Public Health Review Morning Edition

Congress returns from its August recess facing a packed fall agenda, with federal funding, public health leadership and the looming midterm elections shaping what lawmakers can accomplish before the end of the year. On this View from Washington D.C., ASTHO's Vice President of Government Affairs, Jeffrey Ekoma, discusses the latest developments on Capitol Hill: the continuing resolution that will keep the federal government funded through December 11, what to watch in negotiations over FY2027 funding, and what to watch for after the midterms in November.FAQ for Preparing for CBRNE Emergencies at Mass Gatherings | ASTHOHow Public Health Agencies Can Use Podcasts to Tell the Stories That Matter

Medical examiners and coroners sit at a critical intersection of public health, health care, law enforcement, and vital statistics, generating data that can provide important insight into why people die. Dan Tauriello, senior analyst for public health data modernization and informatics at ASTHO, explains how modernizing data systems in medical examiner and coroner offices can improve efficiency, strengthen connections with public health, and create better access to timely information.  Tauriello discusses the importance of interoperability and common standards, including FHIR, as well as the often-overlooked challenge of getting public health agencies, medical examiners, coroners, software vendors, and other partners speaking the same language. Even relatively small improvements in the time required to process an individual case can add up to hundreds of hours of work saved each year.Vital Insights: Medical Examiners and Coroners... : Journal of Public Health Management & PracticeData Modernization Primer and Tactical Guides | ASTHOLeading Change October 2026

South Carolina is investing in public health infrastructure designed not just to meet today's needs, but to prepare for the next crisis. Brannon Traxler, acting director for the South Carolina Department of Public Health, and an ASTHO member discusses the state's new public health and environmental laboratory, built to replace an aging facility that struggled to handle the demands of COVID-19 testing and modern laboratory equipment. The new lab is one of a small number of CDC Laboratory Response Network Level 1 facilities capable of high-volume surge testing for chemical threats and other emergencies.Hurricane Response and Recovery | ASTHOHow Hurricane Ian Led to South Carolina's New System for Natural Disaster Response | ASTHOThe traditional respiratory virus season hasn't started, but Covid is already climbing | CNN

Public health systems need sustained investment in the workforce, infrastructure, data and technology that allow them to protect communities. In New Jersey, PHIG funding is helping strengthen those foundations. In this PHIG Impact Report, Dr. Raynard Washington, ASTHO member and Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health, discusses how the state is using PHIG funding to support local health departments, rebuild and develop the public health workforce, improve succession planning and modernize fragmented data systems. He also explains how New Jersey is making more public health data accessible to residents, including immunization coverage at the municipal level, and strengthening its communications infrastructure to better reach communities in an increasingly crowded information environment.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

International Overdose Awareness Day is an opportunity to spotlight the importance of being prepared to respond when overdose spikes occur. Overdose spikes can develop rapidly, leaving public health and safety agencies with a narrow window to respond. In Alaska, public health, public safety, tribal health, treatment and recovery organizations, and community partners used a tabletop exercise developed by ASTHO and the Overdose Response Strategy (ORS) to test a statewide overdose spike response protocol and identify where preparedness efforts needed to improve.  ORS is a unique public health and public safety partnership between the Office of National Drug Control Policy and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through their support of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program and the CDC Foundation. ORS connects public health and public safety agencies so they can share timely information and support innovative, evidence-based strategies to reduce overdoses and save lives. Michael Jurasek, a CDC Foundation public health analyst with the ORS program serving Alaska, discusses how the exercise helped Alaska strengthen notification systems, engage populations at heightened risk, and build relationships with new partners. He also shares how lessons from the exercise were put into practice during a real-world overdose cluster and why jurisdictions should treat preparedness as an ongoing, iterative process.Public Health Responds to the Overdose Crisis | ASTHOOverdose Spike Preparedness Exercise Tabletop in a Box | ASTHOLeading Change October 2026Beyond the RHTP Buzz: Is Your Rural Community Ready to Scale What Works?

Community health workers (CHWs) play a vital role in connecting people with the health and social services they need, making them an important part of efforts to improve brain health and support people living with dementia. In recognition of National Community Health Worker's Week, Corinne Gillenwater, senior analyst for Chronic Disease and Health Improvement, discusses ASTHO's updated e-learning course for CHWs on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. She explains how feedback from CHWs across the country shaped the new 2.0 version, which covers dementia risk reduction, early detection, caregiving, healthy aging across the life course, and resource navigation. She also shares early results showing increased knowledge and skills among participants, as well as examples of how CHWs are applying the training in their communities.PHRME - Infant Mortality Programs, CHW Alzheimer's CourseEquipping Community Health Workers to Address Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias in Their Communities | astho prodLeveraging Medicaid to Support Community Health Workers | ASTHOResilience among Rural Public Health Leaders during the COVID‐19 Pandemic: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study - McMillion - 2026 - The Journal of Rural Health - Wiley Online Library

Public health leaders are navigating organizational changes, funding shifts, workforce reductions, and evolving community needs. Brittany Cox, assistant commissioner of the Division of Health Disparities Elimination at the Tennessee Department of Health, discusses how an ASTHO Leading Change workshop helped her develop practical strategies for guiding her team through uncertainty. She shares how an ASTHO Readiness for Change Tool helps assess where teams are in the change process, how a visual exploration exercise opened up conversations about the challenges of change, and why connecting with public health leaders across the country has strengthened her approach to leadership.Leading Change October 2026Opportunities for Public Health Agencies to Advance Sustainable Financing of Community Health Worker Programs | ASTHORethinking “Soft” Leadership Skills in Public Health | ASTHO

Public health agencies are being asked to do more with less while responding to rapidly changing health threats, technologies, and community needs. Danny Staley, ASTHO senior vice president of Public Health Practice and Programs, discusses how innovation and capacity building can help health departments adapt by identifying successful practices, scaling proven solutions, strengthening the workforce, and using data in new ways. He also explores how artificial intelligence could help public health professionals make sense of massive amounts of data and information, and how measuring the impact of new tools and strategies will be critical to demonstrating their value by 2029.ASTHO's Strategic Plan | ASTHOEquipping Community Health Workers to Address Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias in Their Communities | astho prodIt's not just a gut feeling: Foodborne illness outbreaks are especially bad this summer | CNN

Community health workers (CHWs) help bridge the gap between the health care system and the everyday realities of the people it serves. They connect patients to care and community resources, support chronic disease management, and help people navigate barriers such as transportation, provider shortages, and limited broadband access. In recognition of National Community Health Workers Week, ASTHO's Ashley Cram explains how states are supporting this essential workforce through training, supervision, career pathways, and sustainable funding.How States Leverage Policy to Build Up Community Health Workers | ASTHOCommunity Health Worker Certification by Jurisdiction | ASTHORethinking Efficiency in Public Health | AJPH | Vol. 116 Issue 9

As the 2026–27 respiratory virus season approaches, state health departments are preparing communities for influenza, COVID-19, and RSV while working to strengthen vaccine confidence and access. On today's show, we'll hear excerpts from a briefing on Tuesday, August 18, where public health leaders from Connecticut, Alabama, New York, and Alaska discussed strategies for reaching people through trusted messengers, addressing vaccine hesitancy with empathy, and making vaccination easier to access. The leaders also share lessons from recent respiratory virus seasons, including the impact of flu, RSV, and COVID-19 on hospitalizations and children, and explain how coordination among state, local, federal, tribal, and community partners help health departments respond to emerging threats. From Alaska's vaccine procurement program and immunization information system to New York's community-based approach to vaccine outreach, the briefing highlights how preparation, communication, and strong public health partnerships can help protect communities.Building Resilient Immunization Programs: A 2026-2031 Roadmap for Public Health Leadership | ASTHOCOVID-19 | ASTHOInfluenza | ASTHO

Declining childhood vaccination rates, rising exemptions, and growing vaccine skepticism are creating new challenges for state immunization programs. Kim Martin, director of immunization at ASTHO, discusses how states are responding by looking beyond traditional school vaccination requirements and taking a more holistic approach to access and trust, the focus of a recent Health Policy Update. She highlights efforts to offer vaccines at hospital discharge, expand the range of health professionals who can administer them, remove financial barriers, strengthen communication and data systems, and work with trusted community messengers. Martin explains how these policy changes can make vaccination easier and more routine while helping communities prepare for vaccine-preventable outbreaks.How States Are Expanding Immunization Access Through Policy | ASTHOCommunication, Community, and Power-Sharing: A Conversation with DELPH Scholars | ASTHOPH-HERO Workforce Resource Center | ASTHO

Data modernization funding can sound abstract, but in Minnesota, it's producing tangible changes across the public health system. On today's PHIG Impact Report, Wendy Underwood, deputy commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Health discusses how PHIG funding helped move cancer screening clinics from paper-based processes to digital systems, giving public health officials faster and more accurate access to critical information. She also explains how the funding is supporting employee development, modernizing Minnesota's laboratory information management system, and strengthening partnerships with local, tribal, and community health organizations. Underwood shares lessons from Minnesota's experience about using infrastructure investments to create improvements that can endure long after the funding ends.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

Health care workforce shortages aren't experienced the same way in every community and deciding where to invest limited resources requires more than just counting clinicians. Steve Holloway, director of the Primary Care Office for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, explains how his team uses data and geospatial analysis to identify communities with the greatest need for primary, oral and behavioral health providers. Holloway discusses the role of Health Professional Shortage Area designations, Colorado's state-specific approach to measuring access, and the Colorado Health Service Corps, which has supported hundreds of clinicians serving underserved communities. He also explains how partnerships with philanthropy have helped Colorado stretch public workforce investments further, directing resources toward communities where they can make the biggest difference.2026 Primary Care Office Annual Technical Assistance Assessment | ASTHOVoices From the Field: Public Health Success Stories | ASTHOUsing Data-Driven Strategy to Prevent ACEs and Improve Health Outcomes | ASTHOStrengthening Partnerships to Prevent Overdose: Key Actions in a Multi-State Learning Collaborative | ASTHORisk of Severe Arboviral Disease in Patients Receiving B Cell-Depleting or Modulating Medications | HAN | CDC

Reliable disease surveillance requires trusted partnerships, shared standards, and transparent access to information. In this episode, Illinois Department of Public Health Chief Transformation Officer Massimo Pacilli explains how the new US Disease Tracker is bringing together state health agencies, national public health organizations, and academic partners to strengthen disease surveillance. He discusses Illinois' role in shaping the platform from its pilot phase, the benefits of peer-to-peer collaboration among public health agencies, and how the initiative could improve outbreak detection, modernize public health data systems, and build greater public trust through timely, state-validated information.About Infectious Disease Prevention | ASTHO

Helping children build a healthy relationship with technology requires buy-in from families, health care providers, educators, policymakers, and technology companies.  In this episode, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health and Director of National Health Communications in the Office of the Surgeon General, Stephanie Haridopolos discusses the U.S. Surgeon General's new evidence-based toolkit on harmful screen use and the "Live Real Life" campaign. She explains the physical, cognitive, academic, and mental health impacts associated with excessive or unhealthy screen use, introduces practical strategies like the "Five D's" for families, and outlines how healthcare providers can incorporate conversations about digital habits into routine care. The conversation also explores the role of tech companies, the importance of digital citizenship, and how small changes can help children spend more time sleeping, learning, connecting, and thriving offline.A Step-by-Step Guide for Supporting Adolescent Health in Schools | ASTHOVoices From the Field: Public Health Success Stories | ASTHOStrategic Funding Helps Reduce Suicide Rates in Colorado | ASTHOOffice of the Surgeon General (OSG) | HHS.gov

As students head back to school, vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to keep children and communities healthy.  In recognition of National Immunization Awareness Month, Michelle Fiscus, chief medical officer for the Association of Immunization Managers, joins us to discuss the current state of childhood immunization in the United States. She explains why most families continue to vaccinate their children, addresses the misconceptions fueling vaccine hesitancy, and shares strategies for building confidence through trusted messengers and community-based care. Fiscus also highlights the importance of planning ahead for required school vaccinations, making time for annual flu shots, and approaching conversations with parents through empathy and credible information.Association of Immunization ManagersVoices From the Field: Public Health Success Stories | ASTHOLessons in Advancing Policy to Prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences | ASTHO

After five years, and nearly 1,200 episodes, many, many conversations that have documented the evolving landscape of public health.  In this special anniversary edition of Public Health Review Morning Edition, we revisit some of the defining moments from the podcast's first five years, from the COVID-19 pandemic and the mpox response to the fentanyl crisis, rural health challenges, data modernization, workforce investments, and the growing importance of public health storytelling. Featuring voices from state and territorial health officials, federal leaders, journalists, and public health experts, this episode reflects on how the field has adapted, innovated, and continued to protect communities through unprecedented change.

Critical funding decisions are on hold, but the stakes for public health continue to grow.  In this view from Washington D.C., ASTHO vice president for Government Affairs Jeffrey Ekoma provides a Federal Health Policy Update on recent movement in Washington. He discusses the Senate confirmation of Dr. Erica Schwartz as CDC director, the status of Sean Kaufman's nomination to lead ASPR, and the latest developments in FY2027 appropriations. Ekoma also explains the competing continuing resolution proposals, what Congress must accomplish after the August recess, and how negotiations over supplemental funding, reconciliation, and federal assistance could shape public health priorities in the months ahead.U.S. Disease Tracker

Improving maternal health outcomes starts with ensuring every pregnant patient receives care at the facility best equipped for their needs. In this episode, Senior Analyst for Maternal and Infant Health at ASTHO Lexa Giragosian discusses ASTHO's latest research on implementing levels of maternal care across the country. Drawing on interviews with leaders in 13 states, Giragosian explains how risk-appropriate care can improve outcomes for mothers and infants while highlighting the barriers that remain, including rural hospital closures, workforce shortages, transportation challenges, and gaps in culturally competent care. Implementing Levels of Maternal Care: Common... : Journal of Public Health Management & PracticePartner Spotlight: Q&A with Kate Menard on Levels of Maternal Care State Implementation | ASTHO

As America's population ages, preventing falls is becoming one of public health's most urgent challenges. In this episode, Amy Ciarlo, senior analyst for Chronic Disease Risk Factors at ASTHO, talks about why fall prevention requires more than clinical care alone. She discusses how the CDC's STEADI framework helps healthcare providers identify and reduce fall risk, why tai chi and evidence-based community programs A Matter of Balance are essential partners in prevention, and how stronger connections between healthcare systems and community organizations can create lasting improvements. Ciarlo also shares lessons from Iowa and Oklahoma, where sustainable partnerships, referral networks, and coordinated planning are helping older adults stay healthy, independent, and safe.Prioritizing Community-Clinical Linkages to Prevent Falls in Older Adults | ASTHOVoices From the Field: Public Health Success Stories | ASTHOLeveraging Partnerships to Shape Funding and Policy Across Public Health Issues | ASTHO

Strong public health systems depend on trusted communication, a skilled workforce, and deep community connections. In this PHIG Impact Report, Christina Floyd, deputy public health director for the Detroit Health Department, talks about how PHIG funding has helped Detroit strengthen grant management, bring communications in-house, and transform outreach into a public health intervention. Floyd also discusses the department's growing internship and youth engagement programs, which are creating pathways into public health careers while building trust with the next generation. 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 - PHIGBringing the Mission to Life: Detroit Health Department Strengthens its Services from the Inside Out - Public Health Infrastructure Grant

Timely, transparent communication can shape the course of a public health emergency long before every answer is known. In this episode, Chief Medical Executive for the State of Michigan, and ASTHO member, Natasha Bagdasarian, tells us about Michigan's response to one of the nation's largest cyclospora outbreaks. She explains how state officials used early surveillance data to warn the public before a product recall was issued, worked closely with health care systems to expand testing capacity, and tailored public messaging to Michigan's unique outbreak. Dr. Bagdasarian also reflects on the challenges of coordinating across state and federal partners, the importance of communicating uncertainty with honesty, and how proactive public health messaging helped reduce illness while strengthening trust during a rapidly evolving outbreak.Tracking Cyclosporiasis: Understanding the Current Outbreak, Case Investigations, and Prevention Efforts | ASTHOTake Action | ASTHO

The Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) program has become one of the nation's most important investments in infectious disease preparedness, strengthening the workforce, laboratory capacity, and data systems that health departments rely on every day. In this bonus, long form episode, ASTHO President and Connecticut Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani explains how ELC funding helped build a disease-agnostic data platform that gives local health departments real-time surveillance data. Michigan's Deputy State Epidemiologist Joseph Coyle discusses how ELC supports the specialized workforce, laboratory testing, and IT infrastructure needed to detect outbreaks, track emerging threats, and respond more quickly. Finally, CDC's Alvin Shultz traces the evolution of the ELC program over three decades, highlighting how flexible funding, strong governance, and cross-sector collaboration have created a national infectious disease response system that is ready for whatever comes next.INSPIRE: Readiness | ASTHO

Major international events put extraordinary pressure on public health systems, making preparation, real-time surveillance, and cross-agency coordination more important than ever. In this episode, Eric Whitworth, chief executive officer of InductiveHealth Informatics, a member of ASTHO's 2026 Innovation Advisory Council, talks about how public health agencies used syndromic surveillance, dashboards, and data integration to monitor health threats during the FIFA World Cup, and what those efforts reveal about preparing for future events like the Super Bowl and the 2028 Olympics. He discusses the importance of early planning, modernizing public health technology, and how targeted AI applications can reduce manual workloads while preserving data privacy and security in an era of shrinking public health resources.

As wildfire smoke becomes a recurring threat across more of the United States, public health agencies are adapting their guidance to help communities prepare and respond. In this episode, Gabriela Goldfarb, Environmental Public Health section manager of the Oregon Health Authority and Kathy Raleigh, principal epidemiologist of the Minnesota Department of Health, explain the health risks associated with wildfire smoke, why the combination of smoke and extreme heat can be especially dangerous, and how states are using surveillance data, public education, and cross-state collaboration to protect residents. They also share practical advice on reducing exposure, improving indoor air quality, recognizing symptoms, and preparing for a future in which wildfire smoke is becoming an increasingly common public health challenge.Partnership as the Foundation for Advancing Adolescent Health in American Samoa | ASTHOStrengthening Long-Term Care Capacity in Island Jurisdictions Through Policy | ASTHO

Strong public health systems depend on collaboration like partnerships across agencies or coordinating responses to emerging health threats. In this episode, ASTHO Senior Analyst for State Health Policy, Beth Giambrone, discusses a recent ASTHO Health Policy Update that examines how states are approaching vector-borne disease policy through surveillance, reporting requirements, education, and cross-agency coordination.  Then, ASTHO Senior Analyst for Medicaid and Health Systems Partnerships, Orobosa Idehen, introduces a new Medicaid Oversight Governance Map designed to help state health agencies better understand their governance structures, strengthen relationships with Medicaid partners, and identify opportunities to improve population health. Together, these conversations highlight how thoughtful governance, collaboration, and strategic policy making can help public health agencies make better use of limited resources while responding to evolving public health challenges.Medicaid Oversight Governance Map | ASTHOImproving Public Health Communication for Effective STI Programs | ASTHO

Public health's most complex challenges require stronger partnerships, deeper community engagement, and leaders willing to connect people across sectors. In this episode, Dr. Chelsea Moriarty Coffield, population health program manager for Community Health Choice, explains why collaboration is more than coordination, sharing practical strategies for building trust, aligning organizations around community needs, and embedding health equity into everyday decision-making. She also discusses the importance of one-on-one relationships, cross-sector partnerships, and leadership rooted in humility rather than expertise. Whether you're leading a coalition or looking to strengthen collaboration within your own organization, this conversation offers actionable lessons for creating lasting public health impact.Leading Collaboratively for Lasting Public Health Impact | ASTHOWorkforce Trends in Public Health Preparedness | ASTHOThe Boundary Spanning Leadership Framework's Impact on Public Health | ASTHO

With Congress approaching its August recess, several key public health priorities are entering a critical stretch. In this View from Washington D.C., ASTHO vice president for Government Affairs Jeffrey Ekoma breaks down the latest developments in FY 2027 appropriations, the status of Senate consideration of CDC Director and ASPR nominees, and the political factors shaping the legislative calendar. He also previews what public health leaders should watch in the coming weeks, including a potential reconciliation package, the administration's supplemental funding request, and how these federal decisions could affect state and territorial health agencies.Utilizing Flexible Funding Strategies in Public Health | ASTHOStrengthening Partnerships to Prevent Overdose: Key Actions in a Multi-State Learning Collaborative | ASTHOLessons in Advancing Policy to Prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences | ASTHO

Improving maternal health outcomes requires coordinated systems that ensure every patient receives the right level of care at the right time. In this bonus, long-form episode, Daniel Edney, ASTHOpresident-elect and state health officer for the Mississippi State Department of Health, explains how Mississippi is using Rural Health Transformation Program grant funding to build a statewide obstetrical system of care, establish new neonatal intensive care units, strengthen EMS coordination, and close critical gaps in care for rural communities. He also discusses how data, innovation, and broad partnerships are driving the state's effort to reduce maternal and infant mortality. Later, Ramya Flores, director of Maternal and Infant Health at ASTHO, puts Mississippi's work into a national context, highlighting how states are adopting levels of maternal care to improve access to risk-appropriate services. She outlines the partnerships, investments, and implementation strategies that support successful maternal care systems and previews ASTHO's latest resources to help states advance this work.

Successful data modernization depends on more than new technology, it requires people to understand, trust, and support the change. In this episode, Sarah Shaw, senior informatics analyst at the Public Health Informatics Institute, discusses a new Data Modernization Communications Toolkit designed to help public health professionals explain complex initiatives in ways that resonate with colleagues, leaders, and communities. Shaw explains how the toolkit is built around three core communication strategies: active listening, storytelling, and audience-centered messaging. She also shares practical examples from health departments across the country that demonstrate how effective communication can turn technical concepts into meaningful improvements for public health, helping agencies strengthen data systems and ultimately make better decisions for the communities they serve.Data Modernization Communications Toolkit - PHIIApplications | ASTHOValley Health's Dr. Matthew Christiansen Elected To National Epic FQHC Advisory Board - Valley Health

A resilient public health system starts with investing in the people who make it work. In this PHIG Impact Report, director for the Office of Training and Development at the New Mexico Department of Health, Shadee Lauer, discusses how Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG) funding is helping the state recruit, retain, and develop its workforce through data-driven strategies and innovative professional development programs. Lauer shares how New Mexico used employee survey data to shape initiatives including paid internships, tuition reimbursement, leadership academies, recruitment and retention toolkits, and a train-the-trainer model that strengthens both the workforce and the communities it serves. She also explains how these investments are creating long-term organizational capacity while helping public health professionals build rewarding careers that benefit New Mexicans for years to come. 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

Reliable emergency medical services require sustained investments in equipment, workforce development, and preparedness. In this episode, ASTHO member and Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Debra Bogen discusses how the state's latest $6.6 million investment in EMS is improving patient care, supporting first responders, and strengthening emergency response across Pennsylvania. Dr. Bogen explains how regional EMS agencies are using new funding to purchase advanced equipment like video laryngoscopes and lift-assist devices, expand training opportunities, and recruit and retain the next generation of EMTs and paramedics. She also highlights how Pennsylvania uses EMS performance data to measure outcomes, improve quality, and identify areas for additional support.Leading Change October 2026DELPH Power of Leadership Micro-Conference

Emerging contaminants such as PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances) present a difficult challenge for public health agencies: the science is evolving, exposure pathways are complex, and communities want clear answers even when uncertainty remains. Christen Linke Young, cabinet secretary for the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, talks about Delaware's cross-agency approach to addressing PFAS contamination and other environmental health concerns. By bringing together experts from public health, environmental protection, and agriculture, the state has built a collaborative model that relies on scientific expertise and long-standing relationships rather than top-down coordination. The conversation explores how uncertainty surrounding PFAS can complicate public communication while also creating opportunities to rebuild trust in public health institutions. Linke Young discusses Delaware's efforts to communicate transparently about what is known, what remains uncertain, and how residents can participate in the decision-making process.About Environmental Public Health | ASTHOSubscribe | ASTHO

Great public health professionals are often called upon to teach others, but expertise in a subject area does not always translate into effective instruction. Kaylin Clonch, workforce essential learning director at the South Carolina Department of Public Health, tells us about the agency's approach to strengthening its training culture. Drawing on her experience as a classroom teacher, Clonch explains how adult learning principles, instructional strategies, and learner engagement can transform workplace training from “death by PowerPoint” into meaningful educational experiences.Home | Public Health Careers.orgPH-HERO Workforce Resource Center | ASTHO12 Things Health Agencies Need to Know About Enterprise AI | ASTHO

Strong prevention efforts and supportive environments are making a measurable difference in the lives of Colorado's young people. Emily Fine, school and youth survey manager in the Prevention Services Division at the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, discusses findings from the 2025 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey, highlighting record-low rates of persistent sadness, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts among youth. Fine also explains why protective factors such as trusted adults, family support, and a sense of belonging at school are critical to improving health outcomes, where challenges remain for LGBTQ+ youth, and how Colorado's youth-centered approach to data collection is helping communities make smarter, more responsive public health decisions.Applications | ASTHOLeveraging PHIG to Advance Policy Infrastructure at Austin Public Health | ASTHO

Millions of Americans receive preventive health services such as cancer screenings, diabetes tests, and other essential care without out-of-pocket costs. But recent federal actions involving the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force have raised new questions about how those coverage decisions are made and whether they could change.  ASTHO's Andy Baker-White, senior director for state health policy, tells us about his recent Health Policy Update that focuses on the role the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force plays in shaping preventive care recommendations and why those recommendations have become foundational to insurance coverage across the country. The discussion explores the implications of recent legal and administrative developments, including changes to the task force's leadership and new questions about federal authority over its recommendations.Building Public Health Fellowships and Pathways to Employment in California | ASTHOPolicy Institute for STI and Infectious Disease Prevention | ASTHOASTHO Policy Institute Lunch & Learn: Preserving Institutional Knowledge for STI & ID Programs

In this Federal Health Policy Update, Senior Analyst for Government Affairs at ASTHO, Catherine Murphy, breaks down the latest leadership changes across the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. She explains the nominations for CDC director and surgeon general, recent transitions at the FDA, and other key appointments shaping the federal public health landscape. Murphy also discusses why stable leadership is essential for public health agencies, what these changes could mean for collaboration with state and local health departments, and what to watch as Senate confirmation hearings move forward.(More) Recent Shifts in HHS Leadership: June 2026 | ASTHO

What happens when a public health agency decides to step out from behind the scenes and tell its own story?  Jerome Larkin, ASTHO member and director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, talks about the department's “Better State of Healthy” campaign, an effort to help residents better understand the role public health plays in their everyday lives. The campaign highlights the people behind public health and the services that support Rhode Islanders every day.  Dr. Larkin discusses the audience research that revealed widespread uncertainty about what health departments actually do, despite generally high levels of trust in the agency. The conversation explores how personal storytelling, community connections, and a diverse workforce can help bridge knowledge gaps and strengthen relationships with residents.Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Improvement | ASTHOPolicy Institute for STI and Infectious Disease Prevention | ASTHOASTHO Policy Institute Lunch & Learn: Preserving Institutional Knowledge for STI & ID Programs

Technical expertise can open doors in public health, but effective leadership requires a different set of skills: communication, self-awareness, adaptability, and the confidence to lead authentically. Gabby Hadly, emergency preparedness and response manager for the Snohomish County Health Department in Washington state, reflects on her experience in ASTHO's Executives Leading in Public Health (DELPH) program. She discusses how the program helped her develop a leadership style rooted in authenticity rather than imitation and why creating supportive spaces for emerging leaders is critical for the future of public health.  Hadley shares how DELPH strengthened her public speaking and communication skills, connected her with peers and mentors from across the country, and provided practical tools for navigating change, conflict, and uncertainty. She also highlights the value of accountability partnerships, professional networks, and learning alongside colleagues facing many of the same challenges reshaping public health today.Developing Executive Leaders in Public Health | ASTHOApplications | ASTHOPerformance Management | ASTHO

For small and resource-constrained health jurisdictions, data modernization isn't just about adopting new technology, it's about building systems that strengthen people, improve workflows, and create lasting resilience. Tmong Udui, an epidemiologist with the Palau Ministry of Health and Human Services, shares how Palau is leveraging Public Health Infrastructure Grant funding to modernize its health data systems. She discusses the challenges of managing siloed information systems, limited workforce capacity, and growing demands for timely, reliable data in a small island nation. Udui explains how lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated Palau's commitment to modernization, including the implementation of a national electronic health record system. She also explores the importance of stakeholder engagement, tailoring technology solutions to local needs, building institutional knowledge, and balancing ambitious goals with practical realities.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 - PHIGStrengthening Public Health Workforce Capacity in Island Jurisdictions | ASTHO

Strong public health preparedness depends on sustained investment long before an emergency occurs. In this Federal Health Policy Update, Catherine Jones, senior analyst of Government Affairs at ASTHO, explains what congressional preparedness hearings revealed about the nation's readiness for major events like the FIFA World Cup, while highlighting why recent disease threats underscore the need for continued vigilance. She also breaks down the key HHS preparedness programs that support state and territorial health agencies and discusses why consistent federal funding is essential to maintaining the workforce, laboratories, data systems, and partnerships that protect communities before, during, and after a crisis.Shared Strategies that Promote Well-Being and ResiliencePolicy Institute for STI and Infectious Disease Prevention | ASTHOASTHO Policy Institute Lunch & Learn: Preserving Institutional Knowledge for STI & ID Programs

Summer brings an increased risk of tick bites, and this year that risk may be arriving earlier than expected. Alison Hinckley, lead of Epidemiology and Surveillance in CDC's Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, explains what the latest surveillance data show, why emergency department visits for tick bites are rising sooner than usual, and the simple prevention steps health agencies can promote to help reduce tick-borne diseases. Then, Latoya Sahadeo, ASTHO's director of the Developing Executives Leading in Public Health (DELPH) Program, discusses how leadership development goes beyond preparing for the next promotion. She shares how DELPH helps public health professionals strengthen their leadership identity, build resilience through coaching and peer networks, and gain the confidence to lead.DELPH Open HouseApplications | ASTHO

Wastewater surveillance has emerged as one of public health's most innovative tools, offering early warning signs of disease outbreaks and filling critical gaps left by traditional surveillance systems. Breanna McArdle, epidemiologist and program manager for Washington state's wastewater-based epidemiology program, explains how public health agencies decide which pathogens to monitor, why wastewater data must be interpreted alongside other surveillance sources, and how the field is evolving beyond its origins in the COVID-19 pandemic. McArdle also explores the ethical and privacy considerations of wastewater surveillance, the challenges of communicating findings to communities and policymakers, and the importance of partnerships with local health departments, treatment plant operators, laboratories, and academic researchers. She discusses how investments in data infrastructure, laboratory science, and cross-sector collaboration are helping transform wastewater surveillance into a versatile tool for tracking a wide range of public health threats.Wastewater Testing for Arboviruses: Arizona's Surveillance Approach | ASTHOStrengthening Public Health Response to Infectious Diseases Through Wastewater Surveillance | ASTHOFood and Water Safety | ASTHOShared Strategies that Promote Well-Being and Resilience

Artificial intelligence is already finding its way into public health agencies, from drafting communications and translating materials to analyzing data and identifying emerging health threats. The challenge for leaders is no longer whether to use AI, but how to implement it responsibly. In this PHIG Impact Report, we hear from Tatiana Lin and Shelby Rowell of the Kansas Health Institute. Tatiana is director of Business Strategy and Innovation; Shelby is director of the Region Seven Public Health Innovation Hub. They'll discuss how health departments are using AI to improve efficiency, support community engagement, and expand workforce capacity while addressing concerns about privacy, bias, transparency, and governance.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

Improving maternal and infant health outcomes requires more than quality clinical care, it takes strong partnerships, community engagement, and a commitment to addressing barriers that extend far beyond the exam room.  Today, Denise Hanisch, chief medical officer for the South Dakota Department of Health, discusses the state's maternal and infant health priorities, including postpartum care, safe sleep initiatives, fatherhood engagement, and efforts to reduce disparities affecting American Indian families. She also explains how South Dakota is using data, workforce development, and rural health investments to strengthen care for mothers and babies across the state.  Later, Sanaa Akbarali, senior director of maternal and child health at ASTHO, highlights lessons from the Region 7 Maternal Health ECHO Summit. She explores how public health agencies, healthcare providers, community organizations, and families are working together to address workforce shortages, expand access through telehealth, support community-based care models, and ensure that lived experience helps shape maternal health policies and programs.Women, Infant, and Family Health | ASTHOThe Mutual Advantage: How Graduate Assistants Elevate Academic Health Department Partnerships

ASTHO CEO Dr. Joseph Kanter reflects on key themes emerging from the Executive Leadership Forum, where public health leaders from across the country are navigating funding uncertainty, workforce challenges, and an increasingly complex operating environment. He also shares a powerful example of disease detection and collaboration that prevented infant illness and demonstrated the everyday impact of public health work. Later, ASTHO Senior Director for State Health Policy, Andy Baker-White, discusses how U.S. Island jurisdictions are advancing public health through legislative action. States Are Using Policy to Strengthen Preparedness and Supply Chain Resilience | ASTHOIsland Areas Pursue Policies That Advance Health Outcomes | ASTHOPolicy Institute for STI and Infectious Disease Prevention | ASTHOASTHO Policy Institute Lunch & Learn: Preserving Institutional Knowledge for STI & ID ProgramsShared Strategies that Promote Well-Being and Resilience

Strategic plans are only as effective as an organization's ability to put them into action. In this episode, ASTHO's Sara Bell, a senior analyst for public health systems and planning, and Alice Schenall, a senior advisor for cross-sector leadership and change management, discuss two critical challenges facing public health agencies: turning plans into measurable progress and leading teams through uncertainty.  Sara Bell explains why implementation often stalls after the planning process ends and shares practical strategies for operationalizing priorities, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and creating sustainable structures that help teams move from vision to action. And Alice Schenall explores how public health leaders can navigate organizational change, build trust during uncertain times, and address resistance while keeping teams focused on their mission. From Plan to Action: Tools to Support Public Health Implementation | ASTHOLeading Change Workshops | ASTHOExercise Excellence: Michigan Reflects on a National Level Exercise | ASTHOImelda Garcia Bio

A new employee's first days can shape their entire experience with an organization. For public health agencies facing workforce challenges, effective onboarding is an important investment in long-term success.  Mary Ramirez, interim director of onboarding and acclimation at the Bureau of Organizational Development in the South Carolina Department of Public Health, discusses the agency's innovative onboarding program for new hires. Designed to create a consistent experience across the state, the program introduces employees to the agency's mission, values, leadership structure, and programs while emphasizing real-world application and engagement.Home | Public Health Careers.orgPublic Health Workforce | ASTHODELPH Open House

Emergency preparedness is about far more than response plans and trained personnel. In this episode, Senior Analyst for Preparedness at ASTHO Maggie Nilz discusses how states are rethinking preparedness in the wake of COVID-19 and adapting to a changing emergency management landscape.  Nilz explains how pandemic-era shortages exposed vulnerabilities in supply chains, resource distribution, and stockpile management, prompting states to take a more active role in assessing risks, securing critical supplies, and building long-term preparedness infrastructure. She also explores how new approaches to funding, procurement, and resource management are helping states respond more quickly while maintaining transparency and accountability.Bridging Systems: How Kentucky is Improving Response to Emerging Health Threats | ASTHOSubscribe | ASTHO

Oregon's latest State Health Improvement Plan is designed to do more than identify public health priorities, it aims to align partners, resources, and communities around measurable goals for a healthier future.  ASTHO member Naomi Adeline-Biggs, director of the Oregon Health Authority's Public Health Division, talks about the development of Oregon's five-year State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP). She explains how extensive community engagement, including input from tribal nations, local health departments, and culturally specific organizations, helped shape the plan's four core priorities: healthy environments, community well-being, disease prevention, and emergency preparedness.Creating Successful Collaboration Structures in Public Health Initiatives | ASTHOLeading Collaboratively for Lasting Public Health Impact | ASTHO

What public health issues are capturing the attention of state lawmakers in 2026?  Beth Giambrone, ASTHO senior analyst for state health policy, returns to discuss ASTHO's mid-session update, an annual review of the major public health trends emerging in state legislatures across the country. From expanding access to healthcare and strengthening rural health systems to addressing nutrition, mental health, and vaccine policy, Beth breaks down the legislative developments that are shaping public health at the state level.  2026 State Legislative Session Update | ASTHOApplications | ASTHODELPH Open House