Public Health Review Morning Edition

Syphilis cases are rising at alarming rates across the American South, especially congenital syphilis, which can be passed from pregnant mothers to their babies. Thomas Dobbs, dean of the John D. Bower School of Population Health at the University of Mississippi, traces the history of syphilis in the United States, from the dramatic declines made possible by antibiotics and public health interventions to the sharp resurgence seen over the last decade. He explains how gaps in prenatal care, rural healthcare deserts, insurance barriers, medication shortages, and the erosion of public health infrastructure have combined to fuel rising infections. particularly among pregnant women and newborns. Later, Joshua O'Neal, program director, Southeast STI/HIV Prevention Training Center, discusses how prevention training centers across the country are helping state health departments and local providers respond to the crisis. O'Neal describes the hands-on work being done to strengthen syphilis prevention and improve access to testing and treatment, like mobile testing programs, provider education, and statewide collaboration efforts. He also shares insights from the “Syphilis in the South” summit, where clinicians, public health leaders, and outreach workers came together to tackle one of the region's most urgent public health challenges.Sustaining Services and Outbreak Response for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STIs, and TB | ASTHO

A tick bite that can trigger a lifelong allergy to red meat sounds almost unbelievable, but public health officials are taking the growing threat of alpha-gal syndrome seriously.  Robert Goldstein, ASTHO member and commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, shares with us why Massachusetts recently made alpha-gal syndrome a reportable condition and what the state hopes to learn through expanded surveillance. Dr. Goldstein explains how the spread of the Lone Star tick into parts of Massachusetts, including Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket, has led to rising diagnoses of the condition. The conversation explores how public health agencies are adapting traditional infectious disease surveillance systems to monitor a non-infectious condition, what the reporting data could reveal about emerging tick-borne risks, and how public health and wildlife officials are working together to better understand the relationship between deer populations and tick exposure.Leading Change Workshop - July 2026Prepared Together: Public Health Collaboration in Response to a Botulism Outbreak

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping public health, but are today's workforce and tomorrow's graduates prepared to use it responsibly? Today, Ari Whiteman, a senior advisor for public health data and informatics workforce at ASTHO, talks about the growing importance of AI literacy across the public health field.  He'll explain why AI literacy goes beyond simply knowing how to use new tools and why public health professionals need practical, real-world training to safely integrate AI into their work. 2026 Annual Conference - Society for Public Health Education - SOPHE⁠Full ScheduleStrengthening Academic Health Department Partnerships: Workforce Pathways in CaliforniaThe Mutual Advantage: How Graduate Assistants Elevate Academic Health Department Partnerships

Immunization Information Systems, or IISs, quietly power much of the nation's vaccination infrastructure helping clinicians track patient immunizations, supporting outbreak response, and guiding public health decision-making. But policies governing these systems vary widely across states, shaping how complete and effective the data can be.  ASTHO's Senior Director of State Health Policy, Andy Baker-White, tells why IISs are essential to modern public health, how opt-in versus opt-out policies affect vaccine data completeness, and what lawmakers, providers, and the public should understand as policy debates continue. Immunization Information Systems: Policy Trends and Opportunities | ASTHOBridging Systems: How Guam is Improving Infectious Disease Response Through Collaboration | ASTHOPrepared Together: Public Health Collaboration in Response to a Botulism Outbreak

What happens when a deadly outbreak is stopped before most people ever hear about it?  Dr. Paige Armstrong, director for the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Global Health Center, explains how the CDC works with partners around the world to detect and contain emerging health threats before they reach U.S. communities. From Ebola in Uganda to Marburg in Tanzania, Dr. Armstrong shares real-world examples of how surveillance systems, laboratory networks, trained public health workers, and trusted international partnerships help stop outbreaks at their source. Also, Dr. Marcus Plescia, former ASTHO Chief Medical Officer and District Health Director for the Fulton Health District, District 3-2 in Atlanta, Georgia discusses the massive public health preparations underway for the FIFA World Cup in Atlanta. We'll hear about the complex planning required to protect millions of visitors during one of the world's largest sporting events.Outbreaks You Never Heard About: Because CDC Was There | Global Health Protection | CDCDeveloping a Policy Action Plan to Improve Access to STI Medications WebinarBridging Systems: How Kentucky is Improving Response to Emerging Health Threats | ASTHO

A rapidly expanding Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is raising alarm among global health officials. Meredith Allen, ASTHO's vice president of health security, returns to break down what makes this outbreak especially concerning, including the identification of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a type with no approved vaccine or treatment currently available. She explains why delayed detection, remote healthcare conditions, and limited medical countermeasures have contributed to the outbreak's rapid growth.Prepared Together: Public Health Collaboration in Response to a Botulism OutbreakEbola Outbreak: Current Situation | Ebola | CDCSubscribe | ASTHO

North Dakota's statewide preparedness system grew out of lessons learned from disasters, public health emergencies, and the realities of serving rural and frontier communities. Tim Wiedrich, director of health response and licensure for the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, tells us about how the state developed a unified public-private partnership that supports hospitals, public health agencies, EMS providers, and long-term care facilities across North Dakota.  Tim explains how the events of September 11 and the anthrax attacks reshaped preparedness planning, leading to the creation of a centralized statewide medical cache stocked with critical medical equipment, supplies, pharmaceuticals, generators, and infrastructure support resources. Bridging Systems: Health Care and Public Health Collaborate on Emergency Preparedness in North Dakota | ASTHOPrioritizing Emerging Infectious Disease Cases and Contacts for Follow-Up | ASTHOSubscribe | ASTHO

Mentorship plays a critical role in supporting professionals at every stage of their careers, from early-career employees finding their footing to experienced leaders thinking about succession planning and long-term impact. Candice Simon, program manager of workforce development and capacity building for the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs, tells us about the Maternal Health Innovation Leaders Mentorship Program and the value of meaningful professional guidance in public health. Candice explains how the program connects professionals in maternal and child health with experienced mentors, outlines what makes an effective mentoring relationship, and discusses how mentorship can help address burnout, isolation, and career uncertainty. She also highlights the importance of peer networks, honest feedback, and creating supportive spaces for professional growth.Strengthening Academic Health Department Partnerships: Workforce Pathways in CaliforniaPublic Health Infrastructure Grant: Resources & Impact - PHIG

How can public health leaders make meaningful progress when priorities, funding pressures, and public expectations are constantly shifting? Lindsey Myers, ASTHO vice president for public health workforce and infrastructure, talks about a new installment of the Insight and Inspiration webinar series featuring New York Times bestselling author Dan Heath. Myers shares why Heath's work, including his books Made to Stick, Upstream, and Reset, could resonate so strongly with public health professionals navigating today's complex environment. The conversation explores ideas like “ruthless prioritization,” finding leverage points for change, and why building alignment may matter more than seeking “buy-in.”Developing a Policy Action Plan to Improve Access to STI Medications WebinarLeading Change Workshop - July 2026

What does it take to strengthen the public health workforce in geographically isolated island jurisdictions? Melissa Sever, a senior advisor for public health systems and services at the Public Health Accreditation Board, tells us about the Strengthening Public Health Workforce Capacity in Island Jurisdictions Project, a collaborative effort supporting Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.  Melissa discusses the unique workforce challenges facing island jurisdictions and explains how the project evolved from a structured planning initiative into a highly tailored coaching experience. She also highlights the role of Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey (PH WINS) data, the importance of relationship-building across jurisdictions, and how flexible funding through the Public Health Infrastructure Grant made this long-term engagement possible.Strengthening Public Health Workforce Capacity in Island Jurisdictions | ASTHOASTHO Policy Institute Lunch & Learn Series: Improving and Strengthening Prenatal Care EngagementApplications | ASTHO

What happens when a massive sewage spill threatens one of the nation's busiest waterways?  ASTHO member Ayanna Bennett, director of the District of Columbia Department of Health, joins the show to discuss the massive Potomac River sewage spill that unfolded during a brutal winter storm, the public health risks it created, and the extraordinary coordination required between local, state, and federal agencies to protect drinking water, recreation, and food safety. She reflects on the lessons learned from managing a multi-jurisdictional emergency under intense public and media scrutiny.  Later, ASTHO's Senior Vice President for Population and Innovation, Jen Layden returns to talk about why partnerships are central to ASTHO's 2026–2029 strategic plan. About Us | ASTHODeveloping a Policy Action Plan to Improve Access to STI Medications WebinarFunding & Collaboration Opportunities | ASTHO

What does it take to lead effectively across agencies, jurisdictions, and communities in overdose prevention work? Today, ASTHO's Alice Schenall, director of cross-sector leadership and facilitation, and Alyssa Merski, a senior analyst for social and behavioral health, talk about the role of boundary-spanning leadership in strengthening Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) efforts. They'll unpack the five common types of organizational boundaries — vertical, horizontal, stakeholder, demographic, and geographic — and explain how recognizing these challenges can help leaders build stronger collaboration and improve outcomes.Applying Boundary Spanning Leadership Principles to Overdose Data to Action Efforts | ASTHOASTHO Policy Institute Lunch & Learn Series: Improving and Strengthening Prenatal Care Engagement

What does it take to rebuild the foundation of public health in the United States, and why did it take 30 years to get here? Director of the Division of Jurisdictional Support, CDC's Public Health Infrastructure Center, Stacey Madison Jenkins breaks down the Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG), a $4.6 billion investment reaching more than 100 health departments nationwide. Designed to strengthen the core of the system, not just respond to crises, PHIG is funding workforce expansion, modern data systems, and the everyday capabilities that keep communities safe. Jenkins explains how a nationwide shortage of 80,000 public health workers pushed the system to the brink, and how targeted investments are already putting thousands of professionals back into the field. From improving food safety inspections in Texas to doubling clinic capacity in Oklahoma and modernizing disease tracking in Nebraska, the results are tangible, local, and often invisible when they're working well.This work is supported by funds made available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Center for STLT Public Health Infrastructure and Workforce, through OE22-2203: Strengthening U.S. Public Health Infrastructure, Workforce, and Data Systems grant. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.Public Health Infrastructure Grant: Resources & Impact - PHIG

After nine years at ASTHO, Carolyn Mullen, senior vice president for government affairs and public relations, reflects on the defining moments, leadership lessons, and policy battles that shaped her tenure in public health advocacy. Mullen discusses navigating crises ranging from the opioid epidemic to the COVID-19 pandemic and major federal funding challenges and shares how advocacy strategies have evolved. She also offers blunt advice for the next generation of communicators and advocates: retire outdated talking points, embrace innovation, and meet communities where they are.How States Can Prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences Through Stability, Safety, and Support | ASTHOLegislative Snapshot: Suicide Prevention Infrastructure and AI Chatbots | ASTHOAddressing Overdose Through Collaboration and Opioid Settlement Funds | ASTHOPublic Health Approaches to Preventing Suicide and Promoting Mental Well-Being | ASTHO

This episode explores two rapidly developing global health situations and the critical role public health agencies play in keeping communities informed and protected. ASTHO Vice President of Health Security, Meredith Allen, tells us about the ongoing monitoring response tied to an outbreak of the Andes strain of hantavirus linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius. Meredith explains why health officials say the risk to the public remains low, how quarantine and monitoring efforts are working, and why this situation is very different from the early days of COVID-19.  Later, Emily Lapayowker, assistant director of web content at ASTHO talks about Global Accessibility Awareness Day and why digital accessibility is a core public health issue. CHALLENGE: Accessibility know-how needs to go mainstream with developers. NOW. | MySQLTalk.comAdvanced Accessibility Training | ASTHOAccessibility Pillars in Web and Design | ASTHOHome - GAADFunding & Collaboration Opportunities | ASTHOLeveraging PHIG to Advance Policy Infrastructure at Austin Public Health | ASTHO

Today: building and keeping a strong public health workforce through innovative tools and strategies.  Brianna Gorman, a senior analyst for workforce at ASTHO, discusses ASTHO's new Workforce Employee Experience Implementation Tool, an interactive resource built to help agencies address workforce challenges across the employee lifecycle: from recruitment and onboarding to retention, succession planning, and offboarding. Later, LaShonda Freeman, workforce development director at the Bureau of Organizational Development, Workforce Development Section South Carolina Department of Public Health, shares how South Carolina's Supplemental Tuition Assistance Policy Program (STAP) is helping employees pursue advanced education while strengthening the agency's long-term workforce pipeline. Home | Public Health Careers.orgASTHO Learning Opportunity: ACEs Strategic Communications TrainingDeveloping a Policy Action Plan to Improve Access to STI Medications Webinar

Today: the growing health and economic consequences of vaccine-preventable diseases.  Ben Lopman, professor of epidemiology, global health, and environmental health at Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health, discusses the new Vaccine Impact Map, an interactive tool designed to help public health officials visualize how declining vaccination coverage could affect their states over time. Later, Bryan Patenaude, associate professor of economic evaluation and health economics at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, breaks down the financial realities of measles outbreaks and why even relatively small outbreaks can carry massive costs for public health systems, hospitals, insurers, and families. The Cost of Measles and Public Health Implications | ASTHOThriving Under Pressure: Building Resilient Dialysis Systems and TeamsFunding & Collaboration Opportunities | ASTHO

How do you strengthen public health for the future? Start with better communication.  Amanda Kwong, director of Public Health Communications Collaborative at the de Beaumont Foundation, discusses why effective public health communications go far beyond social media posts and public awareness campaigns. She explains how communications should function as a core part of public health infrastructure rooted in community engagement, strategic leadership, and proactive planning rather than reactive messaging. Later, Ashley Nanthavongsa-Mosley, a senior analyst for workforce at ASTHO, highlights innovative efforts to introduce public health education into K-12 schools. From disease detective competitions in Connecticut to curriculum partnerships in Montana and professional development programs for teachers in Washington, states are creating new pathways for students to explore public health careers earlier than ever before. Public Health Communications for Impact: Approaches to Strengthening InfrastructurePublic Health Leadership Starts in the Classroom | ASTHOASTHO Learning Opportunity: ACEs Strategic Communications TrainingWastewater Testing for Arboviruses: Arizona's Surveillance Approach | ASTHOStrengthening Public Health Response to Infectious Diseases Through Wastewater Surveillance | ASTHO

What happens when artificial intelligence, clinical care, and public health finally start working together?  Dr. Umair Shah, chief medical officer at Jaan Health and the AI-powered care management platform, PHAMILY, discusses the future of proactive healthcare and the role AI can play in connecting patients, providers, and public health systems. Drawing on decades of experience as a physician, former health commissioner of Harris County, Texas, and former Washington State health secretary, Dr. Shah explains why healthcare must move beyond the walls of hospitals and clinics to better understand what's happening in patients' everyday lives.  He'll also explain PHAMILY, Jaan Health's AI-powered care management platform, and how real-time communication, pattern recognition, and predictive analytics can help providers identify health issues before they become crises. Dr. Shah also discusses the growing importance of public-private partnerships, the challenge of information overload in public health, and why health leaders must engage directly with AI technologies shaping the future of care.Subscribe | ASTHO

From leadership shakeups at the federal level to one of the largest investments in rural health in decades, public health is navigating a moment of uncertainty and opportunity.  In this episode, ASTHO senior analyst for Government Affairs, Catherine Murphy, unpacks the ripple effects of ongoing changes at the Department of Health and Human Services and the CDC. Workforce reductions, leadership turnover, and shifts in advisory bodies like ACIP are reshaping how guidance is developed, how states access expertise, and how much trust clinicians and communities place in public health recommendations. Later, ASTHO Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Susan Kansagra, zooms out to the state level, where leaders are racing to deploy Rural Health Transformation Program funds under tight timelines and complex compliance requirements. We'll hear comments Dr. Kansagra made at a recent EY educational webinar titled, “Now, Next, and Beyond: Understanding the Rural Health Transformation Program.”Recent HHS Leadership Changes That Impact Public Health | ASTHONow, Next, and Beyond: Understanding the Rural Health Transformation Program | EY - US2026 Multi-country Hantavirus Cluster Linked to Cruise Ship | HAN | CDCThriving Under Pressure: Building Resilient Dialysis Systems and Teams

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this episode explores how Colorado is rethinking suicide prevention and shifting from crisis response to upstream intervention. Conlin Bass, Health Systems Suicide Prevention manager for the Colorado Office of Suicide Prevention, explains Colorado's comprehensive, data-driven strategy focused on reaching people before they hit a breaking point.  He'll explain how the state is investing in protective factors like social connection, economic stability, and access to trusted support systems while also strengthening crisis care when it's needed. The conversation highlights the state's wide-ranging partnerships across schools, health systems, community organizations, all aligned around a shared goal: reducing suicide through coordinated, community-based action.Public Health Communications for Impact: Approaches to Strengthening InfrastructureLeveraging PHIG to Advance Policy Infrastructure at Austin Public Health | ASTHO

What happens when public health stops treating patients in isolation and starts addressing the realities of their daily lives?  In this episode, leaders from the Tennessee Department of Health share how they're using PHIG funding to transform care at both the clinical and community level. Sanjana Stamm, director of Regional and Local Health, Tennessee Department of Health, explains how the state is embedding social workers and care coordinators into primary care clinics across rural regions, helping patients navigate everything from medication access to food insecurity and employment. Then, Jen Trail, director of the Tennessee Department of Health's Division of Strategic Initiatives, explains how Tennessee is empowering its counties to lead their own health improvement efforts through local health councils, data-driven planning, and targeted grants.This work is supported by funds made available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Center for STLT Public Health Infrastructure and Workforce, through OE22-2203: Strengthening U.S. Public Health Infrastructure, Workforce, and Data Systems grant. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.Public Health Infrastructure Grant: Resources & Impact - PHIGTennessee Department of Health Division of Strategic Initiatives

What happens when more than half of rural hospitals stop delivering babies? Senior Advisor for Public Health at MaineHealth, former state health official, and ASTHO Alumni Society Representative Dr. Dora Anne Mills, tells us about the rapidly escalating rural maternity crisis and why it's more than just hospital closures.  Dr. Mills explains how Maine has lost nearly half of its maternity units, creating vast “maternity deserts” where pregnant patients face 45-minute or even multi-hour drives for care. Compounding the crisis is worsening maternal health driven by chronic disease, mental health challenges, and substance use, especially among rural and underserved populations.ASTHO Learning Opportunity: ACEs Strategic Communications TrainingThriving Under Pressure: Building Resilient Dialysis Systems and Teams

Mississippi is facing a stark reality: its infant mortality rate has climbed to the highest level in more than a decade, according to the latest 2025 Mississippi public health report card. ASTHO member and State Health Officer Dr. Daniel Edney explains what's driving the crisis and what it will take to improve infant outcomes, including focusing on the role of maternal health and obesity, as well as the rise in preterm births. He also shares how Mississippi is rethinking care delivery through a statewide obstetrical system modeled after trauma networks designed to ensure high-risk mothers and newborns get to the right level of care, no matter how rural the setting.Public Health Communications for Impact: Approaches to Strengthening Infrastructure

In a crowded funding environment, telling your story clearly isn't extra work, it's essential infrastructure. ASTHO Senior Analyst Elise Moore explores a growing trend in grant funding: community impact statements, and why they're becoming essential.  At their core, these statements are simple: a clear, concise way to explain not just what public health agencies are doing, but why it matters. But as Moore explains, that shift from describing activities to demonstrating real-world impact can make the difference between securing funding and being overlooked.From Workplan to Why: Crafting Meaningful Community Impact Statements | ASTHOPublic Health Communications for Impact: Approaches to Strengthening InfrastructureSubscribe | ASTHO

For U.S. territories and freely associated states in the Pacific, climate change is a daily reality. Today, ASTHO Senior Analyst for Environmental Health Shelbi Davis talks about how these island communities are navigating some of the most severe climate-related health risks in the world.  From intensifying typhoons in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands to devastating flooding from little-known Kona lows in Hawaii, Davis explains how increasingly frequent and extreme weather events are straining already limited infrastructure and public health systems. Geographic isolation, workforce shortages, and resource constraints only compound the challenge.About Environmental Public Health | ASTHOPH-HERO | ASTHO

Much of the data public health leaders need already exists, but it just isn't accessible as it could be.  Today, we'll hear about a new platform aiming to unlock the full potential of population health data.  Dr. Anne Zink, ASTHO past president and a senior fellow at the Yale School of Public Health tells us about PopHIVE, or the Population Health Information Visualization Exchange.  Born out of frontline frustration during COVID-19, PopHIVE brings together de-identified data from across healthcare, public health, and even nontraditional sources like Google search trends and home monitoring devices, into one open, interactive tool. The goal: to give state and local leaders real-time, actionable insights without the administrative burden of navigating fragmented systems.  Later Dr. Jen Layden, Senior Vice President, Population Health & Innovation at ASTHO will talk about other data sharing, public-private partnerships, and tools like PopHIVE, that are improving early detection of threats, and empowering public health decision-makers before the next crisis begins.PopHIVE Health Agency/Organization Engagement Sessions RegistrationRecent HHS Leadership Changes That Impact Public Health | ASTHOPublic Health Infrastructure Grant: Resources & Impact - PHIG

Rural communities face some of the most complex and often overlooked public health challenges. Today, Melanie Ramsey, deputy director of CDC's Office of Rural Health, discusses how a new national effort is working to close those gaps.  The Rural Health Academy is a growing initiative designed to strengthen the capacity of state and local health leaders. Ramsey will share how the Academy is fostering peer-to-peer learning, connecting federal and state partners, and equipping leaders with practical tools to better serve rural populations.  Some states are exploring creative solutions like housing incentives for health workers, while new federal coordination efforts aim to align strategy and funding across agencies.  Ramsey also highlights CDC's Rural Public Health Training Plan, a free, self-paced program built to deliver real-world, scenario-based training to anyone working in rural health.National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network | HomeAbout the Atlas of Heart Disease and Stroke | Atlas of Heart Disease and Stroke | CDCProject Firstline | Project Firstline | CDCRural Health Mapping ToolRural Health Science Tips | Rural Health | CDCRural Public Health Training Plan - CDC TRAIN - an affiliate of the TRAIN Learning Network powered by the Public Health FoundationRural Public Health | Rural Health | CDCASTHO Policy Institute Lunch & Learn Series: Modernizing and Strengthening Data For STI PreventionFunding & Collaboration Opportunities | ASTHO

Cyberattacks aren't just an IT problem, they're a potential public health emergency. ASTHO Senior Analyst for Preparedness, Maggie Nilz, explains how cyber disruptions are reshaping the foundation of public health systems. She explains how increasingly interconnected digital infrastructure has made core health functions more vulnerable, which raises the risk of things like delayed outbreak detection and interrupted lab reporting. As cyber threats surge and federal policy shifts, states are beginning to treat cyber incidents like hurricanes or pandemics, building coordinated response frameworks and integrating cybersecurity into emergency planning.State Policy Trends in Cybersecurity and Public Health Preparedness | ASTHOThriving Under Pressure: Building Resilient Dialysis Systems and Teams

When overdose cases suddenly spike, every second counts. In this episode, Jessica Pough, director of overdose preparedness and response at ASTHO, talks about a new tool designed to help communities prepare before crisis hits.  The “Overdose Spike Preparedness Exercise: Tabletop in a Box” gives state and local agencies a structured, customizable way to simulate real-world overdose surge scenarios. From identifying spikes and coordinating across partners to making high-stakes decisions with limited information, the exercise helps teams practice what it takes to respond effectively.Overdose Spike Preparedness Exercise Tabletop in a Box | ASTHOASTHO Policy Institute Lunch & Learn Series: Modernizing and Strengthening Data For STI PreventionSubscribe | ASTHO

Strong leaders don't just appear, they're developed. In this episode, Joshua Allen, leadership training Director for the South Carolina Department of Public Health's Bureau of Organizational Development, talks about how targeted supervisor training and mentorship programs are reshaping workforce culture in public health. Born out of a clear need to better prepare new supervisors, Allen's team built a hands-on training program focused on real-world skills, like communication and conflict resolution, and strategic planning and burnout prevention. Paired with a structured mentorship initiative for new hires, the approach is already delivering results.Home | Public Health Careers.orgPublic Health Leadership Starts in the Classroom | ASTHODemonstrating the Impact of School-Based Health Centers | Key Measures That Highlight ROI | ASTHO

What does it take to build and sustain a strong public health workforce in uncertain times? In this episode Kirsten Aird, public health director for Oregon's Multnomah County, explores how strategic investments are strengthening workforce capacity, stability, and community impact.  Aird breaks down how PHIG funding is being used to support professional development, create staff-led communities of practice, and tackle long-standing hiring challenges, including restoring leadership continuity after years of vacancies. She also highlights the critical role of “behind-the-scenes” infrastructure like HR, finance, and operations, in enabling frontline public health work.This work is supported by funds made available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Center for STLT Public Health Infrastructure and Workforce, through OE⁠22-2203⁠: Strengthening U.S. Public Health Infrastructure, Workforce, and Data Systems grant. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.Public Health Infrastructure Grant: Resources & Impact - PHIG

Public health data modernization isn't a quick fix, it's a multi-decade transformation. In this episode, ASTHO Senior Vice President for Population Health and Innovation, Jen Layden talks about the real progress happening across the country and the persistent challenges that remain.  Drawing from insights at the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, or HIMSS, conference, Dr. Layden highlights key advancements like the expansion of electronic case reporting, improved syndromic surveillance, and ongoing efforts to modernize vital statistics systems. But she's clear: sustaining this progress requires more than just technology. It demands stronger policy frameworks, a skilled workforce, and new ways of working across sectors.Breaking Silos, Building Success: A New Era of Policy, Funding, and PartnershipsDriving Impact with Flexible FundingASTHO Policy Institute Lunch & Learn Series: Modernizing and Strengthening Data For STI Prevention

How do public health officials detect emerging viruses before they spread widely across the U.S.? Heather Reese, Genomic Epidemiology and Preparedness Team Lead at CDC tells us about the Traveler-Based Genomic Surveillance (TGS) program: a cutting-edge effort that turns international travel into an early warning system for public health threats.  By combining voluntary nasal swabs from incoming travelers with wastewater sampling from aircraft, the program monitors for pathogens like COVID-19, flu, and RSV. These data help identify new variants and emerging strains, often before they begin circulating domestically, giving public health leaders critical time to prepare and respond.Driving Impact with Flexible FundingHow Public Health Can Support Modern Administrative Readiness in a Dynamic World | ASTHO

Public health challenges don't exist in neat categories, so why does funding?  In this episode, Corinne Gillenwater, ASTHO senior analyst for Chronic Disease and Health Improvement, unpacks the limitations of traditional, siloed funding models and explores a more adaptive approach: flexible funding.  It's the topic of the upcoming ASTHO webinar, “Driving Impact with Flexible Funding.”  From “braiding,” “blending,” and “layering” funding streams to real-world examples in states like California and Colorado, Corinne explains how agencies are aligning resources to better reflect how health actually happens across overlapping conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and food insecurity.Driving Impact with Flexible FundingLeadership Power Hour: Session 5 – The Adaptive LeaderWorkforce Conference - NACHCEnvironmental Public Health | ASTHO

What does it take to build a stronger, more resilient food system? In this episode we speak with Nessa Richman, executive director of the Rhode Island Food Policy Council about how the Council is bringing diverse stakeholders together to tackle complex food challenges, from farmers and fishers to public health leaders and policymakers.  Nessa will explain how the council creates space for collaboration across the food system, helping break down silos and align efforts around shared goals like food access, economic vitality, and environmental sustainability. Through convenings, education programs, and coordinated advocacy, the council is driving more equitable and community-informed food policy.Food System Resilience: A Planning Guide for State Governments | ASTHOSustaining Accreditation: How Montana and Southern Nevada Are Building Resilient Public Health Infrastructure for the Long Term | ASTHOA Guide for Sustainable Public Health Accreditation | ASTHOHow States Can Prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences Through Stability, Safety, and Support | ASTHOUtilizing Partnerships, Data, and Messaging to Prevent ACEs | ASTHOAdverse Childhood Experiences | ASTHO

Grants management doesn't always get the spotlight, but it's critical to how public health departments operate and deliver services. In this episode, Colton Anderson, a senior analyst in Public Health Systems Improvement at ASTHO, explains how agencies across the country are rethinking and improving their grants management processes.  From centralizing functions and modernizing systems to refining subrecipient monitoring, departments are finding practical ways to increase efficiency, strengthen compliance, and make better use of funding. Colton shares real-world examples, including innovations in Nebraska and Washington State, and explains how even small, operational changes like better documentation, clearer roles, and improved training, can drive meaningful results.Four Ways Public Health Agencies Are Strengthening Grants Management | ASTHOLeadership Power Hour: Session 5 – The Adaptive LeaderASTHO Learning Opportunity: ACEs Policy & Partnerships Training

What does it take to turn a struggling performance management system into a national standout? Anna Bryant, Performance Manager at the Louisiana Department of Health, shares the story of how her team went from receiving an action plan after initial accreditation in 2019 to earning top recognition during their 2025 reaccreditation.  Using a “telescope and microscope” analogy, Bryant breaks down the essential connection between performance management and quality improvement, showing how big-picture strategy and day-to-day problem solving must work hand in hand. She walks through the nuts and bolts of Louisiana's transformation, from conducting system-wide assessments and tackling staff burnout to leveraging existing tools like Monday.com and Tableau to reduce friction and drive adoption.Creating Meaning from Measures: A PDSA Approach to Performance ManagementPublic Health Infrastructure Grant: Resources & Impact - PHIGASTHO Leadership Institute | ASTHO

At this year's Spring Leadership Forum, momentum was unmistakable. With more than 40 health officials convening for a week of strategy, training, and direct engagement with federal leaders, a unified message emerged: the future of public health depends on sustained investment and smarter, more flexible funding.  Catherine Jones, ASTHO Government Affairs Senior Analyst, returns to discuss the biggest takeaways: from the growing impact of the Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG) to the urgent push for $1 billion in FY27 funding. She explains how states are using PHIG to strengthen workforce capacity, modernize data systems, and build resilient health infrastructure, and why predictable funding is critical to keep that progress going.Hill Day Advocacy at ASTHO's 2026 Spring Leadership Forum | ASTHOSubscribe | ASTHOLeadership Power Hour: Session 5 – The Adaptive Leader

What if public health recruitment started with a summer camp? In this PHIG impact report, Veronika Hanna and Mondi Mason from the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment share how creative workforce strategies powered by the Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG) are opening new pathways into the field.  Veronika Hanna walks through Denver's innovative three-day public health “summer camp,” where high school and college students step into real-world roles, from testing river water quality to inspecting food trucks and exploring the work of medical examiners. And Mondi Mason expands on how Denver is scaling that vision through deeper partnerships with universities, community colleges, and public schools. From paid internships and long-term placements to co-developing research and securing joint funding, these collaborations are transforming workforce development into a more structured, sustainable system.This work is supported by funds made available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Center for STLT Public Health Infrastructure and Workforce, through OE22-2203: Strengthening U.S. Public Health Infrastructure, Workforce, and Data Systems grant. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.Public Health Infrastructure Grant: Resources & Impact - PHIG

Today: bringing oral health into the public health conversation with Flora Nathan, assistant secretary for the Bureau of Oral Health in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. At her first ASTHO Spring Leadership Forum, Flora shares a candid look at the challenges and opportunities of delivering oral healthcare across a U.S. remote island nation. From severe workforce shortages and long clinic wait times to the ripple effects on families, schools, and local economies, she highlights how oral health is deeply connected to broader public health outcomes.  She also discusses the importance of integrating oral health into maternal and child health programs, school-based care, and community outreach, as well as the realities of operating without consistent funding. ASTHO Leadership Institute | ASTHOStorytelling in Public Health: Lessons from STI Prevention & Care

The FY27 federal budget proposal is officially out, and while it's just the opening move, there's already a lot to unpack. In this episode, ASTHO's Senior Director for Government Affairs, Jeffrey Ekoma, breaks down what's in the proposal, what's changed from last year, and what it all signals for public health and federal agencies.  He'll dig into key highlights, including the proposed creation of the Administration for Healthy America (AHA), new structural changes within HHS, and fresh initiatives at the CDC and FDA, from data reporting requirements to food safety oversight. Jeffrey also explains how this year's proposal compares to previous budgets, where cuts and consolidations stand, and why states may be asked to take on more responsibility.President Trump Releases FY27 Budget Proposal: April 2026 | ASTHOSubscribe | ASTHORSV is still spreading, prompting states to extend the immunization period | CNNRSV immunizations for infants available an additional month this year | Washington State Department of Health

Public health doesn't stop at hospitals or health departments, it lives in barbershops, grocery stores, schools, and small businesses. In this episode for National Public Health Week, Megan DeNubila-Griffin, ASTHO Assistant Director of Chronic Disease and Health Improvement, explores how agencies are building meaningful partnerships with non-traditional community players to address the social and environmental factors that shape health. From collaborating with local business owners to rethinking transportation and food access, this conversation highlights how public health leaders act as conveners, bringing the right voices to the table and asking who's missing. Megan shares real-world examples, including a multi-year collaboration in Walworth County, Wisconsin, that shows how cross-sector partnerships can drive measurable impact.National Public Health WeekLeveraging Healthy People 2030 to Build Non-Traditional Multisector Partnerships | ASTHOPima County Elevates Collaboration with IT to Advance Data Modernization | ASTHO

In this National Public Health Week conversation about community leadership and tobacco control, Josh Berry, Director, Chronic Disease Risk Factors at ASTHO, breaks down how state and territorial programs partner with trusted, on-the-ground community organizations to reach at-risk populations and drive real impact. These long-standing relationships aren't just helpful, they're essential to building credibility and delivering results where they matter most.  But the landscape is shifting. With the elimination of the CDC's Office on Smoking and Health and growing uncertainty around funding, programs across the country are being forced to adapt and do more with less while trying to maintain core services like quitlines, surveillance, and policy engagement.Final_The-Future-of-Tobacco-Control-Relies-on-OSH-Funding-.pdfReady. Set. Action: You Partner with Public HealthPast, Present, and Future: Reflections from a Radiation Readiness ProfessionalSubscribe | ASTHO

Scientific advancement has always been at the heart of public health, but as new technologies emerge, the opportunities and challenges are evolving.  In this National Public Health Week conversation, ASTHO Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Susan Kansagra explores how public health can better integrate innovation into everyday practice, from leveraging continuous improvement frameworks like Plan-Do-Study-Act to building stronger partnerships with academic and research institutions. It's about turning questions from the field into actionable research and using that knowledge to improve real-world outcomes. National Public Health WeekPublic Health Infrastructure Grant: Resources & Impact - PHIGDriving Impact with Flexible Funding

As National Public Health Week kicks off, this episode spotlights a theme that often goes unnoticed but is essential to keeping communities safe: government partners. ASTHO CEO Dr. Joseph Kanter reflects on the “invisible wins” of public health, from behind-the-scenes planning for massive events like Mardi Gras and the World Cup to the work that quietly prevents crises before they start. It's a reminder that when public health works, most people never see it, but lives are improved and saved every day.  And Carolyn Mullen, ASTHO senior vice president for government affairs and public relations, joins the conversation to explore how state and federal agencies collaborate in a complex and often polarized environment. She shares how public health leaders find common ground across political divides, build trust with policymakers, and tailor their messaging to drive real impact, from food safety to maternal health.Key TopicsNational Public Health WeekStorytelling in Public Health: Lessons from STI Prevention & CarePH-HERO | ASTHO

As the federal budget process stalls, uncertainty continues to ripple through Washington. ASTHO's senior director of Government Affairs, Jeffrey Ekoma joins us to break down the latest on the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown, which is the longest on record, and what it means for the broader FY26 budget timeline.  He'll unpack how congressional gridlock is delaying progress on FY27 appropriations, what to expect from the president's upcoming budget request, and why growing talk of a reconciliation bill could have major implications for public health funding. While current delays may not directly hit public health programs, the indirect effects could shape funding priorities and advocacy efforts in the months ahead.Subscribe | ASTHO

What happens when an entire health system is pushed to the brink of a funding cliff?  In this episode, Dr. Victor Ramos Otero, Secretary of Health for Puerto Rico, joins the show to discuss the urgent challenges facing the island's health care system. At the center of the conversation is the looming expiration of enhanced Medicaid funding in 2027, a shift that could strip away a third of Puerto Rico's health care resources and force difficult decisions about services, staffing, and access to care.  Dr. Ramos Otero outlines the structural inequities that set Puerto Rico apart from U.S. states, including capped Medicaid funding, lower Medicare Advantage rates, and gaps in critical programs like long-term care and low-income subsidies. These disparities, he explains, are driving both health care professionals and patients to leave the island in search of more stable support.Past, Present, and Future: Reflections from a Radiation Readiness Professional

What does it take to communicate clearly when the stakes are high and the science is complex?  In this episode, Jessica Wieder, President of Teal Skies Consulting and former leader in external affairs at FEMA and EPA, shares how a career that started with a satellite crash simulation turned into two decades at the forefront of radiological preparedness and risk communication.  Jessica breaks down the evolution of crisis messaging in the digital age, from early “message mapping” techniques to today's multi-channel, narrative-driven strategies. She explains why people can only absorb a few key messages under stress, how authenticity can make or break public trust, and why validating emotions is just as important as delivering facts.Past, Present, and Future: Reflections from a Radiation Readiness ProfessionalStorytelling in Public Health: Lessons from STI Prevention & CareDriving Impact with Flexible Funding

What if public health could predict outbreaks the way we predict the weather? In this episode, Jason Asher, Director of the Center for Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics at the CDC, joins us to explain how a new generation of data tools is transforming how we detect and respond to infectious diseases.  For decades, public health has relied on lagging data telling us what already happened. Asher and his team are working to change that, building systems that turn real-time data streams into actionable forecasts, simulations, and decision-making tools for health departments across the country.  We dive into how these tools are already being used, from measles outbreak modeling in South Carolina to national “nowcasting” systems that fill in data gaps in real time. Behind the Model: How Scenario Modeling Can Inform Public Health Decision-Making | CFA: Behind the Model | CDCConnect with CFA | CFA | CDCModeling Handbook | CFA: Modeling and Forecasting | CDCLearning Resources | CFA | CDCepiENGAGE Measles Outbreak Simulator v-2.6.0Current Epidemic Trends (Based on Rt) for States | CFA: Modeling and Forecasting | CDCRespiratory Virus Hospitalization Surveillance Network (RESP-NET) | RESP-NET | CDCMeasles Outbreak Simulator | CFA: Modeling and Forecasting | CDCScenario assessment: 2025-2026 Measles Outbreak in South Carolina | CFA: Qualitative Assessments | CDC2025-2026 Respiratory Disease Season Outlook - December Update | CFA: Qualitative Assessments | CDCPast, Present, and Future: Reflections from a Radiation Readiness ProfessionalSubscribe | ASTHO

What does the future of public health look like and what does it cost to build it? In this episode, ASTHO member Dr. James McDonald, Commissioner of Health for New York State, returns to the show to unpack the state's $1.7 billion investment in a new, state-of-the-art Wadsworth Center Laboratory.  Set to consolidate five aging facilities into one 655,000-square-foot, LEED Gold-certified campus in Albany, the new lab is designed to transform how New York detects, tracks, and responds to public health threats—from infectious diseases and wastewater surveillance to antimicrobial resistance and emerging pathogens. Dr. McDonald explains why co-locating more than 800 scientists alongside academic partners will accelerate research and innovation, how lessons from COVID-19 are shaping flexible, future-proof lab design, and why investments like this are critical to national health security.Journal of Public Health Management and PracticeLiving With Long COVID: Stories, Science, and Public Health