This episode discusses why there needs to be a comprehensive response in public health surveillance, in particular around the opioid epidemic. After all, without thorough data, it’s tough for lawmakers to drive action that will reduce the prevalence and incidence of drug overdoses.
In this episode, we explore Pennsylvania’s multi-pronged approach to addressing the opioid epidemic in the state and efforts to expand access to Medication Assisted Treatment.
This article in the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice addresses the syndemic of substance misuse, viral hepatitis, sexually transmitted infections, and mental health conditions. The technical package outlines evidence-based policies for state health officials to address public health issues, including improved health outcomes, increased access to treatment and services, and increased awareness of policy options.
The second half of Public Health Review's story on the opioid epidemic explores how coalitions in Kentucky are driving prevention efforts, what public health practitioners in West Virginia are doing to identify and care for newborns who have been exposed prenatally to addictive drugs, and how one federal agency is working to ensure that rural communities get access substance abuse and mental health services.
In the Public Health Review podcast debut, host Robert Johnson speaks with public health officials from Alaska, Kentucky, and West Virginia about the ongoing opioid epidemic in the U.S. and its intersections with other epidemics like neonatal alcohol syndrome and hepatitis C.
State Strategies for Advancing Viral Hepatitis Elimination astho, association of state and territorial health officials, public health officials, state health officials, territorial health officials, state health department, population health, health care systems, distribution of such outcomes, triple aim, defined group, individuals including the distribution, health system, outcomes within the group, save lives, group of individuals including, health outcomes, health improvement, community health, health and health, institute of medicine Cases of viral hepatitis are on the rise across the United States. There are many barriers on the road to progress. See what's being done about it. Cases of viral hepatitis are on the rise across the United States. Current barriers to progress include recent increases in rates of injection drug use, lack of awareness, limitations on testing and diagnostic capacity, access to treatment, and availability of data. ASTHO strives to support states and territories as they work to solidify comprehensive approaches to viral hepatitis elimination. This report synthesizes key actions and proven strategies for public health leaders to consider as they approach elimination planning within their own jurisdictions. Get the Report (PDF) website
In February 2019, ASTHO surveyed its members to understand how data is being utilized to address these harms in their jurisdictions. This brief summarizes the results of this survey and highlights data-based approaches used to address four types of opioid-related harms.
This brief describes how the New Mexico Department of Health has enhanced its harm reduction program to provide an evidence-based comprehensive care model to support the health of people who use drugs. New Mexico’s success in leveraging partnerships to reduce substance-related harm and enhance wellness can serve as a model to other state and local jurisdictions looking to take a more holistic approach to their harm reduction programs.
Learn how health departments can focus their infectious disease prevention efforts in this brief.
ASTHO engaged Oklahoma public health officials, members of the Oklahoma Harm Reduction Alliance, Health Minds Policy Initiative, and representatives of the Southern Plains Tribal Health Board, and others in a Boundary Spanning Leadership workshop.
Jonathan Mermin of CDC discusses how using a syndemic approach could help health departments to address rising STI rates more effectively
March 24 is World TB Day, we have made significant progress in TB prevention, detection, and treatment. However, there is still a long way to go towards achieving TB elimination.
In the background of the COVID-19 pandemic, cases of viral hepatitis continue to rise at alarming rates across the United States. Data from CDC highlights a 133% rise in cases of acute hepatitis C infection from 2012-2019 and new case counts four times higher than those seen a decade ago. State and territorial health officials play a crucial role in the planning and implementation of viral hepatitis elimination activities.
Across the nation, public health agencies have mounted herculean efforts to stem the COVID-19 pandemic while addressing a pre-existing HIV epidemic and an opioid crisis that is serving as a source for many new HIV outbreaks. Tackling these public health crises simultaneously presents significant challenges as overdose deaths have spiked in the past year while HIV resources have been diverted leading to lower testing rates, fewer prescriptions for as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and a decrease in HIV treatment, all of which will are likely to increase the number of acute HIV infections.
An analysis of CDC's 2022 update of its universal recommendation for the hepatitis B vaccine for adults.
State health departments, with support from the CDC, have mounted a robust public health response to hepatitis A outbreaks, with vaccination as a cornerstone for prevention.
In this wide-ranging conversation, Robert Redfield, MD, shares insights into how his own personal experiences have shaped his priorities as CDC director, the importance of improved communication around vaccine education, CDC’s strategy to end HIV transmission, and how the agency plans to support states and territories as they address the opioid epidemic and other public health challenges.
This video outlines a six-step process that health agencies can use when planning for viral hepatitis elimination.
State and territorial health leaders are thinking long-term about how policy changes made as a response to the pandemic might be continued to support vulnerable populations. During this episode, public health experts discuss how states and territories can better support communities by addressing barriers to pain management and substance use treatment services—along with establishing wraparound services to mitigate the societal and economic impacts of COVID-19.