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An issue that public health wrestles with is how to combat racism as we would any other public health emergency. ASTHO’s board of directors has declared structural racism a public health emergency. And health equity is the number one priority in ASTHO’s strategic plan, which means our staff will prioritize equity work as we support all aspects of our members’ technical assistance and capacity building needs.

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In this episode of Public Health Review, we speak with Michael Fraser about his profound legacy as CEO, celebrate ASTHO’s extraordinary achievements under his tenure, and wish him well in his new position at the College of American Pathologists.

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.

Every year, ASTHO performs an annual environmental scan to identify these policy and programmatic priorities. The most recent scan occurred from June 2019 to May 2020. Through ongoing collection of data from a variety of sources—including state and territorial health improvement plans and strategic plans, documentation of discussion topics from ASTHO’s weekly calls with state and territorial health officials, requests for technical assistance, and subject matter expert input on trends and issues emerging in the field. These priorities will be ASTHO’s “2021 resolutions” as we enter a new year.

I think we all welcomed 2021 with open arms as we look to put the worst of 2020 behind us. We have all been through a lot—we have lost family members and friends to COVID-19, we have seen public health officials harassed and maligned, we sheltered-in-place, stayed home, and radically altered our day-to-day schedules, we have witnessed protests over police brutality and racial discrimination, and we have lived through (and still are living through) a presidential transition unlike any other. Despite all the challenges, turmoil, and changes wrought by 2020, the work of state and territorial public health continues. What is on our ASTHO horizon as we greet this new year and the opportunities and challenges it presents? Here are a few things on my mind as I look toward the future.

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

On January 16, 2024, ASTHO and the Satcher Health Leadership Institute (SHLI) at Morehouse School of Medicine unveiled the latest cohort of 15 mid-to-senior level governmental public health professionals selected for the Diverse Executives Leading in Public Health (DELPH) program.

On December 11, 2023, ASTHO announced the release of the 2024 Legislative Prospectus Series, which provides an overview of anticipated policies and potential evidence-based interventions for policymakers, public health professionals, and others preparing for the upcoming legislative sessions.

On October 31, 2023 ASTHO announced the approval of one new and four updated health policy statements.

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.

ASTHO Leaders Selected for de Beaumont Foundation’s 40 Under 40 in Public Health ARLINGTON, VA—Today, the de Beaumont Foundation announced its 40 Under 40 in Public Health class of 2023, a national recognition for leaders changing the field of public health. One state health official, an ASTHO staff member, and three Diverse Executive Leading in Public Health (DELPH) scholars were selected for the list. The recognition acknowledges the achievements of exceptional public health professionals and highlights ASTHO's role in cultivating visionary leaders. ASTHO-affiliated selections include: Paula Tran, state health officer and administrator, Division of Public Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Service. ASTHO staff member Alicia Justice, senior director, Programmatic Health Initiatives and Strategy DELPH scholar Dr. James Bell III, state assistant administrator, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. DELPH scholar Heather Pangelinan, director, Public Health Services, Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation DELPH scholar Dr. Eric Tang, public health medical officer, STD Control Branch, California Department of Public Health “I’m thrilled to see ASTHO leaders once again represented on the de Beaumont Foundation’s 40 Under 40 in Public Health list," says ASTHO CEO Michael Fraser, PhD. "This honor showcases their commitment to fostering healthier communities and driving positive change on a national scale." “The professionals chosen for the 40 Under 40 in Public Health Class of 2023 demonstrate the determination, commitment, innovation, and resilience of the public health field,” said Brian C. Castrucci, DrPH, president and CEO of the de Beaumont Foundation, which launched the program in 2019. “Their work is strengthening communities and improving lives, and I look forward to following their careers and learning from them.” The nominees represent 21 states and one territory and were selected by a distinguished panel of public health leaders and de Beaumont Foundation staff. It is the third installment of the list, which launched in 2019. The nominees come from a diverse range of backgrounds and professional roles. The 40 Under 40 list also honors nine other state health department staff members, including: Kara Buru, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Shelly Choo, Maryland Department of Health Shamaree Cromartie Jones, Virginia Department of Health Mallory Cyr, Association of Maternal Child Health Programs Jervelle Fort, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Stacey Kallem, Philadelphia Department of Public Health Carolyn Rhodebeck, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Katrina Saphrey, Virginia Department of Health, Crater Health District Julian Watkins, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Learn more about the 40 Under 40 in Public Health honorees. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

On July 27, 2023, ASTHO announced it has been selected as a 2023 Power of Associations Gold Award winner for its Partnering for Vaccine Equity initiative, and a 2023 Power of Associations Silver Award winner for its Disability and Preparedness Specialist Program.

On June 14, 2023, ASTHO announced that the organization's daily newscast, Public Health Review Morning Edition, earned a Bronze Anvil Award of Commendation Trophy from the Public Relations Society of America.

On May 11, 2023, ASTHO announced it had filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court of North Carolina asserting that a public health official must be empowered to take quick action to protect the public health and safety of their residents and should not be liable for economic damages experienced by businesses subject to a public health order.

On May 8, 2023, ASTHO announced the organization's recognition as a Healthy People 2030 Champion by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.

On March 2, 2023, ASTHO announced that during the 2023 spring meeting, island health officials will also meet with Congress and the administration to urge them to strengthen island health systems and infrastructure.

On Dec. 15, 2021, ASTHO released its list of the top 10 state public health policy issues to watch in 2022. Although COVID-19 did not make the “official” list, it is woven into the management plan for nearly every trend. The 10 public health issues to watch in 2022 are public health authority, immunization, mental health, data privacy and modernization, health equity, the public health workforce, HIV, PFAS, e-cigarettes, and rural health.

On Dec. 14, 2021, ASTHO CEO Michael Fraser released a statement with Claire Hannan and Brent Ewig, reflecting on the year since the first COVID-19 vaccine was administered.