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North Dakota Lead Exposure Outreach Program North Dakota Develops Tribal Communication Plan to Support Lead Poisoning Prevention Learn how North Dakota's lead prevention team built strong partnerships with tribal communities in this blog post. Madison Novosel, Paula Comeau Tribal Communication Plan Partnerships with local jurisdictions are crucial to the effectiveness of the North Dakota Lead Prevention Program. This collaboration enhances the depth and sustainability of the community outreach. One priority after transitioning the program from the Department of Environmental Quality to North Dakota Health and Human Services was to connect with local public health units and ensure they were informed about the change. When reaching out to local partners, the lead prevention team realized that there was not a document that clearly outlined who the correct contacts were between tribal communities and state agencies for lead-related events. Recognizing this gap led the team to develop a communication plan to strengthen coordination between the tribal and state lead prevention programs with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s environmental health official. This communication plan established points of contact between the state program and tribal government officials if a lead-related event were to occur involving tribal members or on tribal land. It clearly charted out the corresponding contacts for specific scenarios, which included: A tribal community member who lives on or off the reservation receives an elevated blood lead result. A tribal community member in the Head Start Program receives an elevated blood lead result. An environmental assessment or remediation is requested/needed on tribal lands. Tribal government officials are interested in hosting a screening event or identifying a screening clinic. Community Engagement The outreach to Standing Rock resulted in more opportunities for collaboration. NDHHS staff were invited to attend a community health event at the local high school. This opportunity revealed a gap in the state lead program; no formal outreach guidelines had been developed yet, as the program was (and still is) in its infancy. The team began to create a lead prevention curriculum guide to be used for low-cost outreach activities at the state and local level. The activities range from interactive lead-safe nutrition games to identifying potential lead hazards in a model home. The team was able to pilot one of the activities in the curriculum guide at the Standing Rock Community High School’s “Walk for Wellness.” Students and community members were asked to play a game that teaches dietary tips for preventing lead poisoning for a prize. Over 30 students and 10 community members came to the table to learn about lead prevention and have open discussions around environmental health. This engagement not only strengthened connections between NDHHS and the Standing Rock community, but also expanded education on lead poisoning prevention to a new population. Future Impact Attending the Walk for Wellness event enhanced collaboration with local public health staff also participating in the event. These in-person conversations offered firsthand insight into the challenges rural communities are facing in accessing care and lead testing. The team walked away with a better understanding of what needs to be addressed to support an increase in statewide lead screening, as well as deeper connections with new and existing partners. The lead outreach team at NDHHS will continue to seek more opportunities to conduct outreach efforts throughout the state, including other tribal communities. While spreading lead prevention education through outreach is important, having the opportunity to connect with those in communities face-to-face around the state is invaluable. These connections are essential to decreasing the burden of lead exposure across North Dakota. article yes

Learn about public health strategies for preventing chronic disease that intersect with themes in MAHA report including nutrition and physical activity.

Learn about state regulation of hemp, following federal deregulation and public health challenges including adverse effects of hemp products.

This post features input from departments in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas to learn more about their experiences of post-hurricane environmental health issues, as well as advice and best practices for responding to these challenges.

Learn how health agencies are prioritizing children’s health as they develop public health emergency preparedness planning in this blog.

Strengthening Leadership, Risk Communications, and Preparedness in the Islands Strengthening Public Health Preparedness in the Islands Sidnie Christian, Alyssa Boyea Key strategies in on leadership, risk communications, and preparedness, can help island jurisdictions prepare for and respond to emerging public health threats. ASTHO convened a two-day, in-person workshop in Honolulu from June 25 – 26, bringing together public health preparedness staff from American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Hawaiʻi, the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), and Palau, as well as federal partners from CDC, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response. The workshop focused on leadership and workforce development, risk communications, administrative preparedness, and more to support island areas as they prepare for and respond to natural disasters and other emerging public health threats, of which emerged key learnings that can benefit all island jurisdictions. Leadership and Workforce Development Leading through change requires transparency, trust, and collaboration. Planned change involves assessing readiness for change, identifying resources needed, securing buy-in, and determining a path forward. However, sometimes change can leave little to no time for preparation. Island jurisdictions have encountered challenges in the face of change, with many workshop participants sharing firsthand challenges around retaining institutional knowledge, infrastructure, and receiving assistance from the mainland United States in a timely fashion. As such, change readiness, succession planning, and effective change management practices are of utmost importance in the islands. Key recommendations and takeaways include: Utilizing a reputable framework, such as Kotter 8-Step Change Model, is pivotal for improving change readiness and change management. Change management frameworks and methods can assist with different types of change including structural change, strategic operational change, people-centric change, etc. Trust is hard to build, but easy to lose. Participants spoke about characteristics of high trust relationships including open communication, consistency, good judgement or expertise, and cultural sensitivity, while low trust relationships characteristics include lack of communication, inconsistency, and lack of teamwork. Succession planning is important to ensure institutional knowledge and capabilities remain in the wake of staff turnover or retirement. Identifying the necessary expertise, skills, and capabilities for each role is vital in the case of unplanned changes in staffing. Promising practices include annual review of critical positions, conducting talent calibration sessions, defining action plans, and obtaining buy-in from leadership and relevant partners. Risk Communications The island jurisdictions face emergencies that require creative response efforts. Both Hawaiʻi and RMI demonstrated innovative approaches in risk communications during COVID-19, finding success in forming critical partnerships, utilizing trusted voices within the community, and bridging communication gaps: Hawaiʻi utilized social media to showcase individuals such as doctors, pastors, social media influencers, and even local sports teams getting vaccinated, and utilized trusted voices to deliver messages. Additionally, they translated their materials into three languages (Marshallese, Samoan, and Hawaiʻian), modeling that no one gets forgotten, the true meaning of “ohana.” RMI created a working group with a mix of partners that curated press releases, educational materials, and sitreps, and served as a liaison between RMI Ministry of Health and Human Services and the community. It also partnered with several media outlets (e.g., radio stations, local papers, and other private sectors) and utilized mass text messaging to spread information quickly. The latter proved to resonate with most island jurisdictions who struggle with staying connected to hard-to-reach populations, namely those in more rural and disconnected communities. RMI was able to connect with these populations through WhatsApp to keep them updated throughout the COVID-19 response. Administrative Preparedness Improving administrative preparedness plans and processes ensure timely and efficient access to needed resources for a public health response. Most workshop participants are currently in the process of updating existing administrative preparedness plans, while some are working with other departments to create and implement new plans. Attendees discussed key partnerships for collaboration including other departments, Medical Reserve Corps, and other volunteer organizations. One common key challenge that emerged was around staffing (e.g., finding qualified people to fill vacancies, hiring process issues, making sure positions are competitive, etc.). To address this issue, island jurisdictions can work closely with other departments or jurisdictional agencies to streamline current processes, establish memorandums of understanding with different partners/facilities to assist with emergency procurement, and ensuring staffing vacancies are competitive and match public health classifications. Disease Forecasting A survey on state and territorial expertise and needs for infectious disease forecasts, models, and other outbreak analytic techniques—implemented by ASTHO with support from CDC’s Center for Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics—revealed that respondents from island jurisdictions experienced several barriers that led to limited use of infectious disease forecasts to inform communication and decision making. Challenges noted include limited software access, limited disease modeling capacity or skills, and lack of uniform reporting systems. Through a discussion-based exercise, workshop participants shared their challenges and considerations for ASTHO and CDC to assist with disease forecasting in the island jurisdictions moving forward. Challenges include but are not limited to: Delays with sending samples to labs and receiving results in a timely manner. Without timely results, it is challenging to take swift action. Lack of staff / staff wearing many hats with limited capacity. In most cases, there is no specific communication plan for disease forecasting within the departments. Communication can be challenging without clear processes and channels. Participants noted the desire for additional disease forecasting training and opportunities for collaboration. They suggested an integrated training session with island epidemiologists and other relevant staff to enhance disease forecasting knowledge and communication, as well as strengthen collaboration. Preparing for and Responding to Climate Events From hurricanes to typhoons to volcanic eruptions, the island jurisdictions are no strangers to the effects of changing climate. Willliam “Brandon” Aydlett, science and operations officer at the National Weather Service, and Shelbi Davis, Senior Analyst on the Environmental Health team at ASTHO, offer the following recommendations to island jurisdictions for preparing and responding to unprecedented climate events, as discussed with workshop participants: Create or update standard operating procedures for various climate related responses unique to the island. Always prepare for a category higher storm than is expected. Consider conducting regular vulnerability assessments to better understand areas where the island or its people may be most susceptible to adverse health impacts from climate events. Jurisdictions can learn from one another and find a sense of camaraderie in their preparedness efforts, much like the workshop participants. For example, one island jurisdiction noted that they currently do not have a warehouse to store equipment but are working on a plan to secure one; another jurisdiction, having recently revamped their warehouse, noted that they could assist their island neighbor in this endeavor and provide lessons learned as well as strategies to help secure a warehouse that will fit their needs. Looking Toward the Future Sharing lessons learned with one another and reflecting on how to apply those learnings in respective communities is crucial. Workshop participants shared their intent to share and utilize resources and information shared throughout the workshop with their leadership and team to begin implementing in their jurisdictions, as well as using strategies and skills learned to enhance partnerships. To all the participants and our Hawaiʻian hosts, we say mahalo. Related Resources Modernizing Infrastructure and Facilities for Readiness and Response | ASTHO PH-HERO Workforce Resource Center | ASTHO ASTHO STAR Center | ASTHO Evidence-Based Strategies to Enhance Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response | JPHMP article yes

In addition to PFAS exposure assessments, state and territorial health agencies may also consider the role of social stressors during the risk assessment process.

This ASTHOBrief contains three key recommendations for improving the 2013 CDC/CSTE Cancer Cluster Investigation Guidelines.

This infographic breaks down the top 10 takeaways from the 2022 Climate and Health Capacity Survey.

States Partner Across Sectors to Address Lead Poisoning Kayley Humm, Kerry Wyss, Ali Aslam Learn in this brief how three states are using partnerships to improve lead testing and reduce cases of lead poisoning. ASTHO partnered with the National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH) to provide technical assistance and capacity-building support for lead poisoning prevention efforts in three state health agencies: Maryland Department of Health, North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, and Arkansas Department of Health. This brief highlights each agency’s strategies for collaborating across sectors along with accomplishments for strengthening lead poisoning prevention capacity in each jurisdiction. Many of these strategies align with those used in a health in all polices (HiAP) approach to lead poisoning prevention. State Examples Maryland Department of Health Maryland adopted a collaborative approach to prevent lead poisoning. The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) has an established lead poisoning prevention program that partners with the Maryland Department of the Environment. The Department of the Environment oversees the childhood lead registry and case management, while MDH focuses on lead testing regulations and Medicaid services. This partnership has been implemented across the 24 local health departments in the state. Maryland enhanced lead case management by providing staff support and tackling complex cases that require additional assistance. In addition to supporting an increase in lead case management activities and lead awareness, ASTHO funding also helped strengthen collaboration and coordination among local health departments, state agencies, and local health care providers. The MDH Environmental Health Bureau also improved efficiency by moving data from the lead registry to MDH for lead surveillance and case management. They also developed and launched sub-county lead testing data as part of their Environmental Public Health Tracking public portal. These activities align with HiAP strategies of developing and structuring cross-sector relationships, coordinating funding and investments, and synchronizing communications. North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS) made significant strides in building up the state lead program, which recently transitioned from the department of environmental quality to NDHHS. With support from ASTHO and NCHH, NDHHS developed a lead prevention website with a data dashboard, developed a lead screening questionnaire, and built collaborative partnerships. The activities in North Dakota align with the HiAP strategies of developing and structuring cross-sector relationships, synchronizing communications, and integrating research, evaluation, and data systems. Building collaborative partnerships is a key initiative for the NDHHS lead program. Already developed partnerships include stakeholders such as Health Tracks and WIC. Health Tracks developed a newsletter article for their provider network so physicians can stay up to date and aware of the lead program transition and lead testing changes, and WIC will host informational lunch and learns to raise awareness about lead testing within their network. North Dakota is also prioritizing building partnerships with tribal communities. A tribal communications plan was developed with the goal of establishing an effective communication plan between the state of North Dakota and each tribal government for lead-related events. Anticipated outcomes from the communication plan include testing for blood lead levels, conducting environmental assessments on tribal lands, and seeing if a tribal member or government is interested in hosting a lead screening event. Progress has been made with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Turtle Mountain band of Chippewa, and NDHHS is hopeful to establish intertribal meetings with all four governmental tribal representatives. Arkansas Department of Health The Arkansas Department of Health established its lead program in 2011 to support abatement of lead-based paint in residential and commercial properties. With support from ASTHO and NCHH, Arkansas has been using a data-driven approach to gain a more comprehensive understanding of lead exposure burden in the state. These activities align with the HiAP strategy of incorporating health data into decision-making and integrating research, evaluation, and data systems. The Arkansas Department of Health conducts periodic audits on its data system to support access to timely and accurate data. To improve data quality and frequency of blood lead testing reports, the health department is establishing incentive programs to encourage facilities to report cases of elevated blood lead. In addition to conducting outreach to its partners, the Arkansas Department of Health has been working to improve lead case data access and data quality through data mining efforts, case report matching, and migration to a new lead surveillance system. Arkansas has been working to modernize the current reporting system to facilitate automation and promote overall efficiency of data analysis and case identification. Conclusion The collaborative efforts of Maryland, North Dakota, and Arkansas highlight the importance of multi-sector partnerships and data sharing in addressing lead poisoning prevention and align with many of the strategies used in a HiAP approach. Each state implemented tailored strategies that sought to grow collaboration in its unique context. These initiatives highlight the importance of cross-sector collaboration in public health initiatives and may serve as valuable models for other jurisdictions. article yes

Environmental Public Health Prioritizing Environmental Public Health Association of state and territorial health officials, astho, environmental health, environmental public health, public health professionals, addressing climate change, environmental health directors, vector-borne disease control, vector-borne disease, climate and health, food and water safety, health in all policies, environmental health issue, environmental health policy Environmental public health is increasingly important — access resources that help care for our environment, from the air we breathe to the food we eat. ASTHO supports state and territorial health agencies in their work to protect the public’s health by addressing environmental health, or the intersection of people’s health with the environments in which they live, work, and play. Environmental health encompasses foundational factors of health like food and water safety, air quality, healthy and safe housing, and preventing disease carried by vectors like ticks and mosquitoes. Environmental health interventions can include lead prevention and surveillance, designing chemical safety standards, health inspections in food retail locations, addressing hazards from natural disasters such as hurricanes and wildfires, and more. ASTHO’s Environmental Health unit supports health agencies through several methods: Develop best practices and resources for health agencies to develop their own environmental public health programs. Provide temporary staffing and support fellowship programs for health agencies. Connect environmental health professionals through peer opportunities like the State and Territorial Environmental Health Directors peer network, the National Association of Vector-Borne Disease Control Officials, and the State Tribal Liaisons peer group. ASTHO also provides a comprehensive suite of actionable, capacity building resources that health departments can leverage to strengthen their environmental health programs. Explore these and more below. Related topics: Health in All Policies Tribal Health website

Climate for Health Ambassadors Training ASTHO, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, climate for health, ambassadors training, health agencies, ecoamerica training, public health, climate change, extreme weather, climate resilient communities, climate resilient, public health programs, impacts of climate, readiness and resilience, climate action, climate basics, human health, health equity, climate solutions, health benefits, communicating climate, advocacy and engagement, staff training ASTHO is excited to partner with ecoAmerica to provide Climate for Health Ambassadors training to state and territorial health agencies. ASTHO is excited to partner with ecoAmerica to provide Climate for Health Ambassadors training to our state and territorial health agency members and their staff at no cost — equipping them with specific resources and tools to address the impacts of climate change in their jurisdiction. Climate change and extreme weather events continue to threaten public health, safety, and quality of life. ASTHO supports building and sustaining healthy, climate-resilient communities that are prepared for climate change and extreme weather events. Implementing public health programs that increase the capacity to prevent, protect, and respond to the impacts of climate and extreme weather improve a community’s overall readiness and resilience. The training is online, self-paced, and includes six modules: The Health Case for Climate Action, Climate Basics Impacts on Human Health, Health Equity Climate Solutions & Health Benefits Communicating on Climate and Health Advocacy & Engagement Making a Difference as an Ambassador Watch the video to learn more about our Climate for Health Ambassadors training.<!-- and sign up for the program today.--> website no

Food and Water Safety association of state and territorial health officials, astho, food and water safety, food safety, water safety, water preparedness, environmental public health, pfas, per and polyfluoroalkyl substances, pfas chemicals, pfas exposure, harmful algal blooms, HABs, risks of harmful algal blooms, state health, environmental agencies, foodborne disease, prevent foodborne disease, drinking water emergencies, state and territorial health agencies, drinking water emergency One of the most fundamental aspects of environmental public health is maintaining high standards of quality and care for our food and water sources. Consumers rely on safe food at home and in the retail environment, so food safety inspections are key to ensuring adequate food safety. Partnerships between local and state health agencies, departments of agriculture, and federal food safety agencies create a framework for a safer food system. Threats to drinking water as well as recreational water hazards come in many forms, with significant sources including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), cyanobacteria, Legionella, and other waterborne contaminants. Strengthening wastewater surveillance programs and overall water infrastructure aids states in protecting the public from waterborne diseases. ASTHO’s Food Safety program, in partnership with CDC, includes assisting the Council to Improve Foodborne Outbreak Response and creating various resources for state and territorial health departments. article

Environmental Public Health Tracking Fellowship Program ASTHO's Environmental Public Health Tracking: Peer-to-Peer Fellowship Program, in partnership with CDC, offers non-funded health agencies the opportunity to conduct pilot projects on environmental health issues of importance to their communities, receive mentorship from current CDC grantees, and become familiar with CDC standards and resources for environmental public health tracking. On this page are ASTHO and partner resources highlighting the program’s successes. Tracking Resources Poster Overview of ASTHO's Tracking Fellowship Program (PDF) This poster provides an overview of the impact and successes of ASTHO’s Environmental Public Health Tracking Fellowship. Fellowship Program Factsheet (PDF) This factsheet highlights achievement and success stories from ASTHO’s Environmental Public Health Tracking Fellowship. Building Capacity, Building Community: ASTHO's EPHT Fellowship Reaches the U.S. Territories (PDF) This two-page fact sheet shares successes and lessons learned from the Program’s first reverse site-visit to a territorial health agency. <!-- ASTHO Environmental Public Health Tracking Fellowship Program: 2002-2019 Environmental Public Health Tracking 101 The National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network (Tracking Network) brings together health data and environmental data from national, state, and city sources and provides supporting information to make the data easier to understand. The Tracking Network has data and information on environments and hazards, health effects, and population health. Embed-EH PH Tracking Fellowship Program ARCGIS --> website no

Vector-Borne Disease association of state and territorial health officials, astho, vector-borne disease, disease vectors, vector surveillance and control, vector-borne disease outbreaks, health agencies, insecticide resistance, threat of insecticide resistance, tick-borne disease, tick-borne disease prevention, vector-borne disease control, mosquito control, environmental public health There are many diseases in the world that are transmitted to humans through vectors such as mosquitos, fleas, and ticks. Some of the most notorious of these diseases include West Nile virus, Zika virus, and Lyme disease. To prevent and control these diseases, vector surveillance and control is critical for any public health department. Environmental public health programs at the state and local levels develop and use tools and outreach programs to provide education to the public, identify and respond to vector-borne outbreaks, and to reduce exposure to diseases. ASTHO’s Vector-Borne Disease program, in partnership with CDC, includes assisting the National Association of Vector-Borne Disease Control Officials (NAVCO) and creating various resources for state and territorial health departments. article

The goal of these five key informant interviews was to gain insight into state and territorial health official (S/THOs) experience with vector-borne disease (VBD) outbreaks, communication strategies, and to capture advice they would offer to new S/THOs regarding VBD-related challenges.

About Environmental Public Health The Fundamentals of Environmental Public Health Learn about the importance of environmental health on public well-being and how ASTHO supports this critical work. Our health is shaped by the world we live in — from the air we breathe to the food we eat, the water we drink, and the communities we live in, our environment impacts our health and well-being. ASTHO is committed to supporting its members’ environmental health initiatives through expert technical assistance and actionable resources. What is Environmental Health and Safety? Environmental health and safety is a core component of overall public health. Environmental health represents the intersection between people’s health and what they encounter in their environments. This covers a broad range of areas that people interact with every day. Food Safety The quality of the food we eat is one of the most fundamental factors for our well-being. Public health departments help maintain food safety across the supply chain: How crops are grown and livestock is raised. How food goods are transported and kept. Food safety inspections in retail locations like grocery stores as well as in restaurants and other vendors. Setting standards for preparing and keeping food in the home. Water Safety The quality of the water we drink and engage with recreationally (e.g., beaches, lakes, pools) can impact our health. Common risks to water safety come from contaminants like pesticides, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also called “forever chemicals,” bacteria like Legionella, and harmful algal blooms. Indoor and Outdoor Air Quality Air quality can be impacted by factors internal to buildings — such as mold and asbestos — as well as outdoor factors like wildfire smoke and pollen. These factors can exacerbate conditions like asthma and especially impact vulnerable populations like children and older people. Climate and Health Factors of our natural environment like rising temperatures and increased frequency of natural disasters, such as hurricanes and wildfires, also strongly impact our health. Health departments help communities deal with these factors by monitoring for these events and providing plans to respond to these kinds of threats. Vector-Borne Diseases Ticks, mosquitoes, fleas, and others can act as vectors, meaning they can transmit pathogens to humans, causing diseases like Lyme, Zika, and West Nile. These vectors are adapting along with rising temperatures and changing habitats. Environmental health programs can monitor these vectors and the spread of disease, which helps in outbreak response and prevention. The Built Environment The ways in which the buildings we live, work, and play in are built and maintained can impact our health. Some common problems encountered in our homes include lead paint and asbestos, but the influence of the built environment extends beyond the home. Making our communities safe, walkable, and accessible with sidewalks, public transit, and roads can have an impact on our daily activities. Other important factors include green spaces (e.g., parks) and public sanitation. What Are Key Interventions to Promote Environmental Public Health? State and territorial health agencies are best equipped to respond to environmental health concerns when they have access to sufficient resources. Many health departments deal with a lack of funding to build and maintain robust environmental health programs. Public health agencies especially struggle with workforce concerns — hiring, training, maintaining, and ultimately growing the environmental public health workforce is critical for agencies to do their best work. Supporting pipeline programs like internships and fellowships is a great way to get early career public health professionals involved. It’s also important to educate the public about environmental public health and its far-reaching impact. Many people conflate environmental health with environmental protection, but these are not the same fields, though they share some common ground. In fact, many states keep these as separate entities. Environmental health is a core foundation of general public health, and environmental health professionals cover many core functions of protecting the public’s health and well-being. How Does ASTHO Support Environmental Health? ASTHO’s Environmental Health team helps state and territorial health agencies build capacity to respond to environmental public health concerns through several key activities: Support fellowships that strengthen peer-to-peer relationships and build environmental health capacity. Build health agency capacity to address healthy housing, including improving lead surveillance and prevention. Help island jurisdictions address supply needs for environmental health protection by providing lead poisoning prevention supplies for on-the-ground testing and surveillance. Provide opportunities for environmental public health professionals to connect through the State and Territorial Environmental Health Directors peer network, the National Association of Vector-Borne Disease Control Officials, and the State Tribal Liaisons peer group. Provide resources and low-cost solutions to help state and territorial agencies set up their own programs to respond to environmental health threats. Support cross-sector partnerships and promote a Health in All Policies approach. Get in Touch ASTHO supports states and territories in addressing the foundation of the public’s health and well-being. Want to learn more or work on building out your agency’s environmental health programs? Reach out to environmentalhealth@astho.org. Padding Block - Medium article

Implementing Health in All Policies in the Climate Space ASTHO, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, HiAP lens, Health in all policies, climate change, climate space, flooding and rain, extreme weather, extreme heat, wildfire damage, seven strategies, Texas workgroup, national disaster operational workgroup, Washington state department of health, emergency preparedness and response, hiap implementation, Wisconsin department of health services, new mexico taskforce, interagency climate change taskforce, climate action teams, Climate and Health Capacity Survey, HiAP Task Force; Climate Change Commission, Resilience Initiative Kerry Wyss, Ali Aslam ASTHO | A Health in All Policies approach can help public health agencies better address the impact of climate change on population health and well-being. Each year, we face hurricanes, floods, extreme heat events, destructive wildfires, as well as other natural disasters and homeland security threats that test the resiliency of state, territorial, and freely associated state agencies and the communities they serve. To address the health threats posed by natural disasters and by climate change, more health agencies are integrating a Health in All Policies (HiAP) approach. This cross-sector approach can make these climate efforts more effective and impactful, and help promote health equity and optimal health. This report outlines strategies for health agencies to apply the HiAP lens and utilize cross-sector collaboration to optimize their climate and health responses. Get the Report (PDF) website yes

This report shares results and key takeaways from interviews on topics including the overall structure of Legionnaires’ disease programs, diagnosis and clinical testing protocols, and risk communication.

This report includes two case studies capturing how states are building capacity to address the threat of insecticide resistance. The case studies and analyses in this report may serve as a guide as states respond to similar problems in their jurisdictions.