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This toolkit is designed to support public health leaders in leveraging the policy development process to achieve health equity in their jurisdiction.

There are significant disparities in pregnancy-related outcomes in the United States. Many of these deaths considered preventable, so state and federal policy makers are taking steps to improve health outcomes for pregnant people.

The 2020 holiday season is coinciding with a nationwide surge of COVID-19 cases. With great concern that holiday travel to see loved ones may exacerbate community spread of the virus, many states are increasing public health measures before the winter holiday season. As of November 16, 2020, 13 states and D.C. had a quarantine requirement for out-of-state travelers. The U.S. territories also have instituted travel restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Polysubstance Use During Pregnancy and the Benefits of Universal Verbal Screening polysubstance use, universal verbal screening, health equity, polysubstance use during pregnancy, public health, substance use disorder, health problems, health care, health outcomes, prescription medications, increase the risk, risk of overdose, pregnant women, treatment programs, health service, illicit drugs, birth defects, increased risk, neonatal abstinence syndrome nas, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, prescription drugs, multiple substances, risk factors, prescription opioids Shannon Vance Polysubstance Use During Pregnancy and the Benefits of Universal Verbal Screening Polysubstance use, the use of two or more substances, during pregnancy is common and can result in negative outcomes for both mothers and infants. This report explores the occurrence of polysubstance use in pregnancy, details the advantages of universal verbal screening in pregnancy, and emphasizes the importance of health equity in providing this care to patients. Get the Report (PDF) website yes

ASTHO staff identified a range of evidence-supported policies considered by state legislatures that could prevent ACEs. This report synthesizes these research and policy proposals and is intended for public health practitioners and policymakers who are considering adopting similar policies.

As new diseases or emergencies arise, working alongside trusted committees can help health officials quickly respond and prevent undue burden on at-risk groups such as people with disabilities, pregnant people, and children.

In 2023 legislative sessions, states considered measures to improve access to care for pregnant people experiencing substance use disorder, increase provider knowledge of screening and treatment practices, coordinate care for conditions co-occurring with SUD, and keeping families together.

Continuing ASTHO’s Legislative Prospectus series—which highlights the top 10 public health policy issues for 2022—this post focuses on mental and behavioral health, as well as supporting the public health workforce.