-job training to help employees grow and build capacity. Reassess location, remote work, salary, and tenure policies to attract a diverse and skilled informatics workforce. Agency Alignment and Governance The type of public health governance model in a given state (e.g., centralized, decentralized, shared, or mixed) can influence how state and local PHAs work together both overall and on data-focused initiatives. The following health equity-focused recommendations are applicable across governance types: Establish strong communication channels and processes across partners to ensure all parties explore and understand the health equity considerations associated with data sharing initiatives. Consider options for shared resources to leverage expertise and promote collaboration on data-sharing initiatives (e.g., shared training programs, IT systems, and liaison roles that could perform epidemiology or informatics functions). This shared approach can bridge resource and knowledge gaps between state and local PHAs, especially for communities with limited resources. Consider ways to include local PHA input and ongoing feedback (e.g., through advisory boards) to encourage shared decision-making. Establish processes and policies to identify appropriate levels of data access across both local and state PHAs, so that shared data can inform population health analysis and reporting purposes at community, state, territory, tribal, and federal levels. Data Sharing Agreements and Organizational Policies When pursuing a new or amended data sharing relationship, engaging with legal experts is essential to safeguard sensitive public health data and ensure compliance with all relevant laws. Failure to successfully navigate these relationships and the inherent complexities associated with certain types of data can limit access to valuable information for important public health initiatives that improve equitable outcomes. Health agencies can take the following actions to promote effective collaboration between program, technical, and legal staff: Share the scope of the data relationship, the details of the proposed data exchange, and the overall programmatic purpose of the arrangement with the legal team. This is necessary for effective discussions with legal counsel and will help inform the agency’s approach to documenting the data relationship (e.g., in the form of a data-sharing agreement or DSA). Use decision-support tools, such as the HEIA, alongside the legal team to consider how the new proposed data sharing policy may impact equity across populations. Use clear and accessible language in DSAs and related protocols and policies, with support from legal counsel. Documents written in plain language support transparency, help build trust, and facilitate understanding among interested parties. Foster a culture of knowledge sharing between program, technical, and legal staff. For example, consider inviting legal staff to join advisory committees, listening sessions, or town halls about data sharing considerations to enhance program staffs’ understanding of legal considerations, address perceived barriers, and promote relationships and knowledge exchange between program teams. Conclusion In addition to adopting policies that make data accessible across government levels, it is important to develop mechanisms for communicating with communities about how their data is being used. For example, developing public-facing data dashboards (such as Alaska Department of Health’s Public Health Data Hub) that are easily accessible and understandable can be an effective way to increase transparency and build trust with the public. By committing to these strategies, PHAs can support a more collaborative, coordinated, and equitable approach to state and local data sharing, and strengthen PHAs’ capacity to address public health challenges. website yes

This ASTHO blog discusses the benefits and risks of AI in healthcare and federal legislation, including privacy, bias, and safety concerns.

Upgrading how public health and healthcare systems share data.

ASTHO has identified health equity and rural health as issues that policymakers across the country will consider in 2022.

New platform will provide forum for data exchange, analysis, and visualization to support public health work

While COVID-19 has shown some of the best attributes of the U.S. public health system, it has exposed the weaknesses of our data systems—wrought by chronic underfunding and further exacerbated by siloed, categorical funding and planning. Yet, even with our pandemic weariness and persistent, systemic inequities, this historic event has revealed resiliency across the country. It has also yielded new innovations, along with promising practices and partnerships in how we leverage technology and data to better respond and mitigate public health threats. To build further momentum and support the ongoing modernization efforts of our partners, ASTHO is hosting its first-ever TechXpo.

ASTHO Requests $1 Billion in Emergency Supplemental Funding for Opioid Epidemic ARLINGTON, VA—The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) is requesting that the Administration and Congress provide $1 billion in emergency supplemental funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and territorial health departments to address the opioid epidemic. This emergency supplemental funding will allow state and territorial health agencies to allocate additional resources for their top priorities, including: Strengthening public health surveillance to improve our understanding of the epidemic. Expanding opioid misuse and addiction prevention campaigns. Linking electronic health records and prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs). Expanding partnerships and collaboration with law enforcement. Expanding access to naloxone and linking patients to medication assisted treatment and other services. “While the Administration has made major federal investments in treatment and recovery, health officials need funding for prevention,” says Michael Fraser, executive director of ASTHO. “We strongly encourage Congress to provide this emergency supplemental funding and address this deadly crisis like any other emergency where the Administration proposes and Congress provides the resources necessary to defeat it.” More needs to be done to provide CDC, states, and territories with investments in prevention to turn the tide on this epidemic. There is an urgent need to prevent opioid misuse through population-based and community-wide public health programs including connecting PDMPs with electronic health records, surveillance, implementation of prescribing guidelines, and prescription drug public awareness campaigns. ASTHO’s request aligns with many recommendations included in the President’s Opioid Commission report and Gov. Chris Christie’s recent call for additional resources to address the opioid crisis. To view ASTHO’s $1 billion opioid emergency supplemental request, click here. Visit my.astho.org/opioids to view ASTHO’s opioid framework, access resources, and learn about promising practices that state and territorial health agencies are undertaking to end the opioid epidemic. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

In May 2021, President Biden released full details of the fiscal year 2022 budget. Overall, the budget request combines President Biden's American Jobs Plan, his American Families Plan, and funding priorities for the Pentagon and domestic agencies, for a projected total of $6 trillion. Read more about what the president is proposing in this post.

This blog post discusses mitigating risks of AI use in government agencies, emphasizing privacy, transparency, and ethical concerns.

ASTHO’s 2024 Legislative Session Update: Part One legislative session, state policy, data collection, domestic violence, health information exchange, data privacy, substance misuse, overdose prevention, sexually transmitted infections, reproductive health, contraceptive care, climate change, public health, protect data, user data, personal data, centers for disease control, disease control and prevention, social media, data management, primary care, health organizations, higher risk, family planning, data sources, astho, association of state and territorial health officials Lillian Colasurdo, Maggie Davis, Lana McKinney, JoAnne McClure This past December, ASTHO announced the top 10 public health state policy issues to watch for during the 2024 state and territorial legislative sessions. With at least 30 states concluding their regularly scheduled 2024 sessions, here is a brief update on five of the topics to watch. Data Collection and Exchange As expected, there was an increase in proposed legislation that specifically advances electronic health data access, encourages interoperability, and safeguards identifiable patient health records; this was particularly true for vital records. Hundreds of bills have been introduced this session addressing state vital records systems. The state of Illinois alone has already passed several bills, including HB 2856, which requires veteran status to be designated on death certificates, and HB 2841, which prohibits the assessment of fees to victims of domestic violence who are seeking a certified vital record (birth or death certificate) from the state. Other states such as Arizona (SB 1252) considered legislation that would require the Department of Health to provide vital records information on deceased individuals to the qualifying health information exchange (HIE). Arizona is one of eight jurisdictions (AZ, FL, IA, IL, NH, NJ, OK, and WV) that have proposed legislation addressing HIEs this session. Most of these bills increase requirements to connect to HIEs, but New Hampshire HB 1663 and Oklahoma HB 3556 would allow patients and health care providers to opt out of HIEs. As many states look to address health data privacy concerns, New Hampshire recently passed a constitutional amendment granting the explicit right to privacy and has introduced HB 1663, which would update many of the state’s privacy laws regarding medical records to conform with the constitutional requirements. Just next door, Maine considered legislation (LD 1902) that would strengthen privacy requirements for reproductive and gender-affirming patient health information. Finally, the launch of the new federal Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) led to the Florida legislature proposing SB 668, which, had it passed, would have required hospitals to make patient records available through a nationally recognized trusted exchange framework. It would also have required the Agency for Health Care Administration to adopt relevant rules. Substance Misuse and Overdose Prevention Measures to prevent substance misuse and reduce overdoses, namely increasing access to opioid antagonists, such as naloxone and regulating substances with the potential for misuse, are priorities this legislative season. ASTHO anticipated that states would consider legislation to reduce fatal overdoses including decriminalizing drug checking equipment, expanding naloxone access and distribution, establishing overdose prevention centers, and establishing state regulatory frameworks for commercial substances with the potential for misuse, including kratom and Delta-8. Current legislative priorities to expand access to naloxone include public spaces, such as libraries, schools, workplaces. Island jurisdictions along with at least four states—Colorado (HB 24-1003), Tennessee (SB 2141), Virginia (HB 732), and Wisconsin (AB 223)—passed legislation to provide greater access to and/or proper storage of naloxone in school settings. Additionally, Virginia passed HB 342 that requires naloxone access in state agency buildings. These legislative actions, along with the approval last year by the FDA of two non-prescription naloxone spray products for over-the-counter use, are collectively powerful policy shifts to expand access to naloxone. In an attempt to regulate substances with the potential for abuse or misuse, specifically kratom, eight states have considered legislation that would restrict the sale to people under the age of 18. Similarly, twelve states have considered legislation that would restrict the sale of kratom to those under the age of 21. At least 22 states have considered legislation that would compel specific labeling requirements for kratom. Of those, California (AB 2365) and New Jersey (A 1188) would require kratom products to be registered with the state health department annually and require lab testing of the product to meet certain qualifications. Preventing Sexually Transmitted Infections ASTHO has spotlighted the growing concerns of rising rates of sexually transmitted infections and state actions reducing congenital syphilis rates and expanding access to HIV prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Rates of both syphilis and congenital syphilis continue to rise at an alarming rate, with more than 10 times as many babies being born with syphilis in 2022 than in 2012. Routine screening and timely and adequate treatment of pregnant people for syphilis, ideally more than 30 days before delivery, can effectively prevent this condition in newborns. Due to increasing cases, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recently updated their guidance for obstetrician–gynecologists and other obstetric care professionals advising serological screening for all pregnant individuals at the first prenatal visit and universal screening at the third trimester and at birth. During the 2024 legislative session at least two states—Missouri (SB 1260) and Maryland (HB 119)—are considering legislation that would require testing during pregnancy care at the third trimester for syphilis. Maryland’s legislature passed HB 119, which would require screening at the third trimester and at birth, as well as requiring the hospital to determine the syphilis status of the birthing parent before discharging the newborn. In 2023, New York enacted legislation (A 3007) that requires syphilis screening in the third trimester, and in the current legislative session they are considering S 2472, which would allow the state health department to provide education about congenital syphilis and screenings. At least six states have considered and passed legislation during the 2024 legislative session regarding expanded access for HIV prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Of those considered, Georgia enacted HB 1028 to allow PEP to be issued by a standing order; Florida’s legislature passed HB 159 that would allow pharmacists to screen for HIV exposure, order, and dispense prevention drugs PEP and PrEP and sent it to the governor. Similarly, in Delaware the Senate chamber passed SB 194 that would permit pharmacists to provide PrEP and PEP pursuant to an approved protocol. Family and Reproductive Health Policymakers across all levels of government continued taking steps to make it easier for people to access contraceptives. In 2023, at least 14 states enacted laws in 2023 to facilitate expanding access to contraceptive care by either expanding the ability for pharmacists to dispense birth control without an individualized prescription and/or allowing pharmacists to dispense up to 12 months of contraceptives at once. So far in 2024, at least 13 jurisdictions considered legislation allowing pharmacists to dispense contraceptives without a prescription and at least 18 states considered legislation supporting access to 12 month supply of contraceptives. Following FDA’s July 2023 approval of Opill—the first over-the-counter (OTC) birth control pill—the drug is currently available in stores with several major pharmacies and health plans announcing that they will provide the medication at zero cost for many health plan sponsors. To further support access to Opill, at least two states (New Mexico and Wisconsin) issued standing orders for Opill to facilitate Medicaid coverage of the medication. Additionally, Maryland’s legislature passed SB 527 in March 2024, which requires community colleges to develop and implement a plan to provide students access to OTC contraception. In February 2024, New York enacted S 8096 allowing the commissioner of health to issue a standing order allowing a pharmacist to dispense self-administered hormonal contraceptives, effective retroactively to January 1, 2024. Under the new law, New York’s Commissioner of Health issued a standing order to allow pharmacists to dispense up to 12 months of self-administered hormonal contraceptives like birth control pills, vaginal rings, and contraceptive patches. Optimal Health for All ASTHO anticipates policymakers will take steps to improve collection of health disparities data, address inequities rural communities face in accessing care, and to support climate change adaptation planning efforts. So far in the 2024 legislative session, several states are considering bills to improve health care access and outcomes in rural areas. California is considering legislation (SB 945) that would build an integrated data dashboard to provide the public with information on the health impacts caused by wildfires and the effectiveness of forest health and wildfire mitigation on health outcomes. Additionally, California (AB 2342) is looking to ensure critical access hospitals on remote islands receive adequate funding through a dedicated annual supplement. New York is considering at least two bills that would promote rural health care access. First, New York S 8582 would create a pilot program to identify rural health zones and convene a rural health zone board

What We Learned at the Public Health TechXpo and Futures Forum ASTHO | Our staff's top takeaways from the TechXpo. astho, association of state and territorial health officials, public health techxpo and futures forum, public health leaders, u.s. public health system, public health policy, data sharing and modernization, population health, governmental health agencies, public health infastructure, workforce resilience, public health workforce, techxpo and futures forum, public health infrastructure, build workforce resilience, future of public health, health techxpo and futures, health leaders and experts, experts across the technology, health workforce, health outcomes, futures forum, health leaders, health departments, public health professionals, today and the future, public health services, public health techxpo Dylan Reynolds Marcus Plescia and Garfield Clunie present "The Future of Measuring Health Equity - A World of Evolving Data." Last month, ASTHO kicked off the Public Health TechXpo and Futures Forum in Chicago, an opportunity for some of the world’s top leaders in technology and to engage public health leaders on challenges and solutions for successfully modernizing the U.S. public health system. Over 600 participants were in attendance, with 200 more attending virtually from around the world. It was a packed three days. Our speakers demystified the world of public health policy, opened doors to new funding streams, and gave us a glimpse into the glittering future of data sharing and modernization. Heavy hitters from Amazon and Google weighed in as well, showing us how they’re working hand-in-hand with health agencies to change the way they approach population health and well-being. So as we look back on a busy week—and look ahead to our virtual follow-up event on June 15—here are some of the messages that stuck with us the most: "Standards are like toothbrushes. Everyone has one, and no one wants to use some else’s." The line from Gabriel Seidman, director of policy at the Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine, was met with a belly laugh from a crowded room during one of the week’s most well-attended sessions, a panel conversation on the future of measuring health equity. However, Seidman’s comparison was an apt one. There is certainly much to be said for a public health data system that is engineered to meet the specific needs of its target community. However, for public health experts to do their best work, they must be able to speak a common language—at a local, state, territorial, and national level. When each level of public health is operating with different standards in place and with a different definition of success, data gets lost and people get left behind. One of the loudest calls to action from the week was for governmental health agencies to break down these data siloes and establish common standards between agencies. The "Next Pandemic" is a Priority—But It's Not the Only One There is—understandably—mounting national attention on preparing for what many public health experts believe will be the inevitable "next pandemic." The COVID-19 pandemic showed us what a lack of preparedness could mean for population health, and there is so much unknown about what the future of pandemics has in store. However, experts at the TechXpo reminded us that public health is about more than responding to a singular crisis. "I think many of the conversations we're having are so focused on COVID-like pandemics," said John Auerbach (alumni-MA) "But if we look at the things that are still killing people, for the most part it's not infectious disease." Instead, Auerbach cited challenges that have long been a part of the public health story, such as diabetes, the fentanyl overdose crisis, and climate change. Before COVID-19 entered the national spotlight, public health’s day-to-day work was largely centered on chronic disease and behavioral health. Auerbach reminded us that amid all of the unknowns of our future, there is plenty we do know—and plenty we can be doing to address it. "Modernizing data systems is more than buying a big computer." While there were many versions of this message over the course of the forum, Auerbach perhaps said it most concisely of all. In other words, it doesn’t matter if a public health agency has a chrome-plated exterior and a cloud-based data system, so long as the underlying infrastructure isn’t sustainably and thoughtfully built. Whether it’s a matter of restricted funding, antiquated processes, or siloed thinking, health agencies and their leaders must have a plan to address these challenges before assuming that “buying a big computer” will catch their data dashboards up to speed. This was one of the ironies of this future-forward event: Amid so many exciting innovations and inventions, many of the challenges boiled down to basic, equity-centered questions about the best way to get this new technology in the right people’s hands. If public health is going to take a technological leap at a national level, then it must also be able to make a leap at a community level—in communities of color, in territorial health agencies, and in our policies. Jumping lightyears ahead doesn’t count if entire populations are still being left lightyears behind. Workforce Resilience Cannot Be Taken for Granted We cannot separate the future of public health from the future of its workforce. The COVID-19 emergency response has left many public health workers feeling burned out and harboring traumatic levels of toxic stress, pushing many of them to seek out jobs outside the field. In fact, according to a recent analysis of data from the Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey, 46% of state and local public health employees left their jobs between 2017 and 2021. For public health to reach its full potential in the future, we must begin investing in that workforce today. Over the course of the week, we heard often from mental health experts and senior health officials to learn about their priorities, challenges, and paths to improve workforce well-being in their health agencies. This included the unveiling of the PH-HERO Workforce Resource Center, which arms health agencies with the resources and knowledge they need to support their workforce. Whatever the future of public health holds, it begins with a workforce who is motivated to make that future a reality. More than anything, the TechXpo was a reminder that public health’s future is as multiple as it is uncertain. We are working toward a future that is more adaptable than ever before—with thought innovators and health experts who are constantly reflecting, pivoting, and adjusting to the moment. There are so many conversations yet to be had. For those who have not done so already, we invite you to register for our fully virtual TechXpo follow-up forum on June 15, and add your voice to the growing chorus. website yes

ASTHO’s 2023 Public Health TechXpo and Futures Forum is a platform to tackle the toughest public health challenges facing the nation, both today and in the future.

Surveillance data allow public health practitioners and researchers to track changes in the burden of ACEs by collecting data on previous exposure, health conditions that may impact or be impacted by exposure, and other related topics.

To learn more about Iowa’s recent efforts to fight against HIV, ASTHO spoke with Sarah Reisetter, chief of compliance and a deputy director at Iowa HHS, and Randy Mayer, chief of the Iowa HHS Bureau of HIV, STI, and Hepatitis.

State issued documents, such as birth certificates, are often required to navigate daily life. Vital records policy is a complex and evolving issue with many of the processes and procedures left to jurisdictional policy-makers.

A quick rundown of sessions and speakers at the 2022 ASTHO Public Health TechXpo.

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) has become more prevalent in the United States, with the hospitalization rate increasing from 2.9 to 7.3 hospitalizations per 1,000 newborn births between 2009 and 2017. NAS occurs in newborns who experience withdrawal from substances they were exposed to during pregnancy. While NAS is most often associated with exposure to opioids (e.g., Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome), it can also be caused by exposure to other drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines, or barbiturates. Infants with NAS experience withdrawal symptoms including tremors, irritability, poor feeding, vomiting, dehydration, and increased sweating. These symptoms usually appear within 72 hours of birth.

Public health data collection and surveillance systems by health departments are in dire need of modernization. Though the public health community began developing a path to modernization over the last decade, attention to this issue from policy makers has sharply increased with the current response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only are current systems siloed, they rely on labor intensive processes to detect and facilitate a response to various public health threats.