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ASTHO’s membership comprises chief health officials from across the nation who receive ongoing capacity building, technical assistance, and leadership development.

On March 23, 2023, ASTHO President Anne Zink testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies regarding sustainable and flexible public health funding.

The VDH Internship Academy, funded by PHIG, is a key pipeline for public health careers with paid, growth-focused internships.

(More) Recent Shifts in HHS Leadership: June 2026 More Recent Shifts in HHS Leadership: June 2026 Catherine Murphy Get the latest updates on changes in leadership at CDC, FDA, HHS, and more in this Federal Health Policy Update. This provides updates to a previous Federal Health Policy Update: Recent HHS Leadership Changes That Impact Public Health. As Congress heads into a busy summer of work on FY27 appropriations, a potential reconciliation package, and looming midterm elections, the Trump Administration continues shaping HHS to the President’s Make America Healthy Again agenda. Since our last update in April, there have been a handful of new leadership shifts within HHS agencies. CDC Since the departure of Susan Monarez from her role as CDC Director in August 2025, the position has been covered by acting directors. In April, President Trump announced Erica Schwartz as his new pick for CDC Director. Schwartz brings experience as a physician in the U.S. Navy, as chief medical officer in the Coast Guard, and helped lead the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic as deputy surgeon general. The Senate HELP Committee has not yet noticed a hearing to review her nomination. Public response to her nomination, though, has been generally positive. In the same announcement, President Trump also highlighted his appointment of Jennifer Shuford as the CDC Deputy Director and Chief Medical Officer, and Sean Slovenski as CDC Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer. Shuford, an ASTHO alumni member, is the former commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services and an infectious disease physician. Before her tenure as commissioner, she was the chief state epidemiologist. Slovenski brings a background as a health care executive and entrepreneur, with experience ranging from telehealth and wellness incentives, major companies and brands, and advocacy. Surgeon General The confirmation proceedings of President Trump’s previous pick for Surgeon General, Casey Means, stalled as senators deliberated on her statements on vaccine safety after her appearance before the Senate HELP Committee in February. At the end of April, the President announced his nomination of Nicole Saphier, a radiologist, director of breast imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering Monmouth, and former medical contributor to the Fox News Channel. Saphier is viewed as a more mainstream nominee given that she is generally supportive of vaccines. Her priorities also include building trust in public health recommendations, combating chronic disease, and reducing ultra-processed foods. FDA In early May, it was announced that Commissioner Marty Makary would be leaving his role. Kyle Diamantas, formerly FDA’s Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods, has taken over as Acting Commissioner for the agency. Before joining FDA, Acting Commissioner Diamantas practiced law, focusing on food, drug, and life sciences regulatory matters. A nominee for FDA Commissioner has not yet been announced. Donald A. Prater has taken over as acting head of the Human Foods Program. ASPR In April, Sean Kaufman was announced as the White House nominee to lead ASPR as the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response. He specializes in preventing spread of infectious disease and brings experience as a Senior Advisor for Global Affairs at CDC and, in previous roles, responded to infectious disease outbreaks including anthrax, SARS, and West Nile virus. HHS Additionally, Sara Brenner was announced as Senior Counselor for Public Health to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. In her past roles, she served within FDA as Acting Commissioner and Principal Deputy Commissioner within the Office of the Commissioner. She is a preventive medicine and public health physician with extensive experience in federal health policy. In her broad federal experience, she has worked on COVID-19 response, within the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and worked on medical countermeasures and preparedness efforts. Leadership Promotes Trust in Public Health Minimizing leadership turnover bolsters stability in the public health continuum and allows for a more robust response to current and emerging public health threats. Ongoing changes within HHS can create uncertainty for the entire health ecosystem, from practitioners awaiting public health guidance to the broader public. In an environment where stability, clear communication, and transparency are needed, confirming leadership that promotes concise, well-researched advice will help continue efforts to rebuild trust in our governmental public health enterprise. These recently announced leaders bring a wealth of experience to their roles and have an opportunity to promote strong, evidence-based public health guidance for Americans. The Senate HELP Committee has not yet noticed confirmation hearings to review the nominations of the Senate-confirmed positions: the CDC Director, Surgeon General, and Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response are expected to be reviewed by the panel. ASTHO will continue to track updates to HHS leadership and confirmations. Reviewed by - Ekoma, Staley article 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 ASTHOBrief addresses the importance of developing robust, culturally competent risk-appropriate care systems for American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

Public Health Thank You Day Public Health Thank You Day 2024 Scott Harris, Joseph Kanter In honor of Public Health Thank You Day, ASTHO President Scott Harris and ASTHO CEO Joseph Kanter share a message of gratitude to all hardworking public health professionals who help keep the nation healthy and well. <!-- Public Health Thank You Day 2024 - Harris - Audio Embed Public Health Thank You Day 2024 - Harris - Transcript Medium Padding 2 Public Health Thank You Day 2024 - Kanter - Audio Embed Public Health Thank You Day 2024 - Kanter - Transcript --> article yes

On July 13, 2021, ASTHO issued a statement of support for President Joe Biden’s nomination of Rahul Gupta, MD, MPH, MBA, FACP, to serve as the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

On Jan. 19, 2021, ASTHO released a statement commending President-Elect Joe Biden's nomination of Rachel Levine, MD, to serve as Assistant Secretary for Health at the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

ASTHO Awards Public Health Leaders and Agencies for Service BETHESDA, MD—The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) presented several awards during its 2019 Annual Meeting and Policy Summit this week to commend public health leaders and agencies for their service and dedication to improving our nation’s health. “We’re pleased to recognize this distinguished group of health professionals and agencies,” says Elke Shaw-Tulloch, state health officer at the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, past ASTHO president, and chair of ASTHO's Nominations, Awards, and Membership Committee. “The excellence we highlight today touches millions of lives and represents just a small sample of our nation’s dedicated public health professionals, who continuously strive to promote the public’s health and well-being.” The 2019 ASTHO awardees include: John Wiesman, DrPH, MPH, Secretary of Health, Washington State Department of Health Arthur T. McCormack Award Dr. Wiesman has served as Washington state’s health official since 2013 and currently co-chairs the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. Under his leadership, the Washington State Department of Health is spearheading the End AIDS Washington program, developing the Healthiest Next Generation initiative, identifying and funding foundational public health services, implementing the governor’s executive order to reduce suicide and prevent firearm injuries and deaths, and addressing the public health impacts of climate change. Stephanie C. Williams, RNP, MPH, Senior Deputy, Arkansas Department of Health Noble J. Swearingen Award As deputy director for public health programs at the Arkansas Department of Health, Ms. Williams oversees and guides the work of the agency’s four operational centers: Health Advancement, Health Protection, Local Public Health and Public Health Practice. She also oversees the state public health laboratory and the state offices of Health Communication and Minority Health. Ms. Williams also advises and assists the state health official in setting policy and programmatic direction for the department and serves as state health official in his absence. Janae Price, MPH, Senior Epidemiologist, Illinois Department of Public Health State/Territorial Excellence in Public Health Award Ms. Price served the Illinois Department of Public Health from April 2016 to March 2019 as a member of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. She led or co-led more than five nationally-funded statewide projects, ten committees or workgroups, and numerous complex multi-year projects. Price’s contributions led the health agency to strengthen its chronic disease epidemiology capacity by integrating evaluation and performance monitoring for chronic disease programs, developing critical partnerships, improving data collection and reporting quality, and using innovative methods to assess public health needs. Paul K. Halverson, DrPH ASTHO Alumni Award Dr. Halverson served as the state health official for the Arkansas Department of Health from 2005-2013. He oversaw the development of Arkansas’ statewide trauma system, which has become a model for other states, and he greatly enhanced the effectiveness of the Arkansas Public Health Preparedness Program and the Arkansas Public Health Laboratory. As a state health official, Dr. Halverson was a mentor to many new state health officials and a trusted colleague to his peers. After transitioning to his position as founding dean of the Indiana University Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, he has remained active as an ASTHO alumnus, serving as president of the ASTHO Alumni Society. Increasing Immunization Capacity in Texas Emergency Responder Facilities—Texas Department of State Health Services ASTHO Vision Award, First Place, Category A (Programs ≥ $250,000) ASTHO recognizes Texas Department of State Health Services for its work raising immunization rates for Texas emergency responders. Implementation of the New York State Prevention Agenda 2013-2018—New York State Department of Health ASTHO Vision Award, Second Place, Category A (Programs ≥ $250,000) ASTHO recognizes New York State Department of Health’s for its work developing a six-year state health improvement plan, which aims to make New York the healthiest state. Developed in collaboration with the Ad Hoc Committee to Lead the Prevention Agenda and more than 140 statewide organizations, the plan identifies New York’s most urgent health concerns and recommends ways statewide organizations and local health departments, hospitals, and partners from the health, business, education, and nonprofit sectors can work together to address them. Office of Grants Management—Northern Mariana Islands Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation ASTHO Vision Award, First Place, Category B (Programs less than $250,000) ASTHO recognizes the Northern Mariana Islands Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation for establishing the Office of Grants Management to improve coordination of the administration of all of the health agency’s federal programs and external funds. The office was created to oversee the financial and record keeping aspects of the annual grant-making process for the corporation and its divisions for all grants received or awarded. It also collaborates closely with all program managers to streamline and improve grant applications, implementation, administration, compliance, performance, and reporting requirements on all grants. Local and Tribal Public Health System Improvement Program—Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services ASTHO Vision Award, Second Place, Category B (Programs less than $250,000) ASTHO recognizes Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services for its efforts to improve Montana’s local and tribal public health infrastructure. As part of this work, the health agency has strengthened partnerships between the healthcare sector and public health agencies; accelerated the use of the Public Health Accreditation Board’s national standards for public health practice by state, local, and tribal public health agencies; and strengthened local boards of health. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

State and Local Health Officials at the Capitol to Urge Congress to Prioritize Funding for Public Health ARLINGTON, VA—Over 80 state, local, and territorial health officials from across the country will meet with members of congress on Capitol Hill together on March 13, 2019. The aim of their visits is to share the critical need to sustain investments in public health agencies that protect and promote the health of all Americans and prevent sequester cuts in the FY20 budget. This is the first-time members of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) and the National Association of County & City Health Officials (NACCHO) will combine their annual Hill Days to show a collective voice for governmental public health at the Capitol. Public health leaders are concerned about the impact of the potential $55 billion cut to non-defense discretionary spending that will happen in FY2020 if Congress does not act to prevent it. ASTHO and NACCHO strongly urge Congress to work in a bipartisan manner to raise FY2020 budget caps and provide needed funding for non-defense discretionary programs, and support increasing CDC’s budget 22 percent by FY22. “Our entire governmental public health system is strained. My colleagues are on the ground dealing with several measles outbreaks, the opioid epidemic, and natural disaster recovery, all while continuing the core work of disease prevention—especially at the community level. Unfortunately, we are consistently underfunded and must do more with less. As a nation, we must do better and prioritize investing in public health,” says Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH, ASTHO president and director of the Rhode Island Department of Health. “Every person and every community should have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible. As part of ASTHO’s President’s Challenge, additional federal resources will help equip health officials to mobilize community-led, place-based collectives to improve the way we live, work, and play.” “In the decade since the Great Recession, public health departments have lost about a fifth of their workforce due to funding issues and recovery has been slow at best. We see the impact of these resource losses on the health and well-being of our communities every day. In so many areas of public health, we know what works, but we don’t have the resources to ensure that all Americans, no matter where they live, have access to the same basic public health infrastructure, services, and protections,” says Kevin Sumner, NACCHO president and health officer/director for the Middle-Brook Regional Health Commission. “So much of our public health system operates silently in the background. By joining together on Capitol Hill, we will amplify our voice and spread the message of the importance of governmental public health in all sectors.” For more information on ASTHO’s advocacy priorities, visit http://www.astho.org/Advocacy-Materials. For more information about the President’s Challenge, visit http://www.astho.org/ASTHO-Presidents-Challenge/2019. For more information on NACCHO’s advocacy priorities, visit https://www.naccho.org/uploads/downloadable-resources/flyer_legislativeagenda_2019.pdf. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate NACCHO Boilerplate website yes

ASTHO Member and Delaware Health Official Karyl Rattay Testifies on Nation’s Opioid Epidemic ARLINGTON, VA—Karyl Rattay, MD, MS, director and state health officer at the Delaware Division of Public Health, testified today on the Administration’s response to the drug crisis before the United States House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The hearing, “The Trump Administration’s Response to the Drug Crisis, Part II,” continues the committee’s examination of national drug control efforts by ONDCP, including efforts to expand access to treatment for substance use disorder. “The opioid epidemic continues to evolve, and it remains a deadly and complicated issue. Fentanyl is now driving an alarming increase in deaths. In addition, many states are seeing emerging drug patterns and trends with methamphetamine, cocaine, and benzodiazepines, often in combination with opioids, and continue to face challenges with alcohol misuse and addiction. Addiction is plaguing our country, impacting individuals, families, schools, the workplace, and entire communities. We must address this like a chronic disease and apply evidence-based strategies to prevent addiction. Additionally, we must further expand access to effective treatment and ensure that the systems in place are engaging, comprehensive, coordinated, integrated, high-quality, and person-centered. In this respect, we need to redouble our efforts to meet people where they are in their communities, provide immediate connection to treatment following an overdose, and ensure a warm hand-off no matter the setting. We must also focus on saving more lives with naloxone and preventing the spread of infections with proven approaches like syringe service programs,” says Rattay. “Collectively, states, territories, and local health departments recognize the opioid crisis as a complex issue,” Rattay continued. “Our efforts to combat the issue cannot be accomplished without the support of federal grants. It is very important that Congress provide sustained and predictable federal funding so that states and territories can build infrastructure to combat and prevent addiction. Our work includes not only saving lives but improving the lives of people impacted by the disease of addiction.” For more information about the hearing, visit the committee’s website. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

Current Measles Outbreaks Should Alarm Every American and Highlight the Critical Importance of Vaccination Programs ARLINGTON, VA—John Wiesman, DrPH, MPH, secretary of health at the Washington State Department of Health and immediate past president of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) testified today before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) on the growing number of infectious disease outbreaks impacting the country. The hearing, “Vaccines Save Lives: What Is Driving Preventable Disease Outbreaks?” provided members of Congress the opportunity to discuss the current measles outbreaks affecting several states, along with children’s health and vaccinations and significant gaps in public health funding for programs to address preventable outbreaks. “Every American should be alarmed by the current measles outbreaks occurring in many states. Measles is an entirely preventable disease and we must redouble our efforts as a nation to spread the truth that vaccines save lives and address parental concerns about vaccinating their children,” says Wiesman. “No one should live in fear of contracting this disease and it is part of my mission as a public health official to protect the lives of American people. I am deeply grateful to the Senate HELP Committee for bringing broader awareness to the importance of vaccinations and better understanding the current gaps that exist in the public health system. Addressing these outbreaks will require a strong and coordinated response from federal, state, and local governments.” Wiesman recently authored an op-ed citing concerns about the nation’s public health system, which has suffered as a result of chronic underfunding as the population continues to grow. We are constantly reacting to crises rather than working to prevent them, Wiesman says. ASTHO and 80 other organizations are requesting Congress to raise CDC’s budget 22 percent by 2022 to address growing public health threats, including support for state and territorial vaccination programs, in order to protect our nation’s health system. For more information and to read Wiesman’s testimony, visit the committee’s website. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

Supporting Governmental Public Health Should be a Congressional Priority Says Dr. Nathaniel Smith at Today’s House Appropriations Hearing ARLINGTON, VA—Nathaniel Smith, MD, MPH, director and state health officer for the Arkansas Department of Health and president-elect of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), testified today before the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies to discuss the importance of Congress providing enhanced resources for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, Health Resources and Services Administration, and other federal agencies to improve our nation’s health. “Governmental public health agencies work everywhere, every day to protect and improve the health of the entire U.S. population. Our work is often invisible and sometimes it is only in a crisis when the value and importance of sustained investment in public health becomes apparent. These crises unfortunately happen all too often – the current measles and hepatitis A outbreaks, the obesity and opioid epidemics, and many others, highlight the important work of disease prevention and health protection at the core of public health’s mission,” says Smith. “ASTHO urges Congress to sustain and increase funding for federal public health agencies so that state, local, tribal and territorial health departments can continue and enhance their work to prevent drug overdoses, save lives through chronic disease prevention, prepare for and respond to disasters and public health emergencies, combat infectious disease, and prevent and remediate environmental health hazards.” For more information about the hearing visit the committee’s website. To read Dr. Smith’s full written testimony, visit ASTHO’s website. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

Walgreens and Rite Aid Make Good Public Health Move on Raising Age to Purchase Tobacco, but More Is Needed ARLINGTON, VA—Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH, director of the Rhode Island Department of Health and president of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), issued the following statement after Walgreens and Rite Aid announced plans to raise the minimum age to buy tobacco products to 21 in drugstores across the country. “Limiting tobacco sales to those 21 and older is an important step in the right direction for national drugstore chains. ASTHO strongly urges these companies to now explore additional steps they can take, such as prohibiting sales of all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. Tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of death and disease in the United States and is a major contributor to high rates of premature birth. Worse yet, because of Big Tobacco’s shameless marketing and sales strategies, rates of use are highest in low-income neighborhoods and among people with substance use disorders and those experiencing other behavioral health challenges. It is critical that we work collaboratively with industry leaders, government officials, and the public to prevent anyone from becoming addicted to tobacco in the first place, with a special focus on youth. We need to ensure that every single person in every community has an equal opportunity to breathe free and thrive." ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

Public Health Leaders Applaud U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on E-Cigarette Use ARLINGTON, VA—State and territorial health leaders applaud the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General for issuing today’s advisory and setting strong recommendations to curb the sharp increase in youth e-cigarette use. “Today, the Surgeon General took bold action by issuing an advisory on the epidemic of youth e-cigarette use. We stand with the Surgeon General and support these recommendations calling for public spaces to be free from e-cigarette vapor and implementing strategies to make it more difficult for youth to purchase e-cigarette products,” says Michael Fraser, CEO of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO). “We applaud the administration’s aggressive steps to stop a generation of children from becoming addicted to nicotine. These recommendations echo ASTHO’s position on comprehensive tobacco control policies and are endorsed by our nation’s state and territorial public health leaders. We look forward to working with states and communities throughout the country to implement these measures.” ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

The ASTHO-Mason Collaborative for Applied Public Health Practice will increase access to public health education and training through student fellowships, innovative curriculum, applied practice and policy research, and academic and continuing education programs for public health students and professionals.

On Jan. 14, 2020, ASTHO members from Rhode Island and Massachusetts testified before a House subcommittee on state efforts to address the opioid epidemic.

ASTHO and PIHOA Praise Approval of Medicaid Funding Fix for U.S. Territories ARLINGTON, VA—This week, Congress approved legislation to extend Medicaid funding for two years for the U.S. territories in their fiscal year 2020 appropriations bills and extenders package. Esther Muña, the chief executive officer of the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) board member, and Emi Chutaro, executive director of the Pacific Island Health Officer’s Association (PIHOA), issued the following statements applauding the bipartisan and bicameral extenders package. The legislation avoided devastating cuts to the territories’ health care services for their most vulnerable residents, scheduled to take place at the end of the year—widely called the “Medicaid Cliff.” “The U.S. territories face unique healthcare and public health challenges and the support provided through the Medicaid program allows us to care for Americans who live on these islands in their communities,” says Chutaro. “It is vital that we prioritize public health for Americans living in the U.S. territories,” says Nate Smith, secretary of health at the Arkansas Department of Health and ASTHO president. “Ensuring access to care is essential to protect and ensure health equity among and well-being within this population. As state health officials, we know that what benefits the territories will help us in our quest to bring optimal health to all.” “We are grateful for the bipartisan and bicameral legislation which provides a two-year increase in funds and federal match for the Medicaid program in the U.S. territories," says Muña. “The increased funding will allow the health care and public health systems in the U.S. territories to further improve access and quality of care to the population. This funding continues to be vital to all of the U.S. territories, and while we are grateful for this temporary fix, we must find a long-term solution to Medicaid funding to provide stability to our system of care. In the upcoming year, we look forward to working collaboratively with Congress and the Trump Administration to further bolster health care and public health systems to build healthy and resilient communities throughout the U.S. territories.” ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate PIHOA Boilerplate website yes

Health Officials Seek to Prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences ARLINGTON, VA—At least five of the top 10 leading causes of death are associated with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), according to a new report released yesterday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). ACEs, such as abuse, neglect, and witnessing violence or substance misuse in the home, can lead to increases in chronic disease, mental health issues, and socioeconomic hardship later in life. The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) and its members are committed to helping prevent ACEs to improve long-term health, access to life opportunities, and the overall health of Americans. According to CDC’s report, 61 percent of adults have at least one ACE and 16 percent of adults have four or more ACEs. Preventing ACEs before they occur could prevent up to 21 million cases of depression, up to 1.9 million cases of heart disease, and up to 2.5 million cases of obesity. State and territorial health departments can lead prevention efforts, including, improving health equity, and reducing health disparities among children and families, by bolstering protective factors. Focusing on community solutions, reducing stigma, and providing access to preventive services can reduce the risk of future ACEs from occurring and mitigate the impact of ACEs that have already transpired. "Childhood experiences can have a powerful and enduring impact on health and opportunity well into adulthood," says Nate Smith, ASTHO president and secretary of health at the Arkansas Department of Health. "We all know that children are our future. Fortunately, our communities can come together to prevent ACEs. We can provide to families the proper economic and social support to create safe and nurturing environments for society's most vulnerable. Protecting against violence and trauma and fostering secure and supportive relationships is how we build a strong foundation for our children and adults." For more information about ACES, access  ASTHO’s issue brief, Adverse Childhood Experiences: Primary Prevention. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes