Public Health Review

Summary: Discover how the Data Readiness Project, a collaboration between ASTHO and ASPR, strengthened medical countermeasure systems and enhanced data sharing for health agencies. Public health leaders from Virginia, North Dakota, and Massachusetts share how the project strengthened emergency preparedness and response capabilities. The discussion highlights the power of strategic investment and underscores the meaningful progress toward building systems that support faster, more effective responses to public health threats — not just through technology, but also via sustainable funding, collaboration, and scaling systems to meet unique jurisdictional needs. Guests: Margaux Haviland, MPH, Director, Preparedness and Response Coordination, ASTHO Shane Keville-Wagner, Resource and Inventory Coordinator, Office of Preparedness and Emergency Management, Massachusetts Department of Public Health Tim Wiedrich, Director, Health Response and Licensure Section, North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services Jonathan Kiser, MS, Planning Division Director, Office of Emergency Preparedness, Virginia Department of Health Resources: Public Health Review Morning Edition - 990: Connecting Public Health Silos, Tracking Data for Emergencies How Washington State Leverages Data to Improve Emergency Preparedness, ASTHO Ohio Department of Health Using Partnerships to Improve Public Health Data and Emergency Preparedness, ASTHO How Massachusetts Streamlines Data Sharing to Strengthen Emergency Preparedness, ASTHO Successful Informatics Alignment, Policy Approaches for State and Local Data Sharing, ASTHO Legal and Policy Considerations for Public Health Technology Adoption: An Exploratory Guide, ASTHO Data Modernization Primer and Tactical Guides, ASTHO

This episode explores how strong partnerships across state and local agencies expand adolescent access to school health services in Illinois. Guests from the Illinois Department of Public Health, Chicago Department of Public Health, and Chicago Public Schools share how coordinated efforts are improving health and wellness supports for students. From district-wide initiatives like Healthy CPS to statewide infrastructure for school-based health centers, the discussion offers practical examples and lessons learned to inspire similar collaboration in other jurisdictions. This publication was supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $750,000 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS under the PW-24-0080 Cooperative Agreement, Grant #1NU38PW000018. The contents are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government. Guests Nikki Goodman, MSW: Healthy CPS Manager, Office of Student Health and Wellness, Chicago Public Schools Alexandra Sontag, DNP, MSN, APRN, CNL, FNP-BC: Director of School Nursing, Division of School Health, Chicago Department of Public Health Sally Lemke, DNP, WHNP-BC: School Health Nurse Consultant, Illinois Department of Public Health   Resources Healthy CPS | Chicago Public Schools CDPH School Health Programs | Chicago Department of Public Health School-Based/Linked Health Centers | Illinois Department of Public Health What Works in Schools | CDC Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child | CDC Supporting Adolescent Health Through School-Based Health Programs | ASTHO  

In this episode, we spotlight a dynamic partnership between an Indiana local health department and Public Health AmeriCorps. Our guests — Jessica Baker, a dedicated Public Health AmeriCorps member, and Michelle Arnold, their host site supervisor — share how they became involved with the program and the impact of their collaboration. Michelle discusses the decision to host an AmeriCorps member and the valuable contributions Jessica has made, both locally and at the state health agency level. Meanwhile, Jessica reflects on their day-to-day responsibilities, motivations for joining, and future career goals. The episode wraps with practical advice for other agencies considering hosting AmeriCorps members and insights into what the supervisor hopes to see in future fellows. It offers a candid look at building the public health workforce through mentorship, service, and shared goals.   Guests Jessica Baker, MPH: Public Health AmeriCorps Member Michelle Arnold, MPH: Public Health AmeriCorps Host Site Supervisor

The Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) Data for Action project supports the integration of data on brain health and caregiving into public health planning efforts. State health leaders in the brain health space from Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois, and New Jersey participated in the HBI Data for Action initiative as Cohort 1, with support from the Alzheimer's Association and ASTHO. This episode showcases the inaugural cohort's accomplishments. Guests Meghan Fadel: Data for Action Lead; Associate Director, Alzheimer's Association  Elizabeth Conklin, MPH: Connecticut Data for Action Participant; Health Program Supervisor; Heart, Brain and Diabetes Health Unit; Chronic Diseases and Injury Prevention Section; Community, Family Health, and Prevention Branch; Connecticut Department of Public Health Resources CDC: Alzheimer's Disease and Healthy Aging Data Portal Alzheimer's Association: BRFSS and Other Data Resources Alzheimer's Association:  E-News ASTHO: Healthy Aging and Brain Health ASTHO: HBI Road Map Module ASTHO: Public Health Review Morning Edition

There are many considerations when forming and managing an office of health equity or minority health. The National Association of State Offices of Minority Health shares how agencies across the United States have overcome common challenges and benefited from having a dedicated health equity office. In addition, the United States Virgin Islands Department of Health discusses initial successes and challenges experienced while establishing their office. Finally, the California Department of Public Health, with a well-established office of health equity, shares how their office utilized health equity liaisons and supported rural/tribal communities. This podcast episode complements the recently published ASTHOReport "Establishing an Office of Health Equity or Minority Health," which examines different approaches to sustainability.  Guests ·       Rohan Radhakrishna, MD, MPH, MS, Deputy Director and Chief Equity Officer, California Department of Public Health ·       Justa Encarnacion, RN, MBA, HCM, Health Commissioner and Chief Public Health Officer, United States Virgin Islands Department of Health ·       Veronica Halloway, Executive Director, National Association of State Offices of Minority Health Resources ·       Establishing an Office of Health Equity or Minority Health | ASTHO ·       Islands Health Equity Framework | ASTHO ·       Office of Health Equity | California Department of Public Health  ·       United States Virgin Islands Department of Health ·       National Association of State Offices of Minority Health ·       Public Health Review Morning Edition

Community health workers (CHWs) are frontline, public health professionals who share life experience, compassion, and cultural and value alignment with the communities they serve. They work in a range of settings under different titles, but what makes them unique is their ability to build deep trust with the people they serve based on their lived experience.   Despite robust evidence demonstrating the value of CHWs, sustainability of CHW positions and funding remains a perpetual challenge. In this episode, two industry experts with direct state public health experience discuss why it is so critical to invest in the CHW workforce as part of a health equity strategy, and share resources available to help recruit, retain, and sustain the workforce. Guests: ·       Joneigh Khaldun, MD, MPH, FACEP: Chief Health Equity Officer, CVS Health, alum–MI ·       Sherri Ohly: Co-Director, Development, Envision Resources: ·       ASTHO: CHW resources ·       Center for Community Health Alignment: CHW Model Best Practice Toolkits ·       Community-Based Workforce Alliance: Advancing CHW Engagement in COVID-19 Response Strategies ·       CVS Health: o   ASTHO-CVS Health: High-Impact Community Investments by Health  Plans o   Health Equity ·       Envision: o   Community Health Worker (CHW) Training and Technical Assistance Center  o   Online community o   Newsletter o   Trainings o   CHW Sustainability Summit Journal (English or Spanish) ·       National Association of Community Health Workers: o   Community Health Worker Pay Equity o   Sustainable Financing of Community Health Workers Employment ·       Northern Arizona University, Center for Health Equity Research: Community Health Representative Integration Tools for Vaccine Deployment and Emergency Response ·       Public Health Review Morning Edition    

The landscape of public health data is changing. This episode dives into the importance of modernizing data exchange for a more efficient and effective public health system. We explore a framework that utilizes cloud services, open-source software, and open data standards to revolutionize how public health data is collected, shared, and analyzed. This innovative approach outlines tools to reduce manual effort and streamline data flow across various sources, ultimately empowering state, tribal, local, and territorial health agencies (STLTs) to improve public health outcomes. Join us as we hear national and state perspectives on data modernization initiatives, including valuable insights, experiences, and recommendations on workforce, policy, and funding to prepare for a future of cloud-based data sharing. This episode is a must-listen for public health professionals looking to harness the power of modern technologies to improve public health data exchange and ultimately, the well-being of their communities. Speakers: ·       Rachelle Boulton, MSPH: Health Informatics Program Manager, Division of Population Health, Utah Department of Health and Human Services ·       Tabatha Offutt-Powell, DrPH, MPH: Vice President, Public Health Data Modernization and Informatics, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials Resources:   ·       The North Star Architecture framework is one way CDC has been talking about improving data exchange and leveraging cloud technologies. The themes and tools described as part of North Star Architecture are also connected to other opportunities and initiatives at CDC and with public health partners. We expect this to continue to evolve. ·       CDC Data Modernization Initiative provides a comprehensive overview of national efforts to modernize public health data collection, sharing, and analysis. ·       CDC Public Health Data Strategy details a comprehensive strategy and goal-oriented plan for leveraging data to improve public health outcomes across the nation. ·       Data Pipeline Pilot Project is a CDC and United States Digital Service (USDS) initiative co-piloted with the Virginia Department of Health that led to the creation of a prototype cloud-based data processing pipeline that validates, ingests, and links data across multiple data streams. ·       Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) outlines a national vision for public health data and the data, technology, policy, and administrative actions essential to exchange core data efficiently and securely across healthcare and public health. ·       CDC Data Enterprise Exchange (DEX) is a cloud-based service that streamlines data exchange between STLTs and CDC through a centralized entry point, accepts data in various formats from public health partners, and utilizes modern Application Programming Interface (APIs) for secure and efficient data exchange. ·       CDC is working closely with partners through a number of initiatives to advance interoperability. This page covers several of these with access to additional resources and information.

Summary: The FDA Food Code provides an evidence-based set of best practices for retail food safety that can reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses from retail food establishments. It offers a wide array of benefits that can help establish uniformity in retail food across the country, but some jurisdictions may face challenges in adopting it. There are different ways to adopt the Food Code, showcased in this podcast episode, with examples from Connecticut and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. Speakers: ·       Manisha Juthani, MD: Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Public Health ·       Cynthia Costa: Supervisor, Food Protection Program, Environmental Health Drinking Water Branch/Environmental Health Section, Connecticut Department of Public Health ·       Maryam Hosseini, RS/REHS: Environmental Health Manager, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Resources: ·       The Importance of the FDA Food Code | ASTHO ·       Helping Healthy Agencies Adopt the FDA's Updated Food Code | Journal of Public Health Management and Practice (lww.com) ·       Our History | Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation ·       Environmental Health Program | Mashantucket Land Use Commission ·       Sec. 19a-36j. Food inspectors. Certification. Inspections. | Chapter 368a – Department of Public Health ·       Sec. 19a-36h. Adoption by reference of United States Food and Drug Administration's Food Code. Regulations. | Chapter 368a – Department of Public Health ·       ASTHO Daily Newscast: Public Health Review Morning Edition

The Government of Guam (GovGuam)— along with many other states, territories, and freely associated states — experience s challenges with procurement, which were illuminated by the COVID-19 pandemic response. To improve their small purchase procurement process, GovGuam invested time and resources into business process improvement (BPI), forming cross-agency leadership and project teams with key staff from the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS), the Office of the Governor of Guam, and other government agencies to inform decisions. Learn about the benefits and challenges of their efforts, and listen to their hopes for the future. Guests ·       Arthur San Agustin: Special Assistant of Health to the Governor of Guam, Former Director of Guam DPHSS, ASTHO Alum ·       Bertha Taijeron: Program Coordinator, Guam DPHSS ·       Jon Junior Calvo: Chief of Staff, Office of the Governor of Guam Resources Grants Management Office Structure Optimization Toolkit assists in establishing and maintaining a centralized grants management office to optimize the use of federal funding. ASTHO STAR Center provides high quality resources, tools, and model practices that modernize and strengthen administrative and organizational capacity. Business process improvement efforts in the U.S. Virgin Islands offer insight into improving federal grants management: Interagency Collaboration to Improve Business Processes in the U.S. Virgin Islands How the U.S. Virgin Islands Is Improving Federal Grants Management U.S. Virgin Islands Federal Grants Planning and Set Up Process Improvement USVI – Business Processes Improvement Boundary Spanning Leadership workshops focus on leveraging boundaries to benefit a group or an entire organization. Using Boundary Spanning Leadership to Improve Population Health details GovGuam's Boundary Spanning efforts. Public Health Review Morning Edition

The social determinants of health (SDOH)—the social, economic, and built environments in which people live, learn, work, and play—have significant impacts on health outcomes. Yet, sustainably funding initiatives that address SDOH is an ongoing challenge. In this episode, Admiral Rachel Levine, MD, assistant secretary for health at HHS, and Danielle Nelson, Senior Program Analyst at the Federal Transit Administration, discuss the federal government's commitment to aligning investments and resources across agencies. In addition, Elizabeth Hertel, director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, provides a practical example of how Michigan's state health agency works collaboratively with the housing authority to ensure access to stable housing. Guests: Admiral Rachel Levine, MD: Assistant Secretary for Health, HHS Elizabeth Hertel: Director, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Danielle Nelson: Senior Program Analyst, Federal Transit Administration Resources: Braiding and Layering Funding to Address the Social Determinants of Health Public Health Review Morning Edition

In 2016, Mike Fraser joined ASTHO as CEO. Throughout the seven subsequent years, he served as an indispensable leader, visionary, mentor, and friend—steering the organization through unprecedented challenges in public health, including the global COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the time has come to bid Mike a bittersweet farewell. In this episode of Public Health Review, we speak with Mike about his profound legacy, celebrate ASTHO's extraordinary achievements under his tenure, and wish him well in his new position as CEO at the College of American Pathologists. Behind the Scenes: What it Takes to do COVID Testing Public Health Review Morning Edition

The One Health approach recognizes the interconnection between human and animal health and their shared environment. There is an urgent need for a One Health approach now, especially in the prevention of outbreaks, not just response. Public health agencies and the animal agriculture industry play crucial roles in One Health, along with other stakeholders. In this episode, our guests tell us how they put One Health into practice in a state health department, how health departments can connect across agencies to address One Health issues, and what falls under the One Health umbrella.    Guests  Dr. Karen Smith, MD, MPH: Founding Partner, Healthy Community Partners, Inc  J.J. Jones: Executive Director of the National Institute for Animal Agriculture  Dr. Megin Nichols DVM, MPH, DACVPM: Deputy Division Director, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, CDC  Resources  ASTHO One Health Case Studies  ASTHO One Health Webinars  ASTHO Responding to Emerging Food Safety Threats Policy Statement  CDC Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases  CDC One Health Office  National Institute for Animal Agriculture Public Health Review Morning Edition

Public health has a workforce problem: the demand for a new generation of public health practitioners is higher than ever, but health agencies are having a hard time filling positions, either due to funding or lack of visibility. Luckily, there are solutions to bridge fresh graduates to public health careers. In this episode of Public Health Review, Dr. JP Leider from the University of Minnesota and Dr. Heather Krasna of Columbia University spoke with ASTHO about solutions to recruit new public health professionals and the partnerships forming around that endeavor. Guests: JP Leider, PhD: Director, Center for Public Health Systems, University of Minnesota School of Public Health Heather Krasna, PhD: Associate Dean, Career and Professional Development, Columbia University School of Public Health Resources: Public Health Careers Consortium for Workforce Research in Public Health

Successful overdose prevention efforts require support from public health, public safety, and community harm reduction programs. These partnerships are key to promoting sustainable and effective overdose prevention. On this episode of Public Health Review, we speak with representatives from each of these fields to discuss their perspectives, experiences, and the importance of maintaining strong relationships while also negotiating differing strategies and approaches: Brandon del Pozo, a former police officer and current assistant professor of medicine and public health at Brown University; Joy Rucker of the Black Harm Reduction Network; and Dr. Cathy Slemp, former state health commissioner of West Virginia and current vice chair of the West Virginia Hope in Action Alliance. Guests: Brandon del Pozo, PhD: Assistant Professor of Medicine and Health Services, Policy, and Practice, Brown University Joy Rucker: National Harm Reduction Consultant, JR Harm Reduction Consulting Cathy Slemp, MD, MPH (alumni-WV): Co-Founder and Vice Chair, West Virginia Hope in Action Alliance Resources: https://www.astho.org/globalassets/brief/od2a-public-health-public-safety-partnerships.pdf

ASTHO's Essentials of Leadership and Management (ELM) training gives public health experts the skills they need to better perform their supervisory positions and support their teams. On this episode, we check in with ELM graduates in Kentucky: Shannon Rome at the Franklin County Health Department, and Elizabeth Anderson-Hoagland with the Kentucky Department of Public Health. They share how the program has improved their work and helped them grow as leaders. We also hear from ASTHO's Avia Mason about ELM, its impact on public health practitioners, and how programs like ELM can improve organizational culture and workplace wellbeing. Guests: Shannan Rome, Health Access Nurturing Development Services (HANDS) Manager, Franklin County Health Department Elizabeth Anderson-Hoagland, Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Kentucky Department of Public Health Division of Prevention and Quality Improvement Avia Mason, Vice President of Leadership and Organizational Performance, ASTHO

American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations experience profound health disparities in part due to significant social and economic barriers. Having solid data helps inform policies that can improve the systems that serve these populations and mitigate stigmas impacting the health of AI/AN mothers and infants. Centering community voices can produce more effective and equitable healthcare, reducing the disparities impacting AI/AN communities. In this episode, three experts—Ed Ehlinger (alumni-MN), a previous past president of ASTHO; Janelle Palacios, a nurse midwife and researcher; and Katelyn Strasser, administrator of the Office of Child and Family Services with the South Dakota Department of Health—discuss the Federal Advisory Committee on Infant and Maternal Mortality's most recent report on AI/AN health outcomes and the data-focused recommendations for states and territories. Guests: ·       Edward P. Ehlinger, MD, MSP: former Minnesota Health Commissioner and past president of ASTHO ·       Janelle Palacios, PhD: Salish & Kootenai, originally from the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana; Nurse Midwife, Researcher, and Storyteller ·       Katelyn Strasser, MPH: Administrator of the Office of Child and Family Services, South Dakota Department of Health Resources: ·       Making Amends: Recommended Strategies and Actions to Improve the Health and Safety of American Indian and Alaska Native Mothers and Infants ·       Strengthening Risk-Appropriate Care in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities ASTHO thanks the CDC for its support of this episode of Public Health Review.

Maternal mortality rates are disproportionally high in the United States and still increasing. The majority of maternal deaths are preventable, indicating the need for system improvements. Equitable access to risk appropriate care improves maternal health outcomes and can be achieved by engaging providers in the process of developing and implementing risk appropriate care strategies at a state systems level. In this episode, two maternal healthcare veterans share approaches for bringing providers into the process, as well as how state health officials can promote risk appropriate care strategies and address challenges in achieving equitable risk appropriate care.  Show Notes Guests ·       Eugene C. Toy, MD, FACOG, FABFM, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Medical Director of ACOG Texas Levels of Maternal Care Verification Program ·       Lily Lou (alumni-AK), MD, FAAP, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine   Resources ·       Risk Appropriate Care Stakeholder Convenings ·       Strengthening Risk-Appropriate Care in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities ·       CDC Levels of Care Assessment ToolSM (CDC LOCATeSM) ·       Levels of Maternal Care (ACOG)

STIs are on the rise. Now more than ever, it is imperative to raise awareness of the current state of STIs, especially their disproportionate impact on marginalized populations. Whole person care and status-neutral approaches to STI treatment and prevention empower people to access resources and services, as well as increase engagement, outreach, and education, all of which are key components of these care models. Hear from Leandro Mena of CDC and Thomas Dobbs (alumni-MS) on the benefits of these approaches. Guests Leandro Mena, MD, MPH, Director of the Division of STD Prevention (DSTDP) in National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), CDC Thomas Dobbs, MD, Dean of the John D. Bower School of Population Health at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and ASTHO Alumni  Resources ·       Innovative STD Prevention and Treatment Strategies Microlearnings ·       Blog on the rise of STIs ·       ASTHO and NCSD Joint Statement on Rise of Syphilis in the U.S. ·       Sexually Transmitted Infections: Strategies for Your State

Like other vulnerable populations, American Indian and Alaskan Native (AI/AN) communities faced greater risk for complications during the COVID-19 pandemic. One such complication was ensuring that AI/AN populations had access to the vaccine. Listen to three public health experts share how they prioritized vaccine equity for AI/AN communities on the local, state, and national levels during the pandemic. Guests   Anne Zink, MD, FACEP, Chief Medical Officer for Alaska Department of Health, ASTHO President      Gary Lankford, Program Director for the Advances in Indian Health Care, Association of American Indian Physicians    Johnny Delgado, Project Director, Bakersfield American Indian Health Project    Resources   New ASTHO Program Aims to Increase Equity in Adult Immunization  Partnering with Community Action Agencies Can Improve Trust in Vaccines  Public Health and Healthcare Partner to Promote Influenza Vaccination  10 KEY ACTIONS to Improve Immunization Uptake and Advance Health Equity: Community Engagement 

This podcast focuses on the Washington State Department of Health's (WA DOH) approach to understanding and addressing climate and equity concerns. Guests discuss the need to continuously make connections between climate change and public health, the role of community engagement and partnerships in advancing these efforts, the use of existing networks to reach at-risk populations, and how to stay grounded in the public health messaging on climate change. WA DOH discusses some of its recent initiatives for engaging environmental justice communities, shares its approach for training and coordinating resiliency planning, and highlights ways the department raises awareness of the climate's impact on health.   Resources: • WA DOH Climate and Health Web Page • WA State Environmental Justice Task Force Final Report • ASTHOReport: Climate Change and Environmental Justice: A Snapshot of Jurisdiction Activities Guests:  Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, Secretary of Health, Washington State Department of Health Rad Cunningham, MPH, MPA, Senior Epidemiologist, Washington State Department of Health

The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials was incorporated on March 23, 1942. For 80 years, ASTHO has worked to advance public health and create a healthier nation. What has that looked like in the past, and we where are we going in the years ahead? Join ASTHO's leadership panel—including CEO Mike Fraser, President Anne Zink, Past President Nirav Shah, and Idaho Commissioner of Health Elke Shaw-Tulloch - for a discussion on the unique role ASTHO plays in the public health landscape, and how we can seize historic investments in health to create a more equitable future. Guests Mike Fraser, PhD, MS, CAE, FCPP, ASTHO CEO Anne Zink, MD, FACEP, Chief Medical Officer, Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Public Health Nirav Shah, MD, JD, ASTHO Past President, Director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention Elke Shaw-Tulloch, MHS, Public Health Administrator, Idaho Department of Health & Welfare Resources About Us | ASTHO Anne Zink, MD, Chief Medical Officer for Alaska Department of Health, Announced as ASTHO's 80th President Thanking Our Public Health Workforce

Public health agencies had to rapidly innovate during COVID-19, and one of those innovations was virtual restaurant inspections. Beginning in March 2020, COVID-19 social distancing and stay-at-home orders required many food establishments to adopt takeout and/or food delivery models. To ensure that establishments were abiding by food safety rules and to protect the health of professionals who inspect these facilities, some state health agencies implemented virtual inspection protocols. This podcast showcases how one state health department pivoted during the pandemic and how they are continuing to use this innovation now and in the future. Guests Edward Simmer, MD, MPH, DFAPA, Agency Director, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. Susan Best, Program Manager, Division of Food and Lead Risk Assessment, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. Resources ASTHOBrief: Virtual Food Safety Inspections During the COVID-19 Pandemic South Carolina Resource: DHEC COVID-19 Virtual Food Safety Check ASTHOBrief: Environmental Health Innovations During the COVID-19 Pandemic South Carolina Resource: Food Safety & COVID-19

As Ebola cases grow in Uganda, state and island area health officials are preparing for the possibility of a case in the United States. While there are no U.S. cases currently, there was an outbreak of Ebola in Dallas in 2014 when Dr. David Lakey was Commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services. He joins this episode of Public Health Review to discuss his experience managing the outbreak and what lessons and advice he has as health officials prepare for potential cases of Ebola in the United States. Guests: David Lakey, MD, Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs and Chief Medical Officer, The University of Texas System, Alumni-TX Resources: ASTHO Podcast: Lessons From the Trenches: Leading During a Public Health Crisis CDC Webpage: Ebola (Ebola Virus Disease)

Building a comprehensive workforce response to the youth mental health crisis requires educators, traditional school behavioral health workers, and public health professionals to work collaboratively. A public health approach is needed to address youth mental health by supporting frontline staff through a "helping the helpers" model. Public health and education sectors can work in tandem to train frontline school staff and create systems of support for staff well-being. This episode highlights strategies for addressing youth mental health through the workforce and promising state practices for cross-sector collaborations. Guests: Sharon Hoover, PhD, Co-Director, National Center for School Mental Health Director, NCTSN Center for Safe Supportive Schools, University of Maryland School of Medicine Allison Budzinski, MSW, CAPSW, Trauma and Resilience Coordinator Wisconsin Department of Health Services Jessica Frain, MSW, School Mental Health Consultant, Student Services/Prevention and Wellness, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Resources: Improving School Workforce Capacity to Address Youth Mental Health ASTHO Report: Improving Youth Behavioral Health Through School Based Strategies NCSMH Advancing Comprehensive School Mental Health Systems: Guidance from the Field Resilient Wisconsin Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction School Mental Health  

Health equity is a top priority for many health agencies. In an ideal implementation, public health leaders can use performance management systems to advance health equity goals. These systems ensure that progress is being made toward department goals by systematically collecting and monitoring data to track results and identify opportunities for improvement. Our latest episode highlights how the current equity efforts can integrate with established performance management practices. It also discusses how health agencies can use planning documents to integrate equity in health assessments, health improvement plans, strategic plans, and performance management systems. Guests: Nicole Alexander Scott, MD, Former Director, Rhode Island Department of Health Harry Chen, MD, Former Commissioner, Vermont Department for Health Anna Bradley, MS, CHES, State Health Improvement Coordinator, Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services Resources: Data Visualization for Performance Improvement Learning Series Rhode Island Health Equity Measures Montana State Health Improvement Plan CDC Webpage: Paving the Road to Health Equity ASTHOReport Health Equity Metrics (coming soon to astho.org)

The Senior Leader Reserve Corps connects former government public health leaders with current state health officials in need of leadership-level technical assistance and support. ASTHO developed this program with CDC to support state health officials as they face their biggest professional challenges. In this episode, Dr. Greg Holzman (alum-MT), Paula Tran (SHO-WI), and Meredith Alexander (ASTHO) discuss this innovative program and highlight the work that Paula and Greg have done in Wisconsin to strengthen the statewide public health infrastructure. To request support for your health agency, or for more information on volunteering with the Senior Leader Reserve Corps, please reach out to the Performance Excellence team, at [email protected].  Guests Greg Holzman: Alum-Montana, SLRC Member Paula Tran: SHO-WI Meredith Alexander: Senior Analyst, Performance Excellence and Engagement, ASTHO Resources Senior Leader Reserve Corps Wisconsin Department of Health Services      

Opioid use disorder (OUD) during pregnancy contributes to maternal death and poor birth outcomes. Although prenatal care can reduce these effects, pregnant individuals may delay care due to concerns about stereotyping and stigmatizing by providers. The relationship between a physician and their patient may also be strained by mandated reporting of substance use to law enforcement or social services, and related fears of parent-child separation and criminalization. Such fears may present additional barriers to receiving prenatal care. In this episode, Dr. Joseph Kanter, the current state health official of Louisiana, and Dr. Amy Ladley, Program Manager for the Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative, discuss Louisiana's approach to reducing stigma and fears of criminalization around opioid use in pregnant and postpartum individuals. They also highlight the importance of partnerships in these efforts. Resources: Stigma Reinforces Barriers to Care for Pregnant and Postpartum Women with Substance Use Disorder Supporting Pregnant and Postpartum Women with Opioid Use Disorder: An Infographic Series Opioid Use Disorder Toolkit: Supporting the Public Health Response in Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health

Since 2000, rates of suicide and substance overdose mortality have steadily increased in the United States. A prevailing theory within public health is that substance use disorder and suicide are both "deaths of despair" and a way to cope with socioeconomic infrastructure challenges, such as poverty, lack of social connection, housing instability, and discrimination—issues which have only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a method of preventing suicide and substance use disorder, states turn to addressing upstream factors like creating healthy communities where individuals feel they matter. In this podcast episode, Sheila Nelson, a program manager for adolescent health and injury prevention at the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and Kini-Ana Tinkham, the executive director of the Maine Resilience Building Network, discuss how they are working in their communities to set youth up to thrive. Using behavioral health data from the Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey (MIYHS), they are collaborating on a Cultivating Mattering for Maine Youth Initiative where they build resilience, incorporate youth voices, and support communities in their suicide and substance use prevention efforts. Guests: Sheila Nelson, Program Manager, Adolescent Health and Injury Prevention, Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention Kini-Ana Tinkham, Executive Director, Maine Resilience Building Network Resources: Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey Maine Resilience Building Network

COVID-19 has impacted the ways in which we prevent, detect, and treat tuberculosis (TB) infections. The pandemic presented challenges to public health and healthcare systems which may have caused delayed diagnoses, and increased new infections, however some COVID-19 mitigation measures may have positively impacted TB disease burden. What do the data tell us? What can public health do to improve TB prevention and treatment efforts? In this episode, Dr. José Romero (SHO-AR) and Dr. Philip LoBue (Director of the Division of Tuberculosis Elimination at CDC) discuss the current state of TB, and the challenges and areas of opportunity posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. LoBue also shares information about the latest CDC TB Campaign: Think. Test. Treat TB, which aims to raise awareness for TB among patients, providers, and partners. MMWR: Tuberculosis — United States, 2021 CDC Webpage: Tuberculosis Data and Statistics CDC Communications Campaign: Think. Test. Treat TB

Older-adult health has been increasingly on the radar of public health agencies over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. For many, it prompted new or enhanced partnerships with their sibling agencies. As the population of older adults continues to grow, it is crucial for public health agencies to join partners in the aging network to create systems that support healthy aging. In this podcast episode, Jewel Mullen (alumni-CT) offers perspectives on the value of cultivating partnerships between state public health agencies and state units on aging. In addition, Elizabeth Head (Deputy Director, Injury Prevention Section, Georgia Department of Public Health) and Aline Stone (Georgia Alzheimer's and Related Dementias Coordinator, Division of Aging Services, Georgia Department of Human Services) describe their collaboration to improve the health of older adults in Georgia. They share their experience participating in a pilot project with ASTHO and Trust for America's Health to cross reference their state health improvement and aging plans. Guests Jewel Mullen, Former Public Health Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Public Health Elizabeth Head, Deputy Director, Injury Prevention Section, Georgia Department of Public Health Aline Stone, Georgia Alzheimer's and Related Dementias Coordinator, Division of Aging Services, Georgia Department of Human Services Resources Age-Friendly Public Health Systems - Trust for America's Health (afphs.org) Healthy Aging and Brain Health | ASTHO ASTHO Learning: Integrating Healthy Aging into Public Health ASTHO Learning: Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) Road Map Module

The expansion of federal and state telehealth flexibilities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic loosened policy restrictions and improved access to telehealth for millions of people, although challenges remain for certain under resourced populations. As telehealth continues to take off, there are questions around how public health agencies are engaging in telehealth activities. Each public health department operates differently and offers a varying perspective on how they implement and support telehealth to increase access to care for communities. In this podcast episode, Scott Harris (SHO-AL) and Mei Kwong (executive director, Center for Connected Health Policy) explore the current state of telehealth during COVID-19 and how it's being used as a tool to access care, spotlighting examples from public health. Guests: Scott Harris, MD, MPH, State Health Officer, Alabama Department of Public Health Mei Kwong, JD, Executive Director, Center for Connected Health Policy Resources: State, Federal Policies Increase Virtual Access to Behavioral Health Care States Leverage Telehealth to Respond to COVID-19 What's Next for Telehealth: States Try to Make COVID-19 Telehealth Options Permanent Telehealth: An Opportunity for State and Territorial Health Agencies to Improve Access to Needed Health Services

Public health agencies work around the clock to prepare for and respond to public health threats, including infectious diseases, natural disasters, clinical care emergencies, and more. While advanced preparedness planning is invaluable, past and current emergencies also serve as critical learning opportunities to inform future public health responses. In this episode, Haley Cash (Pacific Island Health Officers Association) and Secretary Jack Niedenthal (Republic of the Marshall Islands) share insights into the unique strategies and successes of COVID-19 responses in the U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands. How have these jurisdictions—with unique needs and oftentimes limited supplies—managed to protect their populations over the last two years? Our experts dive into key lessons and share broader takeaways for future public health crises. Resources: USAPI COVID-19 Response Hub ASTHO JPHMP Article: US-Affiliated Pacific Islands Response to COVID-19: Keys to Success and Important Lessons ASTHO Newscast Clip: Fighting COVID-19 in the Pacific ASTHO Blog: Reflections From the Field: Pacific and Atlantic Jurisdictions Remain Resolute Amid Adversity

Adults with disabilities are reported to experience more mental distress than those without disabilities. Mental distress in this population is associated with poorer health behaviors, an increase in health services use, mental and behavioral health disorders, and reduced quality of life. In particular, the pandemic has spotlighted a need for improved healthcare delivery systems and public health response strategies as COVID-19 has exacerbated health disparities in people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). In this podcast episode, Alison Beam (alumni-PA) and Kristin Ahrens (deputy secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Health) offer cross-agency perspectives on the challenges and experiences they faced addressing the complex needs of people with IDD during the COVID-19 pandemic. They also share strategies to leverage state Medicaid data to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on the health of people with IDD, along with how cross-agency data-sharing can provide a more comprehensive look at statewide trends and inform decision-making in current and future pandemic response efforts. Guests: Alison Beam, Former Secretary of Health, Pennsylvania Department of Health Kristin Ahrens, Deputy Secretary, Office of Developmental Programs, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Resources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - The Mental Health of People with Disabilities Cross-Agency Partnerships for Health Equity: Understanding Opportunities Across Medicaid and Public Health Agencies (ASTHO) How COVID-19 impacts people with disabilities Embedded: When Disaster Strikes for People Living With Disabilities (ASTHO) Embedded: One Year Review of Disability and Preparedness Specialists Project

As Omicron leads to nation-wide COVID-19 surges, many jurisdictions face the decision to activate crisis standards of care, a decision-making guide that helps healthcare providers give the best care during situations where resources are scarce. These guidelines focus on care for groups of people rather than individuals and are steered by ethical principles to avoid discrimination. Crisis standards of care can be especially impactful for people living with disabilities who may require access to certain resources, such as ventilators, as part of their routine medical care. In this episode, Katey Redmond (former Disability and Preparedness Specialist, Alaska Department of Health and Social Services) and Dr. Alexis Travis (State Health Officer, Michigan Department of Health & Human Services) speak about disability inclusion in crisis standards of care and share advice on how to build partnerships with the disability community. Guests Alexis Travis, PhD, State Health Officer, Michigan Department of Health & Human Services Katey Redmond, MPH, CPH, Public Health Specialist II, Former Alaska Disability and Preparedness Specialist Resources ASTHO Experts Infographic: 10 Essential Questions on Disability Inclusion (Available in English and Spanish) ASTHO Experts Blog: Embedded: One Year Review of Disability and Preparedness Specialists ASTHO Experts Video: Partnerships with Disability Organizations ASTHO Experts Podcast: Protecting the Vulnerable: How Public Health Can Better Serve People with Disabilities

Public Health leaders know that location matters and has a significant impact on an individual's health—and initiatives that have the highest impact focus on localized conditions and speak directly to community needs. Nicole Alexander-Scott (director, Rhode Island Department of Health) and Katie Lamansky (health program manager, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare) discuss why place-based interventions are a key strategy for health agencies to advance health equity. We examine the Health Equity Zone model and share what states can borrow from it to reimagine how they engage with communities.    Guests Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH, Director, Rhode Island Department of Health Katie Lamansky, CHES, Health Program Manager, Get Healthy Idaho, Office of Policy, Performance and Strategy, Division of Public Health, Idaho Department of Health & Welfare Resources Episode Transcript Health Equity Zones: A Toolkit for Building Healthy and Resilient Communities Rhode Island's Health Equity Zones: Addressing Local Problems with Local Solutions A Framework for Public Health Action: The Health Impact Pyramid ASTHO Challenge: Building Healthy and Resilient Communities ASTHO Place-Based ECHO

A strong public health infrastructure is required at the national, state, territorial, and local levels to carry out critical programs and respond to emergencies. How can states move from a reactive approach of ad hoc crisis funding to a proactive investment in nimble, cross-cutting systems? How are states that are undergoing public health transformations positioned to leverage new funding for core priorities like data modernization? In our latest episode, Dr. Steven Stack (Commissioner, Kentucky Department for Public Health) and Janet Hamilton (Executive Director, CSTE) share the latest insights from the field. They address short and long-term needs that public health departments must consider as they create the next generation of public health infrastructure—from laboratories to workforce development, to community partnerships, data systems, administrative readiness, and more. Together, building this infrastructure can be the rising tide that lifts all services across the public health system. Guests: Steven Stack, MD, Commissioner, Kentucky Department for Public Health Janet Hamilton, MPH, Executive Director, Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists Resources: Episode Transcript Foundational Public Health Services Framework The 10 Essential Public Health Services ASTHO – Accreditation and Performance Management Technical Assistance and Resources ASTHO – Guide on Conducting an Administrative Policy Assessment and Gap Analysis ASTHO – COVID-19 Highlights Critical Need for Public Health Data Modernization to Remain a Priority ASTHO –Exploring Innovations in GIS and Visualization for Healthier Communities ASTHO - Public Health Infrastructure Proposals Gain Steam in Congress ASTHO - Understanding the Impacts of COVID-19 on the Workforce

This episode highlights COVID-19's impact on overdose-related deaths during the postpartum period, also known as the fourth trimester. There has been a significant increase in postpartum overdose-related deaths in recent years—a problem that has only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.   In this episode, Dr. Kristina Box (Indiana state health commissioner) discusses the topic from a state-level perspective. Dr. Mishka Terplan (medical director, Friends Research Institute) then shares an overview of the stigma this population faces, and what can be done to improve health outcomes for people with substance use disorder during the postpartum period.   Guests:   Kristina Box, MD, FACOG, Indiana State Health Commissioner  Mishka Terplan, MD, MPH, FACOG, DFASAM, Friends Research Institute Resources:  Preventing Fatal Overdoses in Postpartum Populations Postpartum Depression: Expanding Screening Practices to Improve Outcomes Stigma Reinforces Barriers to Care for Pregnant and Postpartum Women with Substance Use Disorder  

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought challenges to communities nationwide, but there is reason for hope: In the face of these struggles, health agencies are seeing real progress that will provide benefits long after the pandemic passes. In our latest episode, Anne Zink (Chief Medical Officer, Alaska Department of Health and Social Services) and Larry Lewis (licensed psychologist and executive coach) speak on the importance of celebrating "small wins"—tangible stories of progress that can sustain the public health workforce in an otherwise trying time. Listen in to hear what these wins look like and learn how leaders can apply this motivational practice in their own daily work. Speakers: Anne Zink, MD, FACEP, Chief Medical Officer, Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Public Health Larry Lewis, PhD, Licensed Psychologist and Independent Executive Coach Resources: Resiliency Guide: The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services CDC: Practicing Gratitude Works

As states continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of crisis communications is vital. How can states provide the public with relevant, timely information? What are the essential elements of a crisis communications response?    In our latest episode, Umair Shah (Director, Washington State Department of Health) and Khalilah LeGrand (Director of Communications, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services) share the latest insights from the field. Hear them discuss lessons learned during the pandemic, strategies public health communications departments can use to connect audiences with resources, and best practices of media relations. Guests: Umair Shah, MD, MPH, Secretary of Health, Washington State Department of Health Khalilah LeGrand, EdD, Director of Communications, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Resources: Washington Department of Health COVID-19 Resources Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Resources CDC Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication (CERC) Training and Resources

On this episode, we dissect concerns at the southwest United States border, where health and governmental officials find themselves managing an extraordinarily complex situation, handling an increase in migration activity during a global pandemic. Pritesh Gandhi, MD, Chief Medical Officer, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and Erica Pan, MD, State Epidemiologist and Deputy Director, Center for Infectious Diseases at the California Department of Public Health, share how community-based partnerships are vital to managing an issue with both public health and national security implications. Our speakers discuss how leaders at all levels of government ultimately lean on partners at the local level to carry out their missions and what that looks like at the border right now. Guests: Erica Pan, MD, MPH, FAAP, California State Epidemiologist and Deputy Director, Center for Infectious Diseases at the California Department of Public Health Pritesh Gandhi, MD, MPH, Chief Medical Officer, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Resources: Official California COVID-19 Dashboard Department of Homeland Security Profile: Pritesh Gandhi

As the COVID-19 vaccination campaign continues, countering misinformation has become a core public health goal. What approaches are showing promise, and who can public health agencies bring to the table to advance clear and accurate information about vaccines? In this episode, Nirav D. Shah, MD, JD, ASTHO President and Director, Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and Joe Smyser, PhD, CEO, The Public Good Projects, share the latest insights from the field. Tune in to hear about Maine CDC's social media strategy, learn about existing expertise health agencies can leverage to counter misinformation, and stay up to date with challenges at the intersection of traditional media, social media, and health information. Speakers: Nirav D. Shah, MD, JD, ASTHO President and Director, Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention Joe Smyser, PhD, CEO, The Public Good Projects Resources: Maine CDC's #VaccineAnswersforMe video campaign The Public Good Projects Project VCTR First Draft News Stanford Internet Observatory

With the pandemic upending social interaction, youth mental health is an increasingly important issue. State and territorial health agencies and community partners play a role in advancing prevention at the intersection of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)s, overdose, and suicide--strengthening equity in these efforts by addressing root causes and shared risk and protective factors. Today's guests discuss why understanding the intersection of suicide, overdose, and ACEs is critical to helping individuals live happy and healthy lives. It also focuses on the importance of connecting community needs, implementing awareness campaigns, and addressing stigma to reduce health disparities. Show Notes: Rachael Banks, Oregon Health Authority in the Division of Public Health, Director Jessica Kroeker, Trauma Matters Omaha, Initiative Coordinator Resources: Maternal and Child Health Public Health Nurse Home Visiting Programs (Oregon Health Authority) Maternal and Child Health Title V Block Grant (Oregon Health Authority) Climate Change and Public Health (Oregon Health Authority) Healthier Together Oregon Trauma Matters Omaha Trauma-Informed Interviewing with Project Harmony Project Harmony The Kim Foundation

In this bonus episode, we hear from three leading state public health officials about the latest national and state response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Their comments are taken from a virtual news conference with national journalists held Thursday, July 29, 2021. During the event hosted by the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), Dr. Nirav Shah (Maine), Dr. Karyl Rattay (Delaware), and Dr. Joseph Kanter (Louisiana), discuss the latest issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic – mask guidance, back to school issues, and the surging Delta variant. Listen to the full briefing here. Speakers: Nirav Shah, MD, JD, Director, Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and ASTHO President. Karyl Rattay, MD, MS, Director, Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Public Health Joseph Kanter, MD, MPH, State Health Officer, Louisiana Department of Health

Medicaid plays a critical role in providing access to health services for low-income U.S. citizens in the five U.S. territories. However, Medicaid financing in the territories has been underfunded when compared to states. While Congress has provided a patchwork of short-term, enhanced funding solutions through recent appropriation bills, they are set to expire at the end of September, which could trigger a "Medicaid cliff" and result in drastic cuts to territorial Medicaid programs. Today's guests discuss the urgent need for a permanent Medicaid solution, drawing attention on the need for equitable health financing for the U.S territories. This funding is necessary to support comprehensive public health and healthcare within these jurisdictions that includes expanded prevention, testing, and treatment programs and capabilities.   Speakers: Karl Ensign, MPP, Vice President, Territorial Support, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials   Justa Encarnacion, RN, BSN, MBA,  Commissioner of Health, U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health Jorge Galva, JD, MHA, Executive Director, Puerto Rico Health Insurance Administration Resources: Permanent, Sustainable Medicaid Financing for U.S. Territories Policy Statement (ASTHO) Medicaid Financing for the Territories (Congressional Research Service) Medicaid and CHIP in the Territories (Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission)

The COVID-19 pandemic was an important lesson for public health officials that their surveillance needs can evolve and change quickly - from ramping up testing, to building up a contact tracing workforce, to creating a database for vaccinations. On this bonus episode, Jim Ivey, chief operating officer at Chexout - a company that helps public health organizations digitize their clinics and operations - discusses the importance of interoperability. Ivey makes the case that public health organizations need to invest in software that will adapt to their changing needs in both ongoing disease outbreaks and emerging infections, adding a robust, up-to-date data dashboard can make the difference between an economy closing down or staying open.

Forensic pathologists investigate deaths to serve the living, but what are the implications for public health when we do not have a viable forensic pathology workforce? State medicolegal death investigation systems currently lack a capacity to respond to major public health crises, and the surge of overdose deaths over the past decade have only exacerbated this workforce shortage. Today's guests discuss the critical need to find new recruits in forensic pathology and urge state health officials to consider reforms that could help bring reinforcement to a vital yet often neglected profession with a huge impact on public health.  Guests: Tracie Collins, MD, MPH, Secretary, New Mexico Department of Health Kurt Nolte, MD, Professor of Pathology and Radiology, University of New Mexico, Former Chief Medical Investigator for the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator Resources: Forensic Pathologist Shortages: Context and Considerations for State Public Health Agencies (ASTHO) Increasing the Number, Retention, and Quality of Board-Certified Forensic Pathologists (The National Institute of Standards and Technology) Reclaiming the Autopsy as the Practice of Medicine (National Association of Medical Examiners) Needs Assessment of Forensic Laboratories and Medical Examiner/Coroner Offices (The National Institute of Justice)

The idea of "vaccine passports" is starting to become a divisive issue, but the reality is many businesses likely will begin to require patrons to show some kind of proof of vaccination against COVID-19. The good news is businesses and governments have options for how they might want to implement this requirement. On this bonus episode of Public Health Review, Kevin Richardson, Outside Counsel on Global Government Affairs for Zebra Technologies Corporation, discusses how a business or government can create vaccine credentials that are more sophisticated than CDC's paper cards, but also protect a holder's personal information. Richardson explains digital vaccine credential options, outlines their security features, and considers the policy outcomes for entities looking to confirm that people are protected against COVID-19.

Vaccines that protect against COVID-19 are now readily available for most Americans. Almost half of the adult population is fully inoculated. This is a huge step in the right direction in order to put COVID-19 behind us. However, there remains a significant number of people who are vaccine hesitant - enough to possibly prevent the United States from reaching herd immunity. On this bonus episode we talk with Jens Dakin, Managing Director of Information Operations and Strategic Communications with AM Trace, to discuss how to best to communicate to these populations.  AM Trace is currently working with a handful of states to create community-specific messaging for vaccine hesitant people, and Dakin discusses what they've learned in this process so far.

People living with disabilities have borne disproportionate burden in past emergency situations due to inequities in preparedness and response. To address and prevent inequities in the COVID-19 response, ASTHO placed 14 disability and preparedness specialists into health agencies around the country to promote inclusivity of people living with disabilities. On today's episode, we explore how two of these disability and preparedness specialists have worked to address the needs of people living with disabilities in their jurisdictions. Our experts share their drive for this work and what their states are doing to promote equity for people living with disabilities. Speakers: Sara Hart Weir, MS, Special Advisor, Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services Kara Nett Hinkley, MPP; Special Advisor for COVID-19, Louisiana Department of Health Joseph Kanter, MD, MPH, State Health Officer, Louisiana Department of Health Resources Examining the Americans with Disabilities Act in Emergency Responses (ASTHO) Website Accessibility: Enhancing Access to COVID-19 Vaccine Registration and Beyond (ASTHO) Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day in Missouri (PSA Video) (Missouri) White House Call: Vaccinating People with Disabilities (White House) Vaccine Eligibility for People with Disabilities and their Providers (Louisiana)

As public health leaders race to vaccinate the nation against COVID-19, it's critically important for public health data to move faster than disease. On this bonus episode of Public Health Review, we chat with an expert in artificial intelligence who knows how to leverage data in the fight against disease. Stanley Campbell, CEO and CTO of EagleForce, discusses its proprietary telehealth platform ("myVax™") and how the company has developed a platform for a digital passport for COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination results. He also explains how a centralized database for all personal health information--yes, even to track vaccinations-- can help us transition into a post-pandemic world.