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Learn about engaging partners in a virtual space, with actionable steps, examples, and resources.

Funding local subrecipients can complement public health agency efforts and expand community reach—learn to navigate each funding stage.

On Oct. 4, 2023, ASTHO responded to a Request for Information from the U.S. House of Representatives' Ways and Means Committee on the subject of improving access to healthcare and rural and underserved areas, including the island jurisdictions.

ASTHO Legislative Prospectus | Previewing 2023 state legislative actions to increase health equity.

In-depth analysis on state health policy surrounding health equity. This is part of ASTHO's annual legislative prospectus series.

Responding to Disruptions in Access to Controlled Substance Medications: A Guide for State Health Departments and Their Partners Responding to Disruptions in Access to Controlled Substance Medications astho, association of state and territorial health officials, public health official, state health, territorial health, island areas, island jurisdictions, opioid prescriptions, access to opioid prescriptions, opioid rapid response program, opioid therapy, withdrawal symptom, rapid response, opioid crisis, opioid overdose, mental health, prescription monitoring, united states, discontinuation of opioid, opioid withdrawal, symptoms of withdrawal, opioid use disorder, type of drug, opioid medications, department of health, stop drinking, drinking alcohol, prescription drugs, opioid prescribing, drug withdrawal, opioid pain, physical dependence ASTHO | A guide on responding to disruptions in access to opioid prescription. Responding to Disruptions in Access to Controlled Substance Medications: A Guide for State Health Departments and Their Partners (2025) provides important updates to the 2022 edition and ASTHO’s 2020 document Responding to Pain Clinic Closures: A Guide for State Health Departments. This guidebook reflects the current state and federal landscape regarding disruptions, shares updated recommendations on strategies states might use to mitigate risks to patients affected by a disruption, and includes additional state examples. These updates are informed by the CDC’s Opioid Rapid Response Program (ORRP) and states’ coordinated responses to ORRP notifications since the program was formally established in late 2020, as well as tabletop preparedness exercises ASTHO has conducted with states. Get the Report (PDF) Content Updated - Report - Responding to Disruptions in Access to Controlled Substance Medications website yes

Learn how to leverage public health assets in Medicaid managed care, with helpful background, life cycle details, and information on key obligations.

Improving Community Access to Care Through Health Disparities Grant Learn how states have addressed COVID-related health disparities and improved health equity in their jurisdictions in these case studies. In 2021, as part of the COVID-19 pandemic response, CDC distributed critical funding to state, territorial, and freely associated state health departments through the OT21-2103 COVID Health Disparities grant to promote health equity initiatives. ASTHO, in partnership with the National Association of Community Health Workers and the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health, created state stories highlighting how some health departments have deployed this funding to advance health equity in their jurisdictions. The following state stories demonstrate how Utah, Virginia, and Texas worked to strengthen public health initiatives in rural communities, empower community health workers, and build stronger bridges between communities and health care. website yes

This report provides critical insight into the top environmental health and natural disaster preparedness concerns across the nation.

Collecting and sharing data are crucially important to improving health equity, because those datasets inform effective policymaking. Despite having some of the most challenging population health outcomes, the U.S. island areas are often absent within federal public health datasets.Federal, island, and nonprofit partners should prioritize efforts to increase their inclusion.

How Mississippi Prioritizes Environmental Justice During Disaster Response Association of state and territorial health officials, astho, environmental health, environmental justice, public health, cross sector partnerships, emergency preparedness, natural disaster response, emergency response, health equity, social determinants of health, missisippi state department of health, office of environmental health, office of health equity, covid 19 pandemic, emergency planning and response Ali Aslam, Yaryna Onufrey, Beth Giambrone This case study dives into the Mississippi State Department of Health’s environmental justice initiatives, conducted using cross-sector partnerships. Environmental justice is defined as all people enjoying the same degree of access and protection from environmental and health hazards. This happens by intentionally involving all people—regardless of race, color, national origin, or income—while developing, implementing, and enforcing environmental laws and policies. The Mississippi State Department of Health incorporates environmental justice principles into their disaster response and emergency preparedness efforts. Mississippi's environmental justice work has been community-based and equity-driven. This case study dives into Mississippi’s cross-sector partnerships, community health initiatives, and health equity work as the state has worked to address environmental health concerns. Get the Report (PDF) website yes

Establishing an Office of Health Equity or Minority Health Learn how to establish, structure, and fund a health equity or minority health office. A dedicated office of health equity or minority health can provide a focus on cross-cutting efforts and strategies that help to improve services, outreach, and engagement with marginalized communities. This report delves into the typical scope for setting up a health equity or minority health office, including how to establish, structure, and fund it—providing a blueprint to island areas working to build one or considering establishing one in the future. In addition, it explores lessons learned from state offices of health equity or minority health, including California, Michigan, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Vermont, and Washington. Get the Report (PDF) website yes

Commonalities of State-Level HiAP Groups State-Level HiAP Initiatives, Cross-Sector Health Equity Programs, Health in All Policies Strategy, Integrating Health in State Policies, Collaborative Health Policy Development, social determinants of health, department of public health, improving population health, public health institute, social service, address the social determinants, cross sector collaboration, local health departments, health impact assessment, health disparities, incorporate health, community health, population health improvement, state and local governments, American public health, community based organizations, centers for disease control, health considerations, health inequities, long term, ASTHO, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials Kerry Wyss Learn how public health agencies are implementing cross-sector partnerships to improve their work and incorporate health equity. States and localities are developing cross-sector or health in all policies (HiAP) working groups to address the drivers of health from both within and outside of public health and health care. These groups bring together decision-makers from different sectors to explore policies and programs that aim to improve public health and address health inequities. These partners can include government agencies, community-based organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and other stakeholders. This document outlines some of the components, partners, and roles/responsibilities of many of these groups, so they can be replicated across the nation to tackle complex public health challenges at the state and local level. Get the Report (PDF) website yes

Framework for Communities to Prevent Youth Cannabis Use This resource provides evidence-informed strategies and resources to address the unique challenges posed by youth cannabis use. Over the last two decades, there have been significant changes in laws, rules, and regulations regarding cannabis. These changes have increased the availability and accessibility of cannabis in states and communities which may increase potential for harm, particularly for high-risk populations like young people. Use of cannabis at an early age can impact the developing brain and result in poor school performance, increased school dropout rates, impaired driving, and risk for later depression and psychotic disorders. While cannabis use has decreased among youth, data shows there are still a concerning number of youth who use cannabis, highlighting a need for continued prevention strategies. The resource aims to equip Drug-Free Communities coalitions with evidence-informed strategies and resources to address the unique challenges posed by youth cannabis use. Get the Report (PDF) website yes

Insurer-sponsored community health worker programs can address health plan members' SDOH needs. Learn how, from literature scan and focus group interview results.

These states are connecting public health and transportation to improve access to healthcare—learn how in this report.

How Health Care Providers Can Reduce Stigma to Improve Care for Patients Taking Long-Term Opioid Therapy healthcare providers, reduce stigma, opioid therapy, poor mental health, chronic pain, adverse health effects, reduce barriers, anxiety and depression, harm reduction, pain management, side effects, acute pain, medical conditions, physical therapy, pain relief, mental health conditions, substance use disorders, treatment options, public health, bipolar disorder, pain relievers, support groups, mental health professional, evidence based, medical treatments, primary care, increased risk, astho, association of state and territorial health officials Grace DeLeon, Richa Ranade, Jessica Pough Long-term opioid therapy (LTOT)—often prescribed for chronic pain when other options have proven ineffective—is associated with negative perceptions due to the history of widespread opioid overprescription and the current overdose crisis. This stigma poses a barrier to care continuity for these patients, which is particularly concerning, as abruptly discontinuing such medication can lead to adverse health effects due to physical dependency. This resource aims to increase awareness among health care providers about the stigma surrounding LTOT and emphasizes the importance of addressing it to ensure proper care for individuals dependent on these medications. Get the Report (PDF) website yes

Supporting Resilience in Rural Areas Through Cross-Sector Partnerships ASTHO, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, rural health, public health, public health partnerships, health in all policies, government agencies, community organizations, academic institutions, rural populations, infrastructure improvement, healthcare systems, environmental determinants, climate change, sustainable practices, environmental challenges, extreme weather, environmental health risks, protective factors, engaging rural partners, building trust, idaho department of health and welfare, michigan department of health, health equity, austin climate equity plan, healthy start oregon, kansas department of commerce, wisconsin broadband access, chesapeake housing mission Ali Aslam The key to making rural communities more resilient is for public health to partner with community organizations, governmental agencies, and other critical partners. Working across sectors of government agencies, community organizations, businesses, and academic institutions is critical to address public health challenges in rural communities. Using a Health in All Policies (HiAP) approach helps public health agencies better address the interconnected social, economic, and environmental determinants of health impacting rural communities and improve community well-being. HiAP brings together a multitude of perspectives to develop holistic strategies that can support infrastructure improvements, sustainable land use practices, diversified economic opportunities, safer and healthier home environments, and robust health care systems in rural communities. Through community leadership and collaboration, this cross-sector approach can enhance the capacity of rural communities to build resilience, adapt to climate change, and foster long-term sustainability to improve public health outcomes. Learn how states are implementing HiAP strategies to improve health in their rural communities in this report. Get the Report (PDF) website yes

Investing in Indiana’s Public Health Infrastructure Through Community-Driven Policy Change public health infrastructure, community driven policy, indiana state health commissioner, public health system, indiana department of health, outpatient facilities, technical assistance, data and information integration, emergency preparedness, child and adolescent health, legislative action, state and local elected officials, health problems, health care, health system, health departments, federal agencies, essential public health services, centers for disease control, state and local levels, health outcomes, health organization, covid-19 pandemic, health infrastructure, promoting health, public health organizations, states public health, federal funding, astho, association of state and territorial health officials Maggie Davis, Keith Coleman Indiana enacts historic public health funding through community engagement and legislative support. In April 2023, Indiana passed bill SB 4, which was a historic investment in the state's public health funding and restructuring its public health system. This case study shares how the Governor's Public Health Commission and the Indiana Department of Health approached community listening sessions, formulated recommendations, and successfully built legislative support to reform the public health system in the state. Get the Report (PDF) website yes

This report, based on findings from ASTHO’s 2022 Environmental Scan, dives into how Health in All Policies strategies can promote health equity.