Public Health Review Morning Edition

As health departments modernize their data systems, an unexpected challenge has emerged: traditional public health job classifications no longer match the reality of today's data landscape. In this episode, Ari Whiteman, ASTHO's Senior Advisor for Public Health Data and Informatics Workforce, talks about why the field urgently needs new informatics-focused roles, and what it will take to build them. Whiteman explains how interoperability, electronic health records, and complex data pipelines have outpaced legacy classifications like epidemiologist or public health analyst. Leveraging the Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG), state, local, and territorial health agencies can build classification systems that enhance recruitment and retention of an informatics-savvy workforce. Updating job classifications can help clarify new roles, alleviate pressure on existing roles, and enable health agencies to sustain workforce infrastructure that is flexible and forward-looking. He discusses the hesitancy and bureaucracy that make change difficult, the opportunity cost of doing nothing, and why modernizing job classifications is essential for faster outbreak response, stronger surveillance, and smarter public health decision-making.Data Modernization Primer and Tactical Guides | ASTHOHow to Modernize Data Infrastructure: A Toolkit for Public Health Leaders | ASTHOASTHO Announces Sixth Developing Executive Leaders in Public Health Cohort | ASTHO

In today's PHIG Impact Report, Patricia Tilley, ASTHO member and associate commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, details the critical needs the Public Health Infrastructure Grant has helped with in her state.  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.

New research out of New York shows that naloxone didn't just save more than 6,500 lives in two years—it delivered one of the most dramatic returns on investment in public health. In this episode, Dr. James McDonald, ASTHO member and commissioner of the New York State Department of Health, breaks down the first statewide health-economic evaluation of naloxone administration. Dr. McDonald discusses how New York's extensive overdose prevention programs provided the data needed to measure outcomes, why the study went beyond distribution counts to assess real-world effectiveness, and how the results—more than $3,200 saved for every $1 spent—can help other states make the case for investing in harm reduction. The conversation also explores lessons for policymakers, the essential role of training bystanders, and why naloxone remains the cornerstone of a comprehensive response to the opioid crisis. A clear, data-driven look at how one tool is saving lives—and why scaling it matters now more than ever.The Key Role of Cross-Sector Partnerships in Navigating Barriers | ASTHOWebinar Registration - Zoom

In this episode, Pennsylvania Secretary of Health and ASTHO member Dr. Debra Bogen joins us to break down a major change in national vaccine guidance, and why it has sparked concern among pediatric and public health leaders. Dr. Bogen explains the recent ACIP vote that weakened the long-standing recommendation for all newborns to receive the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth, a practice that has nearly eliminated the disease in young children since the early 1990s.  She shares why this shift could create confusion for parents, what's at stake for infant health, and how Pennsylvania is doubling down on clarity, access, and science-based information, including through a recent executive order from Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. Dr. Bogen also speaks to the broader moment facing public health, from rising misinformation to the importance of unified, evidence-driven messaging.Cultivating a Culture of Community and Belonging in the Workplace | ASTHO

In this episode, ASTHO member and Michigan Department of Health & Human Services Chief Medical Executive Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian breaks down a major development in national vaccine policy: the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' decision to narrow its guidance on the hepatitis B birth dose. Dr. Bagdasarian, who serves as ASTHO's liaison to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, shares why the shift toward “individual decision-making” raises concerns for newborn safety, health equity, and public trust in vaccines.  She discusses the vulnerabilities in our health system that could leave some infants unprotected, how localized transmission risks extend beyond maternal infection, and why softening long-standing guidance may unintentionally fuel doubt about other vaccines. Dr. Bagdasarian also explains why Michigan—and many other states—are choosing to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation to continue the universal birth dose.Designing for Connection Webinar Series | ASTHOHome | Public Health Careers.org

As part of our spotlight series on artificial intelligence in public health, today's episode explores the BEACON Portal—a groundbreaking collaboration between Google and the state of Illinois designed to streamline access to behavioral health services for children and families.  Dr. Dana Weiner, Chief Officer for Children's Behavioral Health Transformation in the Illinois Governor's Office, and Julia Strehlow, Senior Advisor at the Illinois Department of Public Health discuss how BEACON centralizes information for families, enables secure cross-agency communication, and uses transparent AI-powered matching to connect young people to the services they're eligible for—faster and more accurately than ever before.  The conversation highlights Beacon's unique development process rooted in family and provider feedback, the platform's rigorous privacy and security protections, and how Illinois is partnering with clinicians statewide to boost adoption. 

Kentucky is experiencing its largest spike in whooping cough cases since 2012, an alarming rise that has already claimed the lives of three infants in the past year. In this episode, Dr. Steven Stack, Secretary of Kentucky's Cabinet for Health and Family Services, joins us to unpack what's driving the surge, why waning vaccination rates matter, and how misinformation is complicating public health response efforts.  Dr. Stack, ASTHO member and former ASTHO president, explains the cyclical nature of pertussis, how the pandemic disrupted typical disease patterns, and why the current spike is more severe than expected. He discusses the heartbreaking reality that none of the infants who died were vaccinated, and neither were their mothers, despite well-established evidence that maternal vaccination can provide newborns with lifesaving early protection.Creating Shared Vision and Governance for Data Modernization in Vermont | ASTHODon't Panic! A Panel on How to be an Effective Crisis Communicator | ASTHO

In this episode, ASTHO's Director of Public Health, Data Modernization, and Informatics, Allen Rakotoniaina, breaks down how public health agencies can effectively make the case for investing in modern data systems. He explains why “business numbers,” like labor hours saved or dollars recouped, can be the tipping point for decision-makers, especially in an environment where funding is scarce. Allen also demonstrates how person-centered storytelling transforms technical work into relatable, mission-driven narratives, using real-world examples such as overdose prevention. He explores how tools like partner mapping and shared ownership can help agencies build stronger advocacy plans and create sustainable, collaborative data systems. Whether you're building a data modernization strategy or just beginning to rally your organization around the need for better systems, this conversation offers practical insights, clear examples, and a roadmap for getting started.Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Access Legal Map | ASTHO

In this episode, ASTHO's Catherine Jones, a senior analyst for government affairs, breaks down the 2025 federal government shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, and what made it uniquely disruptive compared to the 2018–2019 closure. She explains how debates over ACA premium subsidies, and Medicaid cuts shaped the standoff and why critical programs like telehealth, at-home care, SNAP, and WIC felt the strain.  Jones also walks through how the shutdown ultimately ended after multiple failed attempts in Congress, and what public health leaders should take away from the crisis. With another potential shutdown looming as the current continuing resolution approaches its expiration, she lays out the decisions and negotiations to watch in the weeks ahead.Eight Extraordinary OU Alumni Honored with Regents' Alumni Award

In this episode, we talk with Jenn Rico, Data Modernization and Surveillance & Informatics Supervisor at the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. Jenn shares how Montana has used PHIG funding to accelerate statewide data modernization, and invested in leadership, data governance, a new data lake, GIS capacity, and workforce development. She walks us through Montana's collaborative approach with its 59 county and tribal public health partners, including a major upgrade and cloud migration of the state's case surveillance system. Jenn also highlights Montana's new public-facing query tools, efforts to support data sovereignty, and plans to securely provide direct access to record-level data.  Reflecting on the state's five-year modernization journey, Jennifer discusses what it takes to build systems and culture that last beyond any single grant cycle: prioritizing sustainability, internal capacity, collaboration, and thoughtful use of existing infrastructure.

ASTHO Chief Medical Officer Dr. Susan Kansagra joins us for a candid conversation about the state of public health today. She reflects on her unexpected path into the field, the urgent need to rebuild public trust, and why communicating the everyday value of public health is more critical than ever. Dr. Kansagra also explores how social media, new messengers, and emerging tools like AI can help reshape engagement, boost impact, and energize a workforce facing growing pressure. A motivating reminder that public health is a marathon, not a sprint, and that meaningful progress takes time, partnership, and persistence.Meeting Home PageInnovation Exchange | ASTHO

In this episode: how telehealth has evolved from a pandemic-era necessity into a powerful tool for improving access to healthcare. Senior analyst Ashley Cram breaks down the different types of telehealth, from video visits and audio-only consultations to remote patient monitoring, and why each plays an essential role for patients facing challenges like provider shortages, transportation barriers, or limited broadband access.  Also, State Epidemiologist Tracy Miller explains how a partnership with North Dakota State University created a student assistantship program that gives MPH students hands-on experience, builds leadership skills among early career staff, and strengthens public health capacity. She shares lessons learned, how the model evolved, and why it could be a blueprint for other states and health departments looking to grow the next generation of public health professionals.ASTHO Telehealth Project Initiation and Scoping Assessment | astho prodFunding & Collaboration Opportunities | ASTHO

On today's Best Of PHRME episode, Maria Courogen, executive director for the Center for Access to Whole Person Care at the Washington State Department of Health, explains how her state worked to enable the continued support of community health workers (CHWs) by developing a sustainable funding model; Dr. Heather Krasna, associate dean of career and professional development at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health.https://www.astho.org/4a9148/globalassets/pdf/bios/vermont-sho.pdf

On this Public Health Thank You Day, ASTHO's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Susan Kansagra, joins us to share encouraging news from the front lines of public health. Thanks to increased partnerships with birthing hospitals and the rollout of monoclonal antibodies for infants and the maternal RSV vaccine, infant RSV hospitalizations dropped nearly 30–40% last season, one of the most significant improvements in years. Dr. Kansagra also discusses a major decline in overdose deaths, driven by expanded community partnerships, naloxone distribution, peer support specialists, and innovative response programs.  Looking ahead, she explains what's next with the new $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Grant, how states plan to use this funding to strengthen workforce, behavioral health, chronic disease prevention, and health technology, and reflects on the collective hard work of the nation's public health workforce heading into the holiday season.

In this episode, health leaders from Iowa, Maine and Mississippi share their strategies for revitalizing rural healthcare. We hear excerpts from an ASTHO media briefing featuring ASTHO members as they address the urgent challenges facing millions of rural Americans, including healthcare provider shortages, transportation inadequacies, and significant health disparities. The discussion highlights collaborative, evidence-based initiatives designed to ensure the long-term sustainability and quality of rural care.ASTHO Deskside Media Briefing on Rural HealthFrom Policy to Practice: Supporting Brain Health and Caregiving at the State Level WebinarFunding & Collaboration Opportunities

Utah's Data Modernization Director, Nicole Yerkes, shares how the state is using PHIG funding to advance a unified, future-ready public health data system. She discusses innovations like AI-assisted analysis, real-time lab data exchange, and the power of cross-agency collaboration through Utah's Data Modernization Council. Yerkes also highlights the importance of academic partnerships and sustainable funding to ensure modernization efforts endure and evolve.

Public health is at a crossroads. In this episode, Lillian Shirley and Itta Johnson from Public Consulting Group discuss how adaptive leadership can help rebuild trust, strengthen community partnerships, and drive meaningful change across systems. Drawing from real-world initiatives they share practical insights on leading with empathy, collaboration, and purpose in today's complex public health landscape.

Dr. Susan Kansagra, MD, MBA, Chief Medical Officer at ASTHO, shares an update on rising RSV activity and how states are tracking trends during the federal shutdown. She highlights new tools that protect infants, including maternal vaccines and monoclonal antibodies, and explains how public health and birthing hospitals are partnering to expand access through the Vaccines for Children program. Early results show increased hospital enrollment and fewer RSV related hospitalizations among infants.https://www.astho.org/topic/report/aligning-strategic-plans-across-health-aging-dementia/

On today's Best Of PHRME episode, ASTHO revisits an interview with Dr. Jennifer Layden, MD, PhD, Senior Vice President for Population Health and Innovation, who discusses how states are advancing data modernization and building creative partnerships to strengthen public health. The episode also highlights new research from the University of Michigan and Apple examining how noise pollution impacts hearing and cardiovascular health, along with a look at Colorado's resilience framework that supports statewide preparedness and response.

In today's installment of the PHIG Impact Report, Jade Ramsdell, performance improvement director with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), shares how KDHE is using the Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG) to strengthen foundational public health capabilities across the state. This includes investing in its public health workforce and data modernization. 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. PHIG Partners Web Page

On today's 'Best Of PHRME' episode, ASTHO revisits an interview with Dan Edney, ASTHO member and state health officer with the Mississippi Department of Health, who explains what the state is doing to meet the public health needs of rural communities across the state. This episode also features a segment with Shirley Orr, executive director of the Association of Public Health Nurses and lead speaker for ASTHO's Public Health Nursing Workforce Learning Lab series, who discusses what motivates nurses to enter the public health field. The fifth and final webinar in the series is scheduled for Nov. 19 at 3 p.m. ET. ASTHO Public Health Nursing Workforce Learning Lab Sustaining Accreditation Through Smart Documentation Systems

Jim Daniel, Public Health Leader for State and Local Government at Amazon Web Services, examines AI usage in public health. HIMSS Web Page: Innovative Approaches to Public Health: Generative AI as a Transformative Tool AWS Web Page: Transforming electronic case reports with generative AI: Unlocking faster public health responses AWS Web Page: Scalable intelligent document processing using Amazon Bedrock ASTHO Web Page: Innovation Advisory Council  

Lisa Bari, Vice President of Policy and Partnerships at Innovaccer, shares how public health departments can become better prepared to use AI by addressing their underlying data infrastructure; Angela Davis, Project Coordinator with the Montana Office of Rural Health and Area Health Education Center at Montana State University, explains how they developed a statewide AmeriCorps program grounded in health to address the population health needs of the highly rural state; a new ASTHO State Health Policy Update describes the legislative changes taking place across the country as a result of recent changes to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP); and on Wednesday, November 19th, ASTHO will close out its Public Health Nursing Learning Lab Series with a session on Public Health Nursing Workforce Culture. Innovaccer: How State and Local Public Health Leaders can Promote AI and Data Governance Montana State University: Montana State helping launch statewide AmeriCorps program for community health ASTHO Health Policy Update: States Seek Policy Guidance Beyond ACIP Vaccine Recommendations ASTHO Webinar: Public Health Nursing Workforce Learning Lab - A Series

Jeffrey Eason, Director of the Office of Communicable Diseases at the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, explains how his department is working to prevent transmission of measles during the state's largest outbreak in 30 years; Dr. C. William Keck, former Director of the Akron City Health Department and professor emeritus of community health sciences and family medicine at the Northeast Ohio Medical University, shares how academic health department partnerships can benefit jurisdictions across the country; tomorrow, October 30th at 4:00 p.m. ET ASTHO will host an Insight and Inspiration webinar on finding the clarity to lead with intent; and November 12th at 2:00 p.m. ET is the final webinar in ASTHO and PHF's joint webinar series on academic health department partnerships, providing participants with the opportunity to ask any questions they may have. Utah DHHS: 2025 Measles Response PHF Web Page: Academic Health Departments: Core Concepts ASTHO Webinar: Insight & Inspiration: Finding the Clarity to Lead with Intent ASTHO Webinar: Ask Me Anything: Academic Health Department Partnerships

Dr. Novneet Sahoo, Deputy Commissioner for Public Health at the New Jersey Department of Health, discusses his state's multi-pronged strategy to improve vaccine access and address vaccine confidence in response to a national rise in pediatric flu deaths; Thaddeus Pham, Viral Hepatitis Prevention Coordinator at the Hawaii Department of Health, explains what the state has accomplished through HEP FREE 2030, Hawaii's initiative to eliminate Hepatitis B and C by the year 2030; on Wednesday, October 29th at 3:00 p.m. ET, ASTHO will host part one of a two-part webinar series on the accomplishments of various jurisdictions in their preparedness and response tactics during extreme weather events; and a new ASTHO report can help jurisdictions reduce overdose-related harms and support the communities affected by it. NJ.com: Pediatric flu deaths reach 15-year high. Get your shot now, officials urge. HEP FREE 2030: The Hawai'i Hepatitis Elimination Strategy 2020-2030 ASTHO Webinar: Weathering the Storm: The Importance of Environmental Health Preparedness and Response Part I ASTHO Report: Overdose Data to Action: Utilizing Partnerships and Flexibility to Support Policy Change

Michelle Hale, Preparedness Program Director with the Office of Preparedness and Response at the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, shares what her state learned about responding to critical public health challenges amid a surge of wildfires in the state; Catherine Murphy, Senior Analyst of Government Affairs at ASTHO, discusses the federal health policy update she authored on notable legislative priorities for the end of the year; ASTHO's PH-HERO Workforce Resource Center provides resources to address moral injury, burnout, resilience, and retention for public health agency leaders and team members; and ASTHO's Legislative Alerts will ensure you don't miss any legislative or policy movements that affect public health.  ASTHO Web Page: Public Health Preparedness ASTHO Health Policy Update: Health Legislative Priorities for the Remainder of 2025 ASTHO Web Page: PH-HERO Workforce Resource Center ASTHO Web Page: Legislative Alerts  

Alfarena McGinty, Marion County Coroner in Indianapolis, Indiana, explains how her department's investment in Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) has improved the efficiency and interoperability of timely mortality data; Amanda Jones, Data Modernization Director at the Vermont Department of Health, discusses why her department created a Data Modernization Advisory Committee to promote cultural change and foster excitement around new technologies; ASTHO is now accepting applications from state health agency staff and levels of maternal care leaders for a community of practice to address maternal care challenges; and today, October 24th, is the deadline to apply to participate in ASTHO's success story discussions on preventing adverse childhood experiences. CDC Foundation: Resources for MDI Offices and IT Developers ASTHO Report: Accelerating Data Exchange in Public Health: Insights from Public Health FHIR Pilots ASTHO Blog: Creating Shared Vision and Governance for Data Modernization in Vermont ASTHO Web Page: Bridging Barriers in Maternal Health Access Community of Practice ASTHO Web Page: Success Stories: Advancing Health Agency Capacity to Address ACEs, Suicide, Overdose, and Mental Health-Related Harms Request for Information  

Dr. Manisha Juthani, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health, joins the show for the first time as ASTHO's president to discuss her plans for the new term; Dr. Karen Hacker, health policy fellow at Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health, co-authored an article for the Journal of Public Health Management & Practice with Dr. Susan Kansagra, Chief Medical Officer at ASTHO, Chrissie Juliano with Big Cities Health Coalition, and Lori Freeman with the National Association of County and City Health Officials, about the way forward for state and local public health; on October 27th at 2:00 p.m. ET, ASTHO and the Public Health Foundation (PHF) will host a webinar about academic health department partnerships in Vermont; and on Wednesday, November 12th, ASTHO and PHF will hold an interactive Q&A session for their final webinar in the academic health department partnership series. ASTHO Article: Manisha Juthani, MD, Commissioner of Connecticut Department of Public Health, Announced as Next ASTHO President JPHMP Article: Where Do We Go From Here? The Way Forward for State and Local Public Health ASTHO Webinar: Strengthening Academic Health Department Partnerships for Student Success in Vermont ASTHO Webinar: Ask Me Anything: Academic Health Department Partnerships  

ASTHO President Dr. Scott Harris, State Health Officer with the Alabama Department of Public Health, reflects on his time as president as he closes out his term; Dr. Susan Kansagra, Chief Medical Officer at ASTHO, served as a panelist during a press briefing for Trust for America's Health (TFAH) on chronic disease prevention and obesity, alongside TFAH President and CEO Dr. J. Nadine Gracia, TFAH Director of Strategic Communications and Policy Research Rhea Farberman, and Megan Lott with the Duke University Global Health Institute; on Wednesday, October 29th at 3:00 p.m. ET, ASTHO will host a webinar on preparedness and response tactics to use during extreme weather events; and today, October 22nd at 3:00 p.m. ET, ASTHO will host session four of the Public Health Nursing Workforce Learning Lab Series.  TFAH: State of Obesity Report 2025: Better Policies for a Healthier America ASTHO Webinar: Weathering the Storm: The Importance of Environmental Health Preparedness and Response Part I ASTHO Webinar: Public Health Nursing Workforce Learning Lab - A Series  

In today's installment of the PHIG Impact Report, Amy Ferris, Chief Financial Officer at the Washington State Department of Health, shares how her department is using the Public Health Infrastructure Grant to centralize its grant management system. PHIG Partners Web Page PHIG Newsletter  

Helen Linda, Public Health Workforce Development Coordinator at the Vermont Department of Health, explains the value of Academic Health Departments and shares how she worked with the Public Health Foundation to assess the current state of her agency's experiential learning environment; Emman Parian, Immunization Program Manager for the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation of the Northern Mariana Islands, discusses his recent ASTHO article about how relationships are at the heart of public health; on October 30th, ASTHO will host an Insight & Inspiration webinar on how to find the clarity to lead with intent; and stay current on Public Health Infrastructure Grant deadlines, events, opportunities and more by subscribing to the PHIG National Partners Connections newsletter.  ASTHO Webinar: Strengthening Academic Health Department Partnerships for Student Success in Vermont ASTHO Blog: For Emman Parian, Strong Partnerships Are at the Heart of Public Health ASTHO Webinar: Insight & Inspiration: Finding the Clarity to Lead with Intent ASTHO Web Page: Subscribe to PHIG Connections Newsletter

Francesca Provenzano, Public Health Section Chief of the Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response with the Connecticut Department of Public Health, discusses themes and insights from her term as Chair of ASTHO's Director of Public Health Preparedness Peer Network; Dr. Sara Collins, Senior Scholar for Expanding Coverage and Access and Tracking Health System Performance at The Commonwealth Fund, walks through some of the trends found in the 2025 Scorecard on State Health System Performance; ASTHO President Dr. Scott Harris, State Health Officer for the Alabama Department of Public Health, was recently quoted in a story for CNN about the record-breaking number of measles cases across the country; and on Wednesday, October 22nd, ASTHO will host session four of the Public Health Nursing Workforce Learning Lab series with a focus on leveraging partnerships.   ASTHO Web Page: Peer Networks The Commonwealth Fund: 2025 Scorecard on State Health System Performance CNN: Measles outbreaks across the US continue to add to record case count ASTHO Webinar: Public Health Nursing Workforce Learning Lab - A Series  

Amelia Poulin, Assistant Director of Emerging Infectious Disease at ASTHO, discusses how she was recently recognized as an honoree of de Beaumont Foundation's 40 under 40 in Public Health award; Christina Severin, Director of Public Health Law at ASTHO, breaks down her recent Health Policy Update, which covers key case decisions from the Supreme Court's last term; ASTHO and the Public Health Foundation will host a webinar on academic health department partnerships on Monday, October 27th; and ASTHO is looking for health agency leaders and program staff that have strengthened their capacity to prevent mental health-related harms to apply to participate in discussions that will shape future strategies and drive impact.  de Beaumont Foundation: 40 Under 40 in Public Health  ASTHO Health Policy Update: Public Health Litigation Round-Up ASTHO + PHF Webinar: Strengthening Academic Health Department Partnerships for Student Success in Vermont ASTHO Web Page: Success Stories: Advancing Health Agency Capacity to Address ACEs, Suicide, Overdose, and Mental Health-Related Harms Request for Information  

Rachel Lehman, Acting Director of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR)'s Technical Resources Assistance Center and Information Exchange (TRACIE), celebrates 10 years of the center's existence and discusses how it provides states and territories with timely information and technical assistance; Peter Orton, Director of Media Design at the Institute for Vaccine Safety at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, explains the importance of storytelling in public health, and shares how an ASTHO blog on the subject can help guide understanding and practice; ASTHO is now accepting applications for a new Community of Practice focused on Maternal Health Access; and subscribe to Public Health Review Morning Edition to make sure you never miss an important update.        HHS.gov: WELCOME TO ASPR TRACIE ASTHO Blog: The Art (and Science) of Storytelling in Public Health ASTHO Web Page: Bridging Barriers in Maternal Health Access Community of Practice ASTHO Newscast: Subscribe to Public Health Review Morning Edition  

Scott Murakami, PHIG Workforce Director and Principal Investigator with the State of Hawaii, shares how his department is utilizing Public Health Infrastructure Grant funds to support the state's public health workforce; jurisdictions looking to stay current on PHIG deadlines, project updates, resources and more can subscribe to the PHIG National Partners Connections newsletter; Melissa Touma, Director of the Public Health Infrastructure Program at ASTHO, discusses why procurement timelines are so critical and how PHIG recipients are using the grant to accelerate them; and Melissa Magstadt, ASTHO member and Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Health, was recently honored with the State Official Award by the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations.  ASTHO Web Page: Public Health Infrastructure Grant ASTHO Web Page: Subscribe: PHIG Connections Newsletter ASTHO Blog: PHIG Recipients Accelerating Procurement Processes South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations: SDAHO recognizes 9 individuals with Distinguished Service Awards during 2025 Annual Convention  

Dr. Susan Kansagra, Chief Medical Officer at ASTHO, discusses some of the downstream implications of CDC's adoption of recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices earlier this week; Dr. Holly Wilcox, founder and Director of the Center for Suicide Prevention and professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, shares findings from their recent suicide prevention studies focused on early intervention and child access prevention laws; ASTHO is looking for leaders from up to six jurisdictions that have been successful in preventing mental health-related harms to apply to join discussions and help shape strategies for the future; and a new ASTHO blog article describes how the U.S. Virgin Islands worked with ASTHO and the Department of the Interior to improve their grant and financial management systems.  ASTHO Blog: Downstream Effects of CDC Adopting ACIP Recommendations for COVID-19 and MMRV Vaccines Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health: Center for Suicide Prevention ASTHO Web Page: Success Stories: Advancing Health Agency Capacity to Address ACEs, Suicide, Overdose, and Mental Health-Related Harms Request for Information ASTHO Blog: Improving Grants Management in the U.S. Virgin Islands: Q&A with Tatia Monell-Hewitt  

Dr. Dan Edney, State Health Officer for the Mississippi State Department of Health and ASTHO member, shares how his state declared infant mortality a public health emergency to offer services across the state more rapidly; Bonny Mayes, epidemiologist with the Texas Department of State Health Services, discusses the article she co-authored to argue that Chagas disease should be considered endemic; PHIG Partners developed a practical resources guide to help public health agencies improve their procurement and hiring processes; and Dr. Scott Harris, ASTHO President and Alabama State Health Officer was recently the inaugural speaker for the Dean's Seminar Series at Samford University's School of Public Health. Mississippi State Dept of Health: MSDH Declares Public Health Emergency on Infant Mortality CNN: ‘Kissing bug' disease is here to stay in the US, experts say. Here's why it's spreading PHIG Partners: Practical Resources for Improving Procurement and Hiring in Public Health Samford University: School of Public Health Launches Dean's Seminar Series featuring Alabama State Health Officer Scott Harris  

Doctor Gen Meredith, Associate Professor with the Department of Public and Ecosystem Health at Cornell University, Associate Director of the Master of Public Health Program, and Director of Cornell's Health Impact Score, explains how their new Public Health Strategic Skills Guide can help professionals in public health navigate changes to their roles and build upon their existing skillsets; Nick Jakubowski, Chief Operating Officer at the Connecticut Department of Public Health, shares how his agency used PHIG funding to upgrade their procurement and grant management systems and deliver monies to the community more efficiently; on Wednesday, October 29th, ASTHO will hold art one of a two part series on The Importance of Environmental Health Preparedness and Response; and subscribe to Public Health Review Morning Edition to start each weekday morning with a daily dose of insight from public health leaders across the country.  ASTHO Blog: Tennessee and Connecticut Are Transforming Procurement and Grant Management Systems Cornell University: Enhancing Public Health Strategic Skills Guide ASTHO Webinar: Weathering the Storm: The Importance of Environmental Health Preparedness and Response Part I ASTHO Newscast: Public Health Review Morning Edition  

In today's installment of the PHIG Impact Report, Celeste Jorge, epidemiologist and evaluator with the Connecticut Department of Public Health, discusses how her department is using the Public Health Infrastructure Grant. PHIG Partners Web Page PHIG Newsletter  

In this special episode of Public Health Review Morning Edition, Eric Whitworth, CEO of Inductive Health, discusses the importance of scalable data surveillance systems and how taking a broader approach to modernization can benefit health departments. InductiveHealth Acquires Envision Technology Partners Bringing Together Foundational Public Health Informatics and Industry Experts into a Unified Public Health Platform ASTHO Web Page: Innovation Advisory Council  

Mickal Lewis, Associate Director of the Center of Excellence on Dementia Risk Reduction with the Alzheimer's Association, shares how Community Health Workers play an essential role supporting a continuum of care for community members with dementia, and how public health leaders can help advance progress; Jeffrey Ekoma, Senior Director of Government Affairs at ASTHO, provides an update on the current government shutdown and explains how federal health agencies are impacted in this week's View from Washington, D.C. report; a new ASTHO report provides key resources that can help state and territorial health departments break down silos and collaborate with their partners in Medicaid agencies to improve health outcomes in their communities; and Dr. Susan Kansagra, Chief Medical Officer at ASTHO, was recently quoted in a story for STAT Health about low-income children's lack of access to the Covid-19 vaccine.  Frontiers in Public Health Research Article: Community health workers: developing roles in public health dementia efforts in the United States ASTHO Legislative Alert: Federal Government Shutdown Update: Contingency Plans Released ASTHO Report: Leveraging Public Health Assets in Medicaid Managed Care STAT Health: Low-income children lack access to Covid vaccines because of approval delay  

Dr. Edward Simmer, Interim Director of the South Carolina Department of Public Health, celebrates the department's one-year anniversary with a recap of their achievements, including the highest health ranking in the state's history; Dr. Bryant Thomas Karras, the Washington State Department of Health's Chief Medical Informatics Officer, discusses the Fast Healthcare Interoperable Resource (FHIR) pilot program that his department participated in; on Thursday, October 9th, ASTHO will host the final session of the Ignite, Accelerate, and Activate workshop on applying emotional intelligence strategies to enhance leadership; and subscribe to the newscast to make sure you never miss the opportunities, initiatives, and insights from public health leaders across the country.  South Carolina Dept of Public Health: South Carolina Health Compass Dashboards ASTHO Report: Accelerating Data Exchange in Public Health: Insights from Public Health FHIR Pilots ASTHO Webinar: Ignite, Accelerate, and Activate: Series 3, Session 3: Applying Emotional Intelligence Strategies ASTHO Newscast: Public Health Review Morning Edition  

Alfredo Ramirez, Director of the Operation Analysis Office at the Tennessee Department of Public Health, explains how his department expanded its contract tracking system to enhance efficiency and manage grants across their life cycle; Kellie Waugh, Analyst of Health Improvement and Healthy Aging at ASTHO, shares how a new report can help state health agencies to support communities impacted by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias by highlighting recent legislative activity and examples of promising strategies; tomorrow, Thursday October 2nd, ASTHO will host the final installment of its Succession Planning webinar series about putting the plan into action; and sign up for ASTHO's legislative alerts to make sure you don't miss any updates on the current federal government shutdown.  ASTHO Blog: Tennessee and Connecticut Are Transforming Procurement and Grant Management Systems ASTHO Report: From Policy to Practice: Supporting Brain Health and Caregiving at the State Level ASTHO Webinar: Succession Planning Part 3 of 3: Putting the Plan into Action ASTHO Web Page: Legislative Alerts  

In this special episode of Public Health Review: Morning Edition, Julie Sullivan, Principal at Berry Dunn, discusses how public health agencies can partner with Medicaid to share data and obtain needed resources while saving funds.  BerryDunn: Bridging the gap: Information sharing for Medicaid and public health agencies ASTHO Web Page: Innovation Advisory Council

Catherine Jones, Senior Analyst of Government Affairs at ASTHO, breaks down what states need to know about the application for the Rural Health Transformation Program, and discusses ASTHO's recent partnership with Cornerstone Government Affairs to host two expert panels on the subject; Dr. Lena Heilmann, Director of the Colorado Office of Suicide Prevention with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, shares the strategies her state employed to achieve the lowest youth suicide rate in Colorado since 2007; on October 7th, PHIG Partners will hold an informational Q&A session for agencies interested in applying to Wave 2 of the Public Health Data Modernization Implementation Center Program; and take a trip through the show's past in celebration of today's 1000th episode.  ASTHO Blog: Federal, State, and Stakeholder Perspectives on the Rural Health Transformation Fund Colorado Dept of Public Health and Environment: Youth Suicide Rate in Colorado Drops to Lowest Level since 2007, CDPHE Committed to Ensuring Trend Continues ASTHO Blog: Public Health Approaches to Preventing Suicide and Promoting Mental Well-Being ASTHO Report: Public Health's Role in Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention ASTHO Legal Mapping Center: Suicide Prevention Offices and Committees Legal Map PHIG Partners: Public Health Data Modernization IC Program Wave 2 Q&A (Session 2)  

Halina Palacios, Chief Operations Officer for Population Health at the Commonwealth Health Care Corporation in the territory of the Northern Mariana Islands, discusses a recent population health summit specifically for pacific public health teams; Carolyn Mullen, ASTHO's Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Relations, breaks down how the potential government shutdown could impact access to public health funds in this week's View From Washington, D.C. report; a new ASTHO Health Policy Update focused on Primary Care Offices explores new strategies for data-sharing; and a new Learning Series on the United States Territories and Freely Associated States is now open for enrollment on ASTHO's website.  ASTHO Blog Article: Population Health Summit Strengthens Pacific Partnership ASTHO Health Policy Update: Data-Sharing Strategies to Support Access to Care Interventions ASTHO Learning Series: A Learning Series on the United States Territories and Freely Associated States ASTHO Health Policy Update: Data-Sharing Strategies to Support Access to Care Interventions ASTHO Learning Series: A Learning Series on the United States Territories and Freely Associated States  

Kim Martin, Director of Infectious Diseases at ASTHO, recaps the recent ACIP meeting that took place and discusses the conversation's potential impacts on public health; Veronica Bryant, Emergency Preparedness and Outbreak Coordinator for the Environmental Health section of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, shares how her state strengthened its extreme weather emergency preparedness following a series of hurricanes; on October 29th, ASTHO will host Part I of its new webinar series on how to enhance an environmental health response during extreme weather events; and ASTHO welcomes new member Dr. Mark McDaniel, State Health Officer for West Virginia.  ASTHO Webinar: Weathering the Storm: The Importance of Environmental Health Preparedness and Response Part I CDC: Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Mark McDaniel Bio  

Maria Courogen, Executive Director for the Center for Access to Whole Person Care at the Washington State Department of Health, explains how her state worked to enable the continued support of Community Health Workers (CHWs) by developing a sustainable funding model; Dr. Heather Krasna, Associate Dean of Career and Professional Development at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, breaks down the nuances of applying to governmental public health roles and discusses ASTHO's checklist resource, which walks applicants through the process; today is the third session of ASTHO's Public Health Nursing Workforce Learning Lab series focused on public health nursing residency programs and leadership pathways; and ASTHO President-Elect Manisha Juthani, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health, and ASTHO alum Dr. Umair Shah, will participate on a panel at Health Systems Implementing Climate Action, a Climate Week NYC 2025 event.  ASTHO Web Page: Community Health Workers ASTHO Resource: Your Guide to Navigating the Governmental Public Health Job Search Process ASTHO Webinar: Public Health Nursing Workforce Learning Lab - A Series Climate Week NYC 2025: Health Systems Implementing Climate Action  

Andy Baker-White, ASTHO's Senior Director for State Health Policy, provides an update on the legislative actions states are taking across the country to ensure continued vaccination access within their jurisdictions; Captain Artensie Flowers, Director of the Division of Regional Operations with the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), discusses the in-person workshop that ASPR hosted in partnership with ASTHO to help ASPR's regional teams and state and territorial public health leaders enhance preparedness during public health emergencies; ASTHO welcomes new member Sherry Adams, North Dakota's recently appointed State Health Officer; and sign up for ASTHO's legislative alerts to stay informed about any legislative or policy movements that affect public health.  ASTHO Web Page: State Health Policy ASTHO Web Page: Public Health Preparedness Sherry Adams Bio ASTHO Web Page: Legislative Alerts  

Dr. Joseph Kanter, CEO of ASTHO, joined Dr. J. Nadine Gracia, President and CEO of Trust for America's Health (TFAH), Rhea Faberman, Director of Strategic Communications and Policy at TFAH, and Lori Freeman, CEO of NACCHO, during a recent briefing about TFAH's report that details the impact of CDC funding on public health; Madelyn Maxwell, Healthy Aging and Falls Prevention Project Coordinator for the Oklahoma State Department of Health Injury Prevention Service, shares how her state is working to engage communities in prevention efforts during Falls Prevention Awareness Week; the final session of ASTHO's Succession Planning webinar series with a focus on putting plans into action takes place October 2nd; the highlights from last month's Public Health Infrastructure Grant Annual Recipient Convening are available online now; and CDC has issued a Health Alert Network Health Advisory about a new outbreak of Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  TFAH Report: Public Health Infrastructure in Crisis: HHS Workforce Cuts, Reorganizations, and Funding Reductions: Impacts and Solutions National Council on Aging: The 2025 National Falls Prevention Action Plan ASTHO Report: Expanding Falls Prevention Through Surveillance, Community-Clinical Linkages, and Strategic Planning and Evaluation ASTHO Blog: Strengthening Policies to Prevent Older Adult Falls ASTHO Webinar: Succession Planning Part 3 of 3: Putting the Plan into Action PHIG Partners: 2025 PHIG Convening Builds Stronger Connections, Inspires Action, and Advances Data Modernization CDC Health Alert Network: Ebola Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo  

JW Randolph, Deputy Commissioner at the Tennessee Department of Health, shares how his state's new Office for Healthy Aging has been successful in coordinating statewide efforts to care for Tennessee's aging communities; Jeffrey Ekoma, ASTHO's Senior Director for Government Affairs, provides an update on funding for the federal government in this week's View From Washington, D.C. report; part three of the Public Health Nursing Learning Lab Series takes place next week on September 24th, at 3:00 p.m. ET, which will focus on residency programs and leadership pathways; a recent ASTHO blog article details  the North Dakota Lead Prevention Program and how the state strengthened its coordination with tribal health officials; and congratulations to ASTHO alum Doctor John Armstrong, former Surgeon General and Secretary of Health for the state of Florida, for his reelection as Vice Speaker of the American Medical Association House of Delegates. ASTHO Web Page: Healthy Aging and Brain Health Tennessee Dept of Health: Office of Healthy Aging ASTHO Legislative Alert: Summary of FY26 Continuing Resolution ASTHO Webinar: Public Health Nursing Workforce Learning Lab - A Series ASTHO Blog: North Dakota Lead Exposure Outreach Program Bio: John H. Armstrong, MD