#MaskUp Campaign ASTHO and the Big Cities Health Coalition produced a public service announcement to encourage people across the country to express their compassion for others and #MaskUp. Please download, share, and encourage others to do their part to protect the community from the pandemic. website no
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.
State Health Officials Commend Public Health Emergency Declaration to Address Opioid Epidemic ARLINGTON, VA—Members of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) joined President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump today at the White House for a meeting declaring the nation’s opioid crisis a public health emergency. “While emergency declarations are normally reserved for natural disasters or infectious disease outbreaks, the President’s announcement recognizes the work that states and territories are already undertaking to address the crisis and will allow for increased collaboration and coordination of regional and federal assets across the country for an even more effective response,” says John Wiesman, ASTHO president and secretary of health at the Washington State Department of Health. “We hope the public health emergency declaration, combined with future additional federal investments in substance abuse treatment and prevention, will lead to fewer deaths and better health for all Americans.” State and territorial health officials have been at the frontlines of this crisis working to address the many facets of the epidemic. Six states have already declared emergencies in their jurisdictions: Alaska Arizona, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Virginia. “While federal leadership has been working hard in partnership with states to address this crisis, many states have taken executive and legislative action to address the epidemic including implementing new laws and regulations around prescribing and providing additional funding for treatment services and evidence-based public health interventions to prevent substance misuse in the first place,” says Michael Fraser, ASTHO’s executive director. “The federal emergency adds to the work that states and territories have been doing in many different ways across the country.” Treating and preventing substance use disorders and addiction is very complex. “Opioid addiction is challenging because many people first become addicted when receiving the medications through the healthcare system. Addiction is not a moral failing on the part of the individual; it is a health condition we must address in healthcare and across all sectors as a society at the national, state, and community levels,” says Jay Butler, ASTHO’s immediate past president and chief medical officer for the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. “Addiction is treatable and, more importantly, preventable with appropriate evidence-based interventions. The declaration today will help us respond even more effectively to the loss of life and devastating impact of substance misuse and addiction.” ASTHO, in partnership with the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD), recently released a framework on public health responses to the opioid crisis that was developed to assist health officials in combating the epidemic. As federal agencies and Congress look to implement their response to this public health emergency, ASTHO urges national leaders to provide additional resources focusing on both treatment and prevention of addiction. “This is a crisis we ultimately are not going to arrest—or treat—our way out of; instead, we have to prevent our way out of this,” adds Fraser. “Like any public health emergency, addressing this problem calls for important steps to prevent the disease in the first place. We hope that the President and First Lady’s attention to the opioid epidemic will help us focus on both treatment and prevention. That is the work of public health, and states and territories are committed to mustering all resources available to end this epidemic.” ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes
In honor of ASTHO’s 80th anniversary, a leadership panel—including CEO Michael Fraser, President Anne Zink, Past President Nirav Shah, and Idaho Commissioner of Health Elke Shaw-Tulloch—discusses the unique role ASTHO plays in the public health landscape.
New ASTHO Profile Report Offers Comprehensive Look at Nation's Health Agencies ASTHO Profile Report Volume 4 Offers Comprehensive Look at Nation's Health Agencies ARLINGTON, VA—The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) released the ASTHO Profile of State and Territorial Public Health, Volume Four (Profile), a comprehensive report that takes an in-depth look at state and territorial health agencies, including funding levels, agency priorities, and governmental public health workforce. The Profile reveals important trends, challenges, and developments across public health agencies in the states, U.S. territories, and freely associated states, including a decreasing public health workforce, prioritization of chronic disease, and increased resource sharing. “State and territorial health agencies do incredible work to promote population health and the span of activities described in this report is impressive,” says Michael Fraser, executive director of ASTHO. “Reliable and comprehensive data is one of the best ways to demonstrate the value of public health to policymakers, researchers, public health practitioners, and the public.” The report reveals that 25 percent of the public health workforce could be lost to retirement by 2020, leaving a dramatic gap in the nation’s ability to protect the public’s health. Bolstered succession planning and recruitment efforts are essential to prepare the workforce for the next public health crisis. While state health agency total revenue has remained relatively stable over time, demands are ever increasing and as a result these agencies are working to maximize limited resources through collaboration and partnership. The number of states sharing resources with other states on a continuous, recurring (nonemergency) basis increased substantially, from 9 percent in 2012 to 27 percent in 2016. The report also reiterates the many public health services provided by the health department, including but not limited to emergency preparedness, maternal and child health, food inspections, and clinical care. State health agencies most frequently reported chronic disease prevention as a top priority, reflecting the larger public health goal to reduce the burden of chronic disease in the United States. This report was developed with support from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. To learn more about the Profile report, visit www.astho.org/profile. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes
On Oct. 4, 2023, ASTHO, CDC, the Center for Law and Social Policy, and Mental Health America released a framework for public health leaders with effective strategies to improve mental health and prevent suicide for all people, in every community in the settings where they live, learn, work, and play.
If there is any word to describe 2020 it is “unprecedented,” with the work of health agencies front and center since COVID-19 emerged in the U.S. But as we approach Public Health Thank You Day and the Thanksgiving season, ASTHO wants to send a special appreciation to our entire state and territorial public health workforce. We have been so impressed by your tireless work to address COVID-19 in your jurisdictions and you have wowed us all with your dedication and commitment to the work of health protection and improvement. Thank you all for all you do to keep your communities healthy!
ASTHO CEO Michael Fraser, PhD, and Tracey Wareing Evans, President and CEO of APHSA, sit down to discuss building a foundational family well-being roadmap amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
ASTHO and the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA) have partnered to support the transformation of the child welfare system through a prevention-first model. In this episode, ASTHO’s CEO Michael Fraser, along with APHSA’s CEO Tracy Wareing Evans, discuss the intersection of public health and human services and why it’s so important for these two sectors to work together to achieve a shared vision of thriving families.
“Building Bridges to Better Health,” the theme for the 2021 National Public Health Week. ASTHO is committed to building and maintaining the partnerships and connections needed to achieve our shared vision of state and territorial health agencies advancing health equity and optimal health for all. These relationships are bridges that connect us to others and to work that amplifies and complements our own.
This week has been both exhilarating and poignant. Almost surreal. We started the week by pausing to celebrate and reflect on the life and legacy of one of America’s greatest sons, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On Tuesday, ASTHO participated in the National Day of Healing, which provided opportunities for our staff to engage in conversations with one another, seeing one another’s humanity, as well for individual mediation, reflection and learning. On Wednesday, we were honored to witness the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris—the first woman, first Black and first Asian American person to serve in this role. This week also marked one year since we learned of the first known case of COVID-19. Despite these challenges, I am more optimistic now than ever that our collective impact and commonsense recovery response will help guide our successful return to safety and normalcy.
In August 2020, the Big Cities Health Coalition and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials released a co-produced public service announcement to support public education in our members’ communities. The call to action in the PSA is straightforward: Americans need to put aside our respective differences and, simply, #MaskUp.
On Aug. 3, 2022, ASTHO and the de Beaumont Foundation announced the 2021 PH WINS findings. They provide a unique snapshot of the state and local government public health workforce.
State Public Health Leaders Urged to Increase Efforts to Prevent Injuries ARLINGTON, VA—State public health leaders responded to a new “The State of Safety” report released by the National Safety Council today showing that every state has work to do to enhance safety measures for its residents. “The fact that not a single state received an overall ‘A’ rating in the report demonstrates that we have an urgent and continued need to prevent injuries and address a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States,” says Michael Fraser, executive director of ASTHO. “As the debate over healthcare continues, we have to ask ourselves whether or not we have invested appropriately in public health efforts to prevent injuries in the first place versus treating the impact of injury and violence through the healthcare delivery system.” While state and territorial health department injury and violence prevention programs work to promote and engage people in making safety behaviors to prevent injuries and violence before they occur, three areas identified in the report must be further addressed: Road Safety: Vulnerable road users, including motorcyclists, pedestrians, and bicyclists, are particularly at risk. Approximately 4,500 people a year are killed in motorcycle-related crashes, and another 90,000 are injured. Mandatory helmet laws, speed limits, and laws requiring motorists to stop when pedestrians are in the roadway are needed across states to reduce fatalities and injuries. Home and Community Safety: More than 70 percent of preventable injury deaths occur in homes and communities. Poisonings, suicides, and falls are the biggest threats to our safety, as well as drownings and home fire deaths. According to the report, the major culprit in drug-related deaths is opioid pain relievers. Workplace Safety: In 2015, almost 5,000 workers were killed and over 12,000 were injured each day. Transportation related deaths pose the greatest danger for workers. States can make the workplace safer by adopting drug- and smoke-free policies, implementing workplace violence policies, and offering occupational safety and health programs – including transportation safety policies and programs. “All Americans ought to have the opportunity to grow up and live safe and healthy lives. State health department injury and violence prevention programs play an essential role in providing leadership and support to ensure this vital work. The findings from this report reinforce the value of these efforts and highlight the grave need for consistent and continued investments in injury and violence prevention programs across the country,” says Amber Williams, executive director of the Safe States Alliance, a national organization representing injury prevention leaders in local, state, and territorial health agencies. ASTHO’s Executive Director added, “ASTHO and the Safe States Alliance are committed to partnering to advance the vital efforts of state and territorial health department injury and violence prevention programs. The National Safety Council’s report provides thoughtful insight into where states are succeeding in this regard and future steps they can take to further strengthen this work. I don’t think the issue is the will or interest in preventing injuries, I think the issue is having enough resource to truly move the needle on injury prevention in major ways across the country.” Preventable injuries, such as those due to falls, motor vehicle crashes, opioid drug overdoses, or incidents in the workplace, are the leading cause of death for Americans ages 1-44. The critical need for greater investments in prevention cannot be overstated; one person dies every three minutes due to injuries and violence, and the total lifetime costs of injuries and violence sustained in a single year amount to $671 billion in medical and work loss expenses. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate Safe States Alliance Boilerplate website yes
Health Officials Alarmed by Declining U.S. Vaccination Rates, Country Could Face Scenario Like Europe's Measles Outbreak ARLINGTON, VA—The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) is concerned about the latest skepticism and resistance originating from the anti-vaccination movement, especially as we enter another deadly flu season. Health officials are alarmed that this pushback may put our country at risk for significant infectious disease outbreaks and their related health consequences, including death, because of declining vaccination rates. “Vaccines prevent diseases,” says Nicole Alexander-Scott, ASTHO president and director of the Rhode Island Department of Health. “It is absolutely paramount that public health and healthcare professionals across the nation join together to share the facts about the safety and efficacy of vaccines. The health concerns that parents have over the risks of vaccination need to be addressed with compassion and with care, but also with facts so that informed decisions can be made, and so that people can protect themselves and their loved ones from dangerous, vaccine-preventable diseases.” Last year’s flu season was one of the deadliest in years, with a record-breaking estimated 960,000 hospitalizations and nearly 80,000 deaths in the United States. “It is unconscionable to see a child or adult suffer from any vaccine-preventable disease because an individual decides against immunization based on bad information and unsupported claims,” says Michael Fraser, CEO of ASTHO. “Parents with vaccination concerns should consult a healthcare provider, as they have spent years in training to understand the science behind vaccines and have seen countless studies proving they are safe.” There are some risks associated with vaccines, but they are not what the anti-vaccination movement claims. “The false science being spread erodes trust in the public health system. Clearly, the anti-vaccination movement is taking advantage of the current climate of government distrust and the trend toward believing political statements over scientific ones to question vaccine safety. At a time when investments in public health resources have been declining, recent reports from CDC about declining vaccination rates in the United States and a widespread measles outbreak in Europe should be of great concern to all Americans,” continues Fraser. “What’s really unsafe here are the cuts to public health programs that support vaccine education and immunization nationwide,” says Claire Hannan, executive director of the Association of Immunization Managers. “Our members see the disease outbreaks. They see the devastating impact of decisions not to vaccinate. There is no question that their benefits exponentially outweigh any risks associated with their administration. Let’s get real: we didn’t make great advances in life expectancy and disease elimination without vaccines. It’s not even a question.” ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes
Mixed Progress on Preventing Preterm Births Concerns State and Territorial Health Officials ARLINGTON, VA—Today, the March of Dimes released its 2017 Premature Birth Report Card, which found that few states have lowered prematurity rates, and in some states, prematurity rates have increased among all racial/ethnic groups. Preterm birth remains disproportionally higher among African-American women and minority groups. "Preventing preterm births is vital for healthier babies and mothers. Such births have both short-term and long-term negative impacts, and disproportionately impact women of color. We must do more to address this problem and think beyond simply the doctor's office or a prenatal visit. We must work to reach women in their communities and look at the social determinants of health—the conditions in which we live, work, and play,” says Karyl Rattay, MD, director of the Delaware Division of Public Health and chair of ASTHO’s Healthy Babies Subcommittee. “These determinants can have a significant impact not only on women's access to care, but also increase their risk for preterm birth." The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) remains committed to helping states and territories reduce prematurity rates. Preterm birth, a complex, multifaceted issue without a single solution, is the largest contributor to infant death in the United States. “As a country, we have made many strides toward improving access to care for pregnant women and children and reducing non-medically necessary early elective deliveries. But the slight increase in some states’ preterm birth rate is a call for all of us to collectively redouble our efforts,” says Michael Fraser, ASTHO’s executive director. “This report card provides data that should spur continued efforts to reduce preterm birth and further address racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities. As Congress debates funding for our nation’s public health and prevention programs, I hope they do not forget to prioritize the neediest among us—our children—as well as support state and territorial health programs.” Infants born before 37 weeks gestation are more likely to die or experience long-term negative health outcomes and lifelong morbidity. Most preterm infants have a low birth weight, which places the infant at greater risk for developing chronic health conditions as an adult, such as diabetes, which in turn becomes a future risk factor for preterm birth. Other potential health impacts of premature births include breathing problems, jaundice, vision loss, and intellectual delays. There are many reasons why preterm births occur, including access to healthcare, even in a time of expanded coverage, as well as unplanned or closely spaced pregnancies, and environmental concerns in communities. State and territorial health departments work daily to improve the health of mothers and babies and create conditions to achieve optimal health for all. To learn more about how states are working to improve birth outcomes, view ASTHO’s Healthy Babies map. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes