Podcasts about astho

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

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

Federal funding, workforce capacity, grant administration, and the future of public health programs are all under scrutiny in Washington.  ASTHO senior analyst for government affairs, Catherine Jones, breaks down Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s FY27 budget hearings, where lawmakers examined proposed reductions to HHS funding and questioned how cuts to public health programs align with the administration's Make America Healthy Again agenda. Catherine discusses concerns surrounding maternal and child health, data collection, environmental health, workforce reductions, rural health needs, and the long-term implications for public health infrastructure.  Then, ASTHO vice president of government affairs, Jeffrey Ekoma, reviews a recent Legislative Alert. He explains developments in congressional appropriations, pending public health leadership nominations, proposed changes to federal grant regulations, and the possibility of another reconciliation package before the end of the year. He also shares what state and territorial health officials should be watching as Congress navigates funding decisions and prepares for a post-midterm legislative landscape.Congressional Hearings Feature Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., on FY27 Budget: April 2026 | ASTHOStrengthening Academic Health Department Partnerships: Workforce Pathways in CaliforniaSafe States Annual Conference - Safe States Alliance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Suicide remains one of the most urgent and complex public health challenges in the United States, with more than 49,000 lives lost in 2023 alone. In this episode, ASTHO's Director of State Health Policy, JoAnne Deehr, breaks down how states are responding with more targeted, data-driven strategies.  From identifying high-risk populations like veterans, rural communities, and first responders, to investing in prevention infrastructure, Deehr explains how policymakers are moving beyond one-size-fits-all approaches. She also highlights key actions from the 2025 legislative session, including the creation of suicide prevention offices, advisory bodies, and fatality review processes designed to uncover patterns and improve interventions.Legislative Snapshot: Suicide Prevention Infrastructure and AI Chatbots | ASTHOLeadership Power Hour: Session 2 – Leading Through ConflictSubscribe | ASTHO

Leadership in public health has never been more complex, and navigating conflict is a critical skill for today's leaders. In this episode, Dawn Morriston, Director of Faculty Advancement in the Office of Faculty Affairs and Leadership Development at UNC School of Medicine, introduces her March 26 session in the new Power Hour webinar series from ASTHO, designed to help supervisors and managers strengthen their leadership skills through focused, one-hour professional development sessions. The five-part series highlights key competencies that help leaders improve decision-making, build trust, and guide teams through organizational change. Morriston will explore why leading through conflict is essential in today's rapidly changing public health environment. From competing priorities within teams to differing definitions of community needs, leaders often find themselves navigating complex conversations that require negotiation, reflection, and strategic thinking.Leadership Power Hour: Session 2 – Leading Through ConflictLiving With Long COVID: Stories, Science, and Public HealthWeathering the Storm – Part 2: The Importance of Environmental Health Preparedness and Response

Public health programs don't operate in a vacuum; they're shaped by policies that influence funding, access to care, reporting requirements, and more. In this episode, JoAnne Deehr, Director of State Health Policy at ASTHO, explains ASTHO's Policy Institute for STI and Infectious Disease Prevention.  She'll discuss how the multi-part initiative helps state and territorial health department staff build practical policy skills, turning data and program challenges into actionable solutions. The Institute combines an on-demand Policy Academy, live Lunch and Learn webinars on timely topics like Medicaid and STI prevention, and hands-on office hours that allow participants to apply what they've learned to real-world challenges in their jurisdictions.Meeting Home PageMeeting Home PageStrength in numbers: Nonprofit launches consortium to improve public health data and outcomes - Route FiftyPublic Health Data Consortium | ASTHO

At the ASTHO Leadership Forum, Justa Encarnacion, ASTHO member and Commissioner of Health for the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health, shared how island jurisdictions are tackling some of the nation's toughest health challenges with collaboration, data, and community-driven prevention.  Encarnacion discusses the Fentanyl Free PR–USVI Initiative, a partnership with Puerto Rico and federal agencies that blends enforcement with public health strategies using targeted education, naloxone training, and even wastewater surveillance to detect opioid trends and respond quickly. She explains how real-time data helps the territory pinpoint where opioids are appearing and tailor prevention efforts to specific communities.Talking Public Health with Jen LaydenStates are embracing the MAHA food agenda

A parasitic pest once eradicated from the United States is moving closer to the border and public health officials are paying close attention. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Shuford an ASTHO member and Commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services discusses the growing threat posed by the New World Screwworm as cases spread north through Central America and Mexico. Dr. Shuford explains how Texas is preparing for a potential return of the parasite, an organism that primarily affects livestock but can also cause severe infections in humans. From clinician alerts and lab guidance to enhanced environmental surveillance, Texas is taking a proactive approach to detection and containment. 

At the ASTHO Spring Leadership Forum in Arlington, public health leaders met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to discuss the issues shaping health policy across the country. In this episode, Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, an ASTHO member and Chief Medical Executive for the State of Michigan, shares how bipartisan conversations with members of Congress revealed something often overlooked in today's political climate: a shared commitment to healthier, safer communities.  Plus, Carolyn Mullen, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs & Public Relations at ASTHO, provides a behind-the-scenes look at meetings with lawmakers during ASTHO's annual Hill Day, where state and territorial health officials discussed public health infrastructure, vaccination rates, and the impact of federal funding decisions on communities.Leadership Power Hour: Your Launchpad for Impact | ASTHOFlu has been worse than covid this winter. Here's why. - The Washington PostSubscribe | ASTHO

In this episode, ASTHO CEO, Dr. Joseph Kanter, shares key insights from this year's Spring Leadership Forum, an in-person opportunity to exchange lessons learned, strengthen peer support, and tackle the complex realities facing public health leaders today.  From a productive visit with leadership at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to renewed conversations about partnerships around healthy eating and chronic disease prevention, Dr. Kanter reflects on why strong federal–state collaboration is essential, how federal initiatives live or die at the state and territorial level, and how effective partnerships make all the difference.Four Ways Public Health Agencies Are Strengthening Grants Management | ASTHOWorkforce Planning, Incorporating Core Competencies for Public Health ProfessionalsASTHO (@ASTHO) on X⁠⁠Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (@asthonews.bsky.social)⁠⁠Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (@asthonews) • Instagram profile⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/association-of-state-and-territorial-health-officials/⁠⁠ASTHO (Association of State and Territorial Health Officials)

What does it take to build a resilient public health system? Keshana Owens-Cody, Director of the Office of Public Health Infrastructure at the New York State Department of Health, talks about incorporating core competencies into public health agencies and why fostering a true culture of learning is essential in an era of constant change. Owens-Cody explains how competency-based frameworks can help agencies move beyond “survival mode” and toward a more intentional, organized approach to workforce development, performance evaluations, accreditation, and long-term infrastructure building.  Later, Catherine Murphy, Senior Analyst of Government Affairs at ASTHO, discusses the status of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA). Originally passed in 2006, the sweeping preparedness law underpins key programs supporting medical countermeasures, hospital readiness, and emergency response nationwide. Meeting Home PageASTHO's 14 Most Popular Resources of 2025 | ASTHOThe Future of PAHPA and National Public Health Preparedness | ASTHOSubscribe | ASTHOMeeting Home Page

What if public health agencies could access better, faster, and more complete data without giving up control? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jen Layden, senior vice president of population and innovation at ASTHO, to explore the new Public Health Data Consortium and what it means for the future of public health decision-making.  Dr. Layden explains how this unique public–private partnership is designed to improve data access, quality, and analytics while keeping governance firmly in the hands of state and territorial health agencies. She discusses why mortality data is a critical starting point, how emerging technologies like APIs and advanced analytics can help close long-standing data gaps, and what new insights could come from linking public health data with sources like pharmacy, claims, and real-world data.Leadership Power Hour: Your Launchpad for Impact | ASTHO

Today, two conversations highlight how policy shapes public health, both in communities and on Capitol Hill.  First, Beth Giambrone, Senior Analyst for State Health Policy at ASTHO, explains how states are rethinking their approach to hypertension. From telehealth and remote blood pressure monitoring to expanded insurance coverage, policymakers are leveraging new technology to improve heart health across the lifespan. Later, Jeffrey Ekoma, ASTHO's Senior Director of Government Affairs, shares what's top of mind in Washington in preparing for ASTHO's upcoming Hill Day, from FY26 and FY27 appropriations to protecting public health infrastructure funding, navigating grant terminations. Jeffrey outlines key advocacy priorities, including sustained federal investment, workforce stability, and emerging issues such as vaccines, preparedness, and federal leadership transitions.Preventing Hypertension Through State Policy Efforts | ASTHOLeadership Power Hour: Your Launchpad for Impact | ASTHOFour Ways Public Health Agencies Are Strengthening Grants Management | ASTHO

A major measles outbreak is testing public health systems, community trust, and the power of vaccination. In this episode, Dr. Brannon Traxler, ASTHO member and Deputy Director of Health Promotion and Services & Chief Medical Officer, South Carolina Department of Public Health, shares the latest update on the state's response, with nearly 1,000 confirmed cases since October 2025. She explains why vaccination remains the cornerstone of outbreak control, how rapid case identification and contact tracing are helping to slow transmission, and what health officials are learning about spread within large, close-knit households.  Then, Heather Tomlinson, Senior Analyst of Environmental Health at the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, breaks down the growing presence of kratom in U.S. markets. She explains its traditional use in Southeast Asia, how modern products differ from natural leaf preparations, and why highly concentrated or synthetic compounds are raising new health concerns. With federal guidance still evolving, states are developing a patchwork of policies—offering lessons for how public health can respond to emerging psychoactive substances.youtube.com/watch?v=cNt_Wgu8LqEKratom 101: What You Need to Know | ASTHOASTHO (@ASTHO) on XAssociation of State and Territorial Health Officials (@asthonews.bsky.social)Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (@asthonews) • Instagram profilehttps://www.linkedin.com/company/association-of-state-and-territorial-health-officials/ASTHO (Association of State and Territorial Health Officials)

Public health is everywhere, but too often, people don't see it. In this episode, we explore how the field can build a stronger future by investing in the next generation of professionals and improving how it communicates its value to the public. Dr. Kimberly Wyche Etheridge, Senior Vice President of Health Initiatives at ASTHO discusses why workforce pathway programs, mentorship, and hands-on partnerships between universities and health departments are critical as experienced leaders retire and workforce gaps grow. She shares why more students are choosing public health, how practical experience helps bridge the gap between theory and real-world practice, and why retaining early-career professionals requires rethinking workplace culture. From creative funding strategies to proactive pipeline development, she makes the case that investing in people today is essential for protecting community health tomorrow. Then, Brian Castrucci, President and CEO of the  de Beaumont Foundation explains why, in a recent article, he argued public health must do a better job communicating its impact. He explores how partnerships across sectors, from business and education to faith communities, can strengthen support, and why consistency, speed, and alignment in messaging are more important than ever. We also discuss how digital creators and influencers are reshaping trust, why public health should meet audiences where they already are, and what it will take to build a clear, unified value proposition for the field.Journal of Public Health Management and PracticeSubscribe | ASTHO

What happens when health coverage becomes unaffordable, and who's stepping up to lead in moments like this?  This episode connects two powerful public health stories.First, we break down the ACA enhanced premium tax credits: what they were, who they helped, and what's at stake now that they've expired.  Catherine Jones, Senior Analyst Government Affairs at ASTHO will explain how these pandemic-era subsidies dramatically expanded access to marketplace coverage, helping middle-income families, older adults not yet eligible for Medicare, rural residents, gig workers, and others without employer-based insurance. With premiums now rising sharply, millions may lose coverage, leading to delayed care, skipped medications, more emergency room use, rising uncompensated care costs, and even potential hospital closures, especially in rural communities. We explore how insurance coverage isn't just a healthcare issue, but a population health issue tied to chronic disease management, maternal health, mental health services, vaccinations, and overall mortality. Then, we shift to leadership. James Bell III, Chief of Staff/Director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and a Doctor of Social Work, reflects on his experience in the DELPH Leadership Program and how it reshaped how he shows up as a public health leader. From finding his voice in high-stakes rooms to practicing servant leadership, advocating for equity, and building authentic national networks, Bell describes how leadership development strengthens not just individuals, but the systems and communities they serve.ACA Enhanced Premium Tax Credits: Legislative Developments in 2025 and 2026 | ASTHODeveloping Executive Leaders in Public Health | ASTHOReducing Hypertension Through Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring Programs | ASTHOAddressing Hypertension During Pregnancy Improves Maternal and Infant Health | ASTHO

Major federal investments and national guidance can shape the future of public health, but only if states can turn policy into practice. This episode looks at two sweeping developments and the on-the-groundwork required to make them matter. First, Chris Salyers, Director of Programs and Evaluation at the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health explains the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), a $50 billion, five-year investment aimed at strengthening rural communities. With no clear blueprint for moving funds at this scale, states are in the early stages of building advisory groups, navigating procurement and contracting rules, and working to ensure dollars actually reach rural providers and organizations, not just large outside entities. Salyers highlights the importance of stakeholder engagement, peer learning, and using this planning window to build systems that allow smaller, capacity-strapped rural groups to compete for funding.  Then, Shannon Vance, Director, Family and Child Health at ASTHO, breaks down the newly released 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and their wide-ranging implications. With chronic disease driving nearly 90% of U.S. healthcare spending, the updated guidance, including stronger limits on added sugars, greater emphasis on protein and full-fat dairy, and life-stage–specific recommendations, could reshape everything from individual eating habits to major federal nutrition programs. Vance explores the ripple effects for SNAP, WIC, and school meals, where agencies are already juggling recent rule changes, tight budgets, and supply challenges.Leadership Power Hour: Your Launchpad for Impact | ASTHOThe 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines: Understanding the New Pyramid | ASTHOFunding & Collaboration Opportunities | ASTHOASTHO (@ASTHO) / XAssociation of State and Territorial Health Officials (@asthonews.bsky.social) — Bluesky(1) Instagram(1) LinkedInFacebook

What do infection prevention in dialysis clinics and hurricane response in the Caribbean have in common? More than you might think. This episode explores how culture, leadership, and coordination shape health outcomes, whether in a treatment chair or a disaster zone. First, Shalini Nair, a Senior Analyst of Infection Disease at ASTHO, breaks down the growing concern around dialysis-related infections and what the CDC's Making Dialysis Safer for Patients Coalition is doing to address it. She shares frontline-informed strategies that health departments and facilities can use right now: building a “see it, say it” culture of safety, using short, role-specific training and real-time coaching, and ensuring visible leadership support that reinforces infection prevention as everyone's responsibility.  Then, the focus shifts to disaster response with Maggie Nilz, Senior Analyst of preparedness at ASTHO and Team Rubicon, a veteran-led humanitarian organization. Nilz reflects on her decade of deployments, from chainsaw operations in U.S. disaster zones to coordinating international health response in Jamaica after a devastating hurricane. She explains how public health leadership, interagency coordination, and pre-disaster data systems are critical when hospitals are damaged, infrastructure is down, and communities still need everyday healthcare. Key Insights to Improve Infection Prevention in Dialysis Settings | ASTHOMeeting Home PageLeading Humanitarian Aid Organization in the US | Team RubiconLeadership Power Hour: Your Launchpad for Impact | ASTHOMeeting Home Page

What does calm leadership actually look like when everything feels urgent, political, and on fire?  In this episode, John Auerbach, Senior Vice President of Health at ICF, offers a preview of ASTHO's upcoming Insight & Inspiration webinar, Steady Hands, Steady Teams: Leading with Confidence and Composure, on February 11th, and digs into the real-world skills behind steady leadership in volatile times.  From pandemic burnout to nonstop crises, today's public health leaders are navigating faster information cycles, rising mistrust, misinformation, and exhausted teams. So how do you keep people focused, grounded, and moving forward?  We'll also hear from Dr. Manisha Juthani, ASTHO president and Connecticut Commissioner of Public Health, who is co-hosting the webinar. Webinar Registration - ZoomSubscribe | ASTHO

Two very different challenges, and one shared public health reality: systems have to work when it matters most.  In this episode, we speak with Dr. Erica Pan, director and state public health officer for the California Department of Public Health, and ASTHO member, about a rare and unprecedented infant botulism outbreak linked to contaminated infant formula. She explains how California's unique Baby BIG® treatment program, home to the only infant botulism treatment in the world, helped detect a national pattern, how states coordinated with CDC and FDA, and the logistical strain of managing treatment supply, clinician hotlines, and public communication during a fast-moving emergency.  Then, Alex Wheatley, senior director of island support at ASTHO, joins us to discuss a different kind of pressure point: helping U.S. Island jurisdictions navigate complex federal grant systems. She outlines a new resource designed to bridge gaps between federal funders and local health agencies, reduce misunderstandings, and build stronger, trust-based partnerships, especially when timelines, administrative processes, and time zones don't align.State Health Agencies' Role in Implementing Pharmacist-Prescribed Contraception | ASTHOWebinar Registration - Zoom

What does it take for states to expand access to substance use disorder treatment and build stronger, more sustainable partnerships between Medicaid and public health?  In Massachusetts, leaders changed policies around provider models to increase access to care for opioid use disorder: Frances McGaffey, Manager of Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Initiative at The Pew Charitable Trusts, explains how pairing providers with dedicated nursing support has helped remove barriers to prescribing buprenorphine, expand the addiction workforce, and dramatically increase access to care. She also shares why the state's decision to extend this model to alcohol and stimulant use disorders is a critical response to a changing overdose crisis, and what other states can do to replicate this success.  Then, Corey Caldwell, Senior Policy Analyst at the National Association of Medicaid Directors discusses the new Medicaid Leaders Playbook for Building Public Health Partnerships, developed in collaboration with ASTHO. Corey outlines practical, real-world steps Medicaid and public health agencies can take to align priorities, address funding and workforce challenges, launch small but impactful pilot projects, and build trust across systems.Understanding Current U.S. Measles Outbreaks and Elimination Status | ASTHO

ASTHO is entering a pivotal moment for public health, and it has a new strategic plan to meet it. In this episode, ASTHO CEO, Dr. Joseph Kanter unpacks how ASTHO developed its 2026–2029 strategic plan and why now was the right time for a refresh. Dr. Kanter walks through the inclusive, year-long planning process, the rapidly shifting public health landscape that shaped the plan, and the four core pillars guiding ASTHO's work, from strengthening public health leadership and modernizing data systems to expanding partnerships and strengthening ASTHO's own sustainability. The conversation also explores the challenge of planning amid constant crises and why the unifying vision of “optimal health for all” sits at the heart of the organization's future.Overdose Prevention | ASTHO

What does the future of public health look like when cutting-edge technology collides with persistent, preventable disease threats?  Senior Vice President of Health at ICF and ASTHO alum John Auerbach joins us to break down how artificial intelligence can be responsibly and realistically introduced into public health workflows. He outlines five practical, low-cost steps agencies of any size can take to start using AI today, explains the leadership mindset needed to build staff confidence, and explores how AI can both spread and counter misinformation when used thoughtfully.  Later, Jessica Baggett, Senior Advisor for Public Health Strategy and Response at ASTHO, unpacks why measles elimination status is back in the spotlight after the worst year for measles cases in more than 30 years. She explains what “elimination” really means, why it doesn't mean zero cases, what's driving recent outbreaks, and why vaccination remains the most effective public health tool.Leveraging Public Health Assets in Medicaid Managed Care | ASTHOWebinar Registration - Zoom

What does the public health workforce need to stay engaged, supported, and committed, and how can leaders act on those insights? Heather Krasna, Associate Dean of Career and Professional Development, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health joins us to break down new research on what younger public health workers value most at work.  She explains why flexible schedules, remote or hybrid options, professional development, student loan repayment, and family-friendly benefits are increasingly important for retention, and how agencies can think creatively when salary increases aren't always possible. Then, Omar Khalid, Director of Workforce at ASTHO, walks through key findings from the 2024 Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey (PH WINS), the only nationally representative survey of  the governmental public health workforce. He discusses why high turnover, burnout, and loss of institutional knowledge remain urgent concerns, alongside encouraging signs of improved supervisor relationships and workforce commitment. Journal of Public Health Management and PracticeStrengthening Public Health Through Communication: Resources to Get Started - Public Health Infrastructure GrantClimate and Health | ASTHO

How do states turn public health messaging into real behavior change and how do the places we live shape our health every day? In this episode, Dr. Steven Stack, Secretary of Kentucky's Cabinet for Health and Family Services, discusses the Our Healthy Kentucky Home campaign and what it takes to move beyond awareness to action. Dr. Stack, an ASTHO member and former ASTHO president, shares how Kentucky is using simple, achievable goals—eat healthier, move more, and stay socially connected—along with clear calls to action, trusted partners, and data-driven refinements to engage residents and build long-term, sustainable health improvements. Then, Clint Grant, Director of Healthy Community Design, Chronic Disease and Health Improvement at ASTHO joins us to explore the growing role of Healthy Community Design in public health. From transportation and road safety to green space and mobility, Clint explains how decisions about streets, sidewalks, and transit are some of the most powerful, and often overlooked, public health choices states and communities make. States Invest in Public Health and Safety Through Transportation Policy | ASTHOKey Insights to Improve Infection Prevention in Dialysis Settings | ASTHOMeeting Home Page

What does it take to strengthen public health systems nationwide and why does flexible funding matter? In this PHIG Impact Report, we're joined by SzePui Hughes, Senior Director of Public Health Workforce and Infrastructure at ASTHO to unpack the Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG) and ASTHO's role as a national partner.  We'll discuss how health departments are using PHIG funding to modernize data systems, expand community-based services, and build a more resilient workforce, while adapting to shifting priorities and pressures. SzePui shares key trends health leaders are raising, from peer learning and leadership development to long-term sustainability, and highlights real-world success stories from states and local agencies.