Podcasts about 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.

As behavioral health and overdose crises continue to strain health systems, states are rethinking how and where care is delivered. In this episode, Dr. Jerry Larkin, the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health and an ASTHO member, explains how youth-focused mobile response and stabilization services provide rapid, in-home crisis care and keep children out of emergency departments and reduce the need for hospitalization. The conversation explores why Rhode Island moved to require insurance coverage for these services and how states can sustain them amid funding uncertainty. Later, ASTHO Senior Director of Overdose Prevention, Richa Ranade, discusses the evolving policy landscape around naloxone, including efforts to expand access in schools, libraries, and other public spaces to prevent overdose deaths. Together, the guests highlight how prevention-focused, community-based approaches can save lives and strengthen public health systems.Policy Trends Shaping Behavioral Health in 2026 | ASTHOState of Rhode Island General AssemblyPolicy Trends Shaping Behavioral Health in 2026 | ASTHOData Modernization Primer and Tactical Guides | ASTHOMeeting Home Page

What happens when the federal government steps back and states are asked to lead?  Continuing our Legislative Prospectus Series, which examines the public health policy trends set to shape 2026, ASTHO president and Connecticut commissioner of public health Dr. Manisha Juthani joins the show to discuss the creation of a new public health emergency funding safety net and the difficult decisions leaders face when planning amid constant uncertainty. Later, ASTHO's senior director of public health infrastructure, Brian Lentes, breaks down key federal funding streams, governance models, and practical steps states can take to stabilize infrastructure, modernize data systems, and support the public health workforce. This episode highlights how strong relationships, thoughtful prioritization, and long-term planning can help states navigate today's funding challenges.Policy Trends Shaping Public Health Funding and Administration in 2026 | ASTHOMeeting Home PageWebinar Registration - Zoom

In this episode, we continue our legislative prospectus series examining public health trends in policy going into 2026 with Meredith Allen, Vice President for Health Security at ASTHO. She'll discuss the critical role immunizations play in preventing the spread of disease and protecting communities nationwide. The conversation explores the science behind vaccines, the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates, and how recent developments at the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) may affect providers, patients, and states, particularly around hepatitis B guidance. Meredith also breaks down why expanded syphilis screening laws are gaining momentum across states and how early detection, especially during pregnancy, can prevent severe outcomes like congenital syphilis. 2026 Legislative Prospectus Series | ASTHOWebinar Registration - Zoom

As flu cases climb across the country and pediatric deaths rise, Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, ASTHO member and Michigan's Chief Medical Executive, joins us to break down what this flu season means for families, health agencies, and health care systems.  Dr. Bagdasarian discusses the troubling decline in flu vaccine uptake since 2020, the risks of overlapping surges of flu, COVID-19, and RSV, and why flu vaccination remains critical, even when it doesn't prevent every infection. She explains how vaccines reduce severe illness and hospitalizations, helping protect already-strained health systems. The conversation also explores vaccine hesitancy during pregnancy, the importance of maternal vaccination, and how personal stories paired with data can help rebuild trust. Dr. Bagdasarian shares insight into the emerging H3N2 subclade K flu strain, what early data shows about vaccine effectiveness, and how public health officials are tracking flu trends using multiple surveillance tools.Meeting Home Page

As part of our State Health Policy portfolio, ASTHO releases an annual legislative prospectus: a series of policy briefs summarizing state and territorial legislation that impacts public health. Today, Dr. Joseph Kanter, ASTHO's CEO, will summarize the 2026 prospectus, identify trends in public health law for the next year, and provide a high-level overview for public health professionals and policymakers in time for upcoming legislative sessions.Accredible Unveils Certified Impact Awards 2025 WinnersPH-HERO | ASTHOPH-HERO | ASTHO

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

In today's PHIG Impact Report, Patricia Tilley, ASTHO member and associate commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, details the critical needs the Public Health Infrastructure Grant has helped with in her state.  This work is supported by funds made available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Center for STLT Public Health Infrastructure and Workforce, through OE22-2203: Strengthening U.S. Public Health Infrastructure, Workforce, and Data Systems grant. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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