Podcasts about astho

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 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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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