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The Louisiana Department of Health HAI/AR program highlights the current landscape of HAI/AR programs, the benefits of having leadership dedicated to the HAI/AR program mission and priorities, and the need for alignment of HAI/AR program communications and structure with state and territorial health agencies.

On Nov. 13, 2024, ASTHO announced the launch of the Innovation Advisory Council.

Harris plans to focus presidency on building public trust in our work and advancing collaboration between state and territorial public health agencies

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

Juthani plans to focus presidency on the importance of public health and public health communications

Statement from ASTHO CEO Joseph Kanter, MD, MPH, on CDC Headquarters Attack ASTHO CEO Statement on CDC Headquarters Attack ASTHO CEO Joseph M. Kanter, MD, MPH, issues a statement on behalf of the organization following the attack on CDC headquarters. ARLINGTON, VA — The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) Chief Executive Officer Joseph Kanter, MD, MPH, issued the following statement today: “In the aftermath of a gunman opening fire on the headquarters of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) last Friday, the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials expresses our deepest solidarity with CDC employees and the broader public health community. Public health professionals across this country show up to work each day with one singular goal — to help improve the health and wellness of other people. In this time of heated rhetoric and polarization, we implore everyone to help dampen inflammatory slander undeservingly aimed at public health professionals and endeavor to recognize the collective humanity public servants across all sectors embody. We also honor the life of DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose and express our deepest gratitude to his family as his sacrifice in the line of duty undoubtedly saved lives.” ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

This bonus episode is taken from a virtual news conference on Thursday, July 29, 2021. In it, Nirav Shah (Maine), Karyl Rattay (Delaware), and Joseph Kanter (Louisiana), discuss the latest issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic—mask guidance, back to school issues, and the surging Delta variant.

State and Territorial Health Leaders Convene on Capitol Hill to Advocate for Sustained Funding ARLINGTON, VA—The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) leadership and public health officials will gather in Washington, D.C. from March 10-13 for the annual Spring Leadership Forum. Attendees will gather to discuss key policy issues, attend peer learning sessions, and advocate for critical funding on Capitol Hill. Health officials are expected to highlight the value of federal funding to public health agencies as well as infrastructure needs, with the looming expiration of federal funding on March 14. Specifically, ASTHO requests Congress provide $365 million in FY25 and invest $1 billion, which equates to about $3 per person in the United States, in FY26 for vital public health infrastructure. “This week, ASTHO members are meeting with Congress to advocate for adequate resources to sustain vital, life-saving public health operations,” says Joseph Kanter, MD, MPH, ASTHO CEO. “In-person meetings allow health officials to shed light on the impact of legislation on state-level health systems. Our goal is to foster bipartisan collaboration and advocate for Americans across the country who rely on federally funded programs to stay healthy.” Additionally, senior leadership from the five U.S. territories and three freely associated states (T/FAS) will participate in an island-tailored set of meetings with Congressional and federal agency partners. On Capitol Hill, ASTHO’s T/FAS members will discuss the impact of the recently renegotiated Compacts of Free Association, as well as emphasize the importance of territorial Medicaid funding and the challenges associated with the Section 1108b cap on territorial Medicaid funding. "ASTHO’s Spring Leadership Forum is a critical opportunity for U.S. territorial and freely associated state health officials to make our voices heard in Washington, D.C. We look forward to working with members of Congress and federal agencies on emerging federal and island public health priorities," says Dr. Esther Muña, CEO of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands’ Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation, chair of the ASTHO Insular Affairs Committee, and Director on the ASTHO Board. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

Learn about how Louisiana’s perinatal quality collaborative is caring for pregnant and postpartum people with substance use disorder by reducing stigma and radical collaboration.

On Sept. 29, 2021, Louisiana’s top public health official, and ASTHO member, Joseph M. Kanter, MD, MPH testified to the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis on the need to upgrade and strengthen public health infrastructure in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Kanter outlined six requests that Congress should take to recruit and retain the workforce needed to keep America healthy.

State Health Officials Urge Families to Take Preventive Measures During Current Respiratory Virus Surge astho, association of state and territorial health organizations, anne zink, joseph kanter, manisha juthani, respiratory virus surge, respiratory illness, respiratory illness activity, centers for disease control, physician in chief, long term care facilities, influenza activity, infectious diseases, hospitalized surveillance, viruses surge, common respiratory, united states, respiratory viruses, cdc data, season influenza, children s hospital, disease control and prevention, week 40, influenza virus, flu season, pediatric hospital bed, difficulty breathing, health care Press Statement | ASTHO President Anne Zink is tracking the rise in respiratory illness activity across the country. Available for Interviews ARLINGTON, VA—Today, the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) President and Chief Medical Officer of the Alaska Department of Health Anne Zink, MD, FACEP, issued the following statement given the rise in respiratory illness activity across the country and increasing strain on hospitals. "We are concerned about the surge in children's respiratory illnesses circulating in communities across the country. Many states are seeing a spike in children’s hospitalizations from COVID-19, flu, and RSV; adult cases are also on the rise. Unfortunately, this means that many hospitals are at or near capacity and it is beginning to strain healthcare systems. Public health officials are currently partnering with hospital systems throughout the country to increase bed capacity, explore ways to address workforce shortfalls, promote immunization, and communicate with the public on the best ways to prevent the spread of these diseases. The partnership between public health and healthcare is essential in ensuring individuals have the knowledge and tools to prevent illness and can access care when needed. State and territorial public health officials urge parents and families to take precautions now in order to be healthy and to avoid putting strain on hospital systems. The best way to avoid serious complications from many respiratory illnesses is for everyone to stay up to date on their vaccinations. Other prevention measures such as frequent handwashing and staying home when you are sick can also help stop the spread of illness.” ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

ASTHO Members and Staff Named to Inaugural List of 40 Under 40 Public Health Leaders ARLINGTON, VA—Members and staff of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) received recognition today from the de Beaumont Foundation for their contributions and leadership in the public health field. The de Beaumont Foundation’s inaugural "40 Under 40 in Public Health" list honors several health officials, health department staff, and ASTHO staff and affiliates, including: Jonathan Ballard, Chief Medical Officer, New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services Christa Cupp, Public Health Educator, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Division of Public Health, Office of Policy and Practice Alignment Julian Drix, Asthma Program Manager, Rhode Island Department of Health Eric Harkness, Director, Office of Health Policy, Tennessee Department of Health Jeffrey Howard, Commissioner and Chief Medical Officer, Kentucky Department for Public Health Joseph Kanter, Assistant State Health Officer and Region One Medical Director, Louisiana Department of Health Joneigh Khaldun, Chief Medical Executive and Chief Deputy Director for Health, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Carolyn Mullen, Chief of Government Affairs and Public Relations, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials Kaitlyn Neises-Mocanu, Special Assistant for Policy, Sustainability, and Development, Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation Jamila Porter, Director of Programs and Evaluation, Safe States Alliance (ASTHO Affiliate) Lauren Powell, Director, Office of Health Equity, Virginia Department of Health Alison Traynor, North Dakota Suicide Prevention Program Director, North Dakota Department of Health  Mariah Wilberg, Communications Specialist and Health Educator, Minnesota Department of Health "I am thrilled and honored to see ASTHO leaders represented on this list," says Michael Fraser, ASTHO's chief executive officer. "Their inclusion speaks to the passion, commitment, and tireless effort demonstrated every day by both ASTHO and the state and territorial public health leaders we represent in order to improve the nation's health."  A panel of judges selected these individuals based on their fresh perspectives, creative problem-solving, and innovative health solutions in communities across the country. Nominees for the "40 Under 40 in Public Health" list included a wide range of public health professionals, including health commissioners, directors of health equity, doulas, and epidemiologists. For more information about the "40 Under 40 in Public Health" honorees and their accomplishments, visit de Beaumont Foundation's 40 under 40 page. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

On March 3, 2025, ASTHO announced that Susan Kansagra would be joining the organization as Chief Medical Officer.

ASTHO Announces Top Five Public Health Legislative Priorities for 2026 ARLINGTON, VA — The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) released its top five state public health policy issues for 2026, which provide expert analysis on legislative priorities that will shape public health in the coming year. ASTHO’s annual Legislative Prospectus Series provides concise, evidence-based policy guidance for public health leaders, lawmakers, and other decision makers preparing for state and territorial legislative sessions. “ASTHO’s Legislative Prospectus Series equips policymakers and public health leaders with clear, data-informed guidance that allows them to effectively address the nation's and territories’ most urgent health challenges,” says ASTHO CEO Joseph Kanter, MD, MPH. “This work is central to ASTHO’s mission to advance the public’s health and well-being. In 2026, infectious disease control and access to behavioral health services are among the most pressing issues. Strengthening public health funding and closing care gaps across populations also remain key legislative priorities." ASTHO’s top five public health policy issues to watch in 2026 include: Public Health Funding and Administration Long-term funding stability for public health agencies will remain a priority. In 2026, ASTHO expects lawmakers to create contingency or rainy-day funds in the event of reduced federal support. Other legislation may focus on promoting regionalization and forming partnerships across state lines to improve data sharing as well as shared service and resource models within local health departments. Behavioral Health States and territories will continue to advance policies that prevent substance misuse and reduce mental health-related harms. Legislatures may increase support for mobile crisis units, improve coordination across the crisis care continuum and invest in long-term funding models. States are also expected to pursue laws that reduce barriers to medications for opioid use disorder, expand coverage for peer support specialists and connect individuals leaving incarceration to treatment services. Infectious Disease Prevention Policymakers in 2026 will continue to weigh public health authority changes and laws that impact vaccination access and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) prevention strategies. States may consider legislation that affects school immunizations, state vaccine purchasing programs, and insurance coverage mandates. Legislation may also include increasing routine testing for STIs in high-risk communities and expanded distribution of prevention tools like doxy-PEP. Access to Care ASTHO anticipates states and territories to consider legislation that addresses access to care across populations. Policies may support coverage and sustainable financing for community-based health professionals such as community health workers, doulas, and peer support specialists. Lawmakers may also pursue measures that support access to over-the-counter contraception and reproductive care as well as ensure the continued availability of remote care through telehealth, particularly in rural areas. Healthy Food and Chronic Disease Prevention In 2026, ASTHO expects increased legislative activity that aims to expand access to healthy food and reduce the prevalence of chronic disease. Legislation may focus on combating food deserts, reducing sugar consumption, and promoting nutrition through public procurement policies. Legislators may also support broader insurance mandates to cover chronic disease screenings and treatments. For more analysis and policy trends, visit ASTHO’s Legislative Prospectus Series. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

ASTHO Statement on Appointment of Texas Commissioner Jennifer Shuford, MD, MPH, as CDC Deputy Director ASTHO Statement on the Appointment of Jennifer Shuford as CDC Deputy Director ARLINGTON, VA — The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) issued the following statement after the appointment of ASTHO board member and Texas Department of State Health Services Commissioner Jennifer Shuford, MD, MPH, as CDC deputy director and chief medical officer: “We applaud the appointment of Dr. Shuford to serve as deputy director and chief medical officer for CDC,” says ASTHO CEO Joseph Kanter, MD, MPH. “She is widely respected within the public health and governmental leadership communities. As the current commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services and a valued member of the ASTHO board of directors, Dr. Shuford has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a steadfast commitment to evidence-based public health. Her experience leading one of the nation’s largest and most complex state health agencies — particularly her work as a frontline infectious disease physician and chief state epidemiologist — makes her uniquely qualified to help lead CDC.” “Dr. Shuford understands the vital relationship between federal, state, local, territorial and tribal public health departments. We are confident that her clinical expertise and proven track record in crisis management and health promotion will be invaluable assets to CDC and the nation,” Kanter added. Dr. Shuford graduated from Colorado College in Colorado Springs with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. She received her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. She completed an internal medicine residency at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas, where she served as chief resident. Dr. Shuford completed an infectious disease fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and earned her Master of Public Health degree from the Harvard School of Public Health. Dr. Shuford serves on the faculty of the DSHS Preventive Medicine and Public Health Residency Program. She is a member of the Travis County Medical Society, the Texas Medical Association, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

People living with disabilities have borne disproportionate burden in past emergency situations due to inequities in preparedness and response. To address and prevent inequities in the COVID-19 response, ASTHO placed 14 disability and preparedness specialists into health agencies around the country to promote inclusivity of people living with disabilities. In this episode, we explore ways that two of these disability and preparedness specialists have worked to address the needs of people living with disabilities in their jurisdictions.

ASTHO Appoints Joseph Kanter, MD, MPH, as New Chief Executive Officer ARLINGTON, VA—The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) today announced that Joseph Kanter, MD, MPH, has been named as the organization's chief executive officer, effective April 8, 2024. Dr. Kanter, a board-certified emergency physician, brings a wealth of experience to ASTHO including prior public service as both a Louisiana state health officer and municipal health director. He has demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in public health, making him ideally suited to lead the organization. "Dr. Kanter’s expertise navigating a complex policy environment, leading a dynamic team of public health professionals, and his compassion make him uniquely suited for this role," says Steven J. Stack, MD, MBA, ASTHO president. "I worked collaboratively with him during his tenure as a state health officer and witnessed first-hand his ability to communicate to a broad array of audiences to build trust amongst colleagues, partners, and the public." "I am honored by this opportunity to serve as CEO and look forward to supporting state and territorial health agencies in their collective mission to advance public health and promote optimal health for all," says Joseph Kanter, MD, MPH. "As a former member, I know the immense value ASTHO brings to the field of public health and its essential role in facilitating collaboration and coordination among public health officials nationwide. I look forward to advancing ASTHO’s mission by working in partnership with federal agencies, members, staff, affiliated organizations, and alumni." Dr. Kanter joins ASTHO from the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) where he served as state health officer and medical director from January 2021 - February 2024. He led the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and consulted on a range of issues relating to policy, program implementation, quality and accessibility of care, health equity, emergency preparedness, and infection control. Additionally, he oversaw the enforcement of the state’s Sanitary Code. He previously held key roles within LDH, including assistant state health officer, interim assistant secretary, and regional medical director. Prior to his state service, Dr. Kanter served as director of health for the City of New Orleans, leading a comprehensive opioid mitigation strategy under Mayor Mitch Landrieu. This initiative included issuing the first-in-the-state standing order for naloxone, equipping police with the reversal medication, expanding access to medication assisted treatment, promoting harm reduction services, and initiating a city-wide effort to reduce the stigma of addictive disorders. Dr. Kanter is a practicing physician and clinical assistant professor of medicine at both LSU Health Sciences Center and Tulane School of Medicine. He previously served as the medical director of the New Orleans Health Department Health Care for Homeless program. He received his medical doctorate and master's in public health from Tulane University, a B.A. in history from Northwestern University, and is a former U.S. Fulbright Scholar. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

ASTHO and NAMD Call on Congress to Fully Fund Medicaid and CHIP in U.S. Territories ARLINGTON, VA—In a joint letter to Congress, the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) and the National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD) urged Congress to fully fund Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Programs (CHIP) in the U.S. territories. ASTHO and NAMD request that Congress lift the annual Section 1108(g) allotment cap for all territories and authorize a permanent 83% Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) for Puerto Rico. “ASTHO recognizes the importance of permanent, sustainable, and equitable Medicaid financing for all U.S. territories,” says Joseph Kanter, MD, MPH, ASTHO CEO. “ASTHO respectfully requests Congress make changes to territorial Medicaid funding structures to help our nation’s territories ensure the same access to essential public health and health care services available to citizens in mainland United States.” “Unlike the states, the U.S. territories face an annual cap on their Medicaid funding,” says Kate McEvoy, Executive Director of NAMD. “This has impaired the territories’ capacity to provide needed health care to Medicaid-eligible U.S. citizens and nationals. It has also held the territories back from making the structural investments in care delivery and value-based payment reform, workforce, IT systems, and program integrity that are crucial to high performing and innovative Medicaid programs.” Chronic underfunding has impaired territories’ capacity to serve the needs of their residents, who are U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals. By acting today, Congress can improve health and ensure equity for all. Learn more in the joint letter. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate NAMD Boilerplate website yes

ASTHO Partners with Veritas Data Research and HealthVerity to Launch the First-of-its-Kind Public Health Data Consortium ARLINGTON, VA — The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) announced today a partnership with Veritas Data Research and HealthVerity that establishes a first-of-its-kind public health data consortium. This novel consortium brings together ASTHO, jurisdictional health departments and private partners united in a shared mission to improve public health outcomes through enhanced data access and quality, and to address long-standing challenges that hinder our nation’s public health data infrastructure. “There is tremendous opportunity when we connect the strengths of private industry with the mission of public health,” said Joseph Kanter, MD, MPH, ASTHO CEO. “By working together in a structured way, we can close long-standing data gaps and build a stronger, more responsive system for the future.” The consortium’s central mission is to improve the quality of and access to real-world data and public health data relied upon by a broad range of stakeholders to drive public and population health decisions and understand longitudinal outcomes. State health agencies, providers, payers, researchers, and others rely on this data, which is often difficult to obtain. Through this public-private partnership, members aim to expand access in ways that strengthen communities and support health care and public health systems. “Our nation and communities need a robust, sustainable model that leverages the capabilities and expertise across both private industry and public health. For too long, there have been challenges in bringing private and public entities together to address the gaps that plague our nation’s public health data and technology infrastructure,” said Jen Layden, MD, PhD, ASTHO senior vice president of population and innovation, and former CDC and state public health leader. “This consortium, by uniting on a common mission and placing governance in the hands of public health, is primed to be a game changer.” Jurisdictional health departments will gain access to real-world data and technical capabilities and will play a key role in strengthening the quality and availability of critical data. The consortium will initially focus on mortality data, a foundational asset for a variety of use cases. "This consortium represents an excellent example of public-private partnerships in healthcare," said Jason LaBonte, CEO at Veritas Data Research. "Under the governance of ASTHO, all state and territorial health agencies can securely pool their data to improve clinical practice and innovation. In return, the agencies can combine their data with national real-world data to power better public health. Veritas is pleased to facilitate these data exchanges using our robust ingestion and delivery platform, and to make appropriate data available to a wider group of stakeholders with use cases pre-approved by the state and territorial health agencies.” “We are proud to serve as a founding operating partner, applying our expertise in identity resolution and data privacy to solve the 'linkage' problem that has long plagued public health,” said Andrew Kress, CEO of HealthVerity. “Through this consortium, we are enabling a standard of data exchange that respects patient privacy while providing a level of clinical truth that will accelerate research and improve the speed of public health interventions.” To support the consortium, ASTHO is creating an advisory network to provide organizations with opportunities to stay informed and offer guidance as the initiative evolves. To learn more about the consortium or advisory network, please contact phdc@astho.org. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate   Veritas Boilerplate   HealthVerity Boilerplate website yes

ASTHO Members Advocate for $1 Billion Investment in Public Health Infrastructure During Annual Spring Leadership Forum ARLINGTON, VA — The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) will convene state, territorial and freely associated state health leaders in Washington, D.C., March 2-5 for its annual Spring Leadership Forum. Attendees will meet with members of Congress and federal partners to advocate for sustained funding and long-term investments in the nation’s public health infrastructure. During meetings, ASTHO members will stress the importance of a strong, resilient public health system. ASTHO urges Congress to invest $1 billion in FY27 in public health infrastructure — or about $3 per person nationwide — to ensure health agencies can maintain core capabilities such as disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, data modernization and workforce development. “This week, ASTHO members will meet with Congress to highlight the essential role federal funding plays in protecting the health of communities in every state and territory as well as the impact of grant pauses and terminations,” says Joseph Kanter, MD, MPH, ASTHO CEO. “Sustained, predictable investments allow health agencies to maintain the workforce, laboratories and data systems that keep the public healthy and safe.” As part of this convening, senior leadership from the U.S. territories and freely associated states (T/FAS) will participate in island-focused meetings. On Capitol Hill, ASTHO’s T/FAS members will discuss the impact of the recently renegotiated Compacts of Free Association, as well as emphasize the importance of territorial Medicaid funding and the challenges associated with the Section 1108b cap on territorial Medicaid funding. With federal agency partners, T/FAS members will discuss emerging and priority public health issues, including veterans' access to care. "ASTHO’s Spring Leadership Forum offers an invaluable platform for T/FAS health leaders to engage directly with decisionmakers in Washington, D.C. We welcome the opportunity to share island perspectives and collaborate with Congress and federal agencies on shared public health priorities," says Justa Encarnacion, RN, MBA, HCM, the commissioner of health in the U.S. Virgin Islands and director on the ASTHO Board. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes