Public Health Review Morning Edition

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this episode explores how Colorado is rethinking suicide prevention and shifting from crisis response to upstream intervention. Conlin Bass, Health Systems Suicide Prevention manager for the Colorado Office of Suicide Prevention, explains Colorado’s comprehensive, data-driven strategy focused on reaching people before they hit a breaking point.  He’ll explain how the state is investing in protective factors like social connection, economic stability, and access to trusted support systems while also strengthening crisis care when it’s needed. The conversation highlights the state’s wide-ranging partnerships across schools, health systems, community organizations, all aligned around a shared goal: reducing suicide through coordinated, community-based action.Public Health Communications for Impact: Approaches to Strengthening InfrastructureLeveraging PHIG to Advance Policy Infrastructure at Austin Public Health | ASTHO

What happens when public health stops treating patients in isolation and starts addressing the realities of their daily lives?  In this episode, leaders from the Tennessee Department of Health share how they’re using PHIG funding to transform care at both the clinical and community level. Sanjana Stamm, director of Regional and Local Health, Tennessee Department of Health, explains how the state is embedding social workers and care coordinators into primary care clinics across rural regions, helping patients navigate everything from medication access to food insecurity and employment. Then, Jen Trail, director of the Tennessee Department of Health’s Division of Strategic Initiatives, explains how Tennessee is empowering its counties to lead their own health improvement efforts through local health councils, data-driven planning, and targeted grants.This work is supported by funds made available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Center for STLT Public Health Infrastructure and Workforce, through OE22-2203: Strengthening U.S. Public Health Infrastructure, Workforce, and Data Systems grant. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.Public Health Infrastructure Grant: Resources & Impact - PHIGTennessee Department of Health Division of Strategic Initiatives

What happens when more than half of rural hospitals stop delivering babies? Senior Advisor for Public Health at MaineHealth, former state health official, and ASTHO Alumni Society Representative Dr. Dora Anne Mills, tells us about the rapidly escalating rural maternity crisis and why it’s more than just hospital closures.  Dr. Mills explains how Maine has lost nearly half of its maternity units, creating vast “maternity deserts” where pregnant patients face 45-minute or even multi-hour drives for care. Compounding the crisis is worsening maternal health driven by chronic disease, mental health challenges, and substance use, especially among rural and underserved populations.ASTHO Learning Opportunity: ACEs Strategic Communications TrainingThriving Under Pressure: Building Resilient Dialysis Systems and Teams

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

In a crowded funding environment, telling your story clearly isn’t extra work, it’s essential infrastructure. ASTHO Senior Analyst Elise Moore explores a growing trend in grant funding: community impact statements, and why they’re becoming essential.  At their core, these statements are simple: a clear, concise way to explain not just what public health agencies are doing, but why it matters. But as Moore explains, that shift from describing activities to demonstrating real-world impact can make the difference between securing funding and being overlooked.From Workplan to Why: Crafting Meaningful Community Impact Statements | ASTHOPublic Health Communications for Impact: Approaches to Strengthening InfrastructureSubscribe | ASTHO

For U.S. territories and freely associated states in the Pacific, climate change is a daily reality. Today, ASTHO Senior Analyst for Environmental Health Shelbi Davis talks about how these island communities are navigating some of the most severe climate-related health risks in the world.  From intensifying typhoons in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands to devastating flooding from little-known Kona lows in Hawaii, Davis explains how increasingly frequent and extreme weather events are straining already limited infrastructure and public health systems. Geographic isolation, workforce shortages, and resource constraints only compound the challenge.About Environmental Public Health | ASTHOPH-HERO | ASTHO

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

Rural communities face some of the most complex and often overlooked public health challenges. Today, Melanie Ramsey, deputy director of CDC’s Office of Rural Health, discusses how a new national effort is working to close those gaps.  The Rural Health Academy is a growing initiative designed to strengthen the capacity of state and local health leaders. Ramsey will share how the Academy is fostering peer-to-peer learning, connecting federal and state partners, and equipping leaders with practical tools to better serve rural populations.  Some states are exploring creative solutions like housing incentives for health workers, while new federal coordination efforts aim to align strategy and funding across agencies.  Ramsey also highlights CDC’s Rural Public Health Training Plan, a free, self-paced program built to deliver real-world, scenario-based training to anyone working in rural health.National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network | HomeAbout the Atlas of Heart Disease and Stroke | Atlas of Heart Disease and Stroke | CDCProject Firstline | Project Firstline | CDCRural Health Mapping ToolRural Health Science Tips | Rural Health | CDCRural Public Health Training Plan - CDC TRAIN - an affiliate of the TRAIN Learning Network powered by the Public Health FoundationRural Public Health | Rural Health | CDCASTHO Policy Institute Lunch & Learn Series: Modernizing and Strengthening Data For STI PreventionFunding & Collaboration Opportunities | ASTHO

Cyberattacks aren’t just an IT problem, they’re a potential public health emergency. ASTHO Senior Analyst for Preparedness, Maggie Nilz, explains how cyber disruptions are reshaping the foundation of public health systems. She explains how increasingly interconnected digital infrastructure has made core health functions more vulnerable, which raises the risk of things like delayed outbreak detection and interrupted lab reporting. As cyber threats surge and federal policy shifts, states are beginning to treat cyber incidents like hurricanes or pandemics, building coordinated response frameworks and integrating cybersecurity into emergency planning.State Policy Trends in Cybersecurity and Public Health Preparedness | ASTHOThriving Under Pressure: Building Resilient Dialysis Systems and Teams

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

Strong leaders don’t just appear, they’re developed. In this episode, Joshua Allen, leadership training Director for the South Carolina Department of Public Health’s Bureau of Organizational Development, talks about how targeted supervisor training and mentorship programs are reshaping workforce culture in public health. Born out of a clear need to better prepare new supervisors, Allen’s team built a hands-on training program focused on real-world skills, like communication and conflict resolution, and strategic planning and burnout prevention. Paired with a structured mentorship initiative for new hires, the approach is already delivering results.Home | Public Health Careers.orgPublic Health Leadership Starts in the Classroom | ASTHODemonstrating the Impact of School-Based Health Centers | Key Measures That Highlight ROI | ASTHO

What does it take to build and sustain a strong public health workforce in uncertain times? In this episode Kirsten Aird, public health director for Oregon’s Multnomah County, explores how strategic investments are strengthening workforce capacity, stability, and community impact.  Aird breaks down how PHIG funding is being used to support professional development, create staff-led communities of practice, and tackle long-standing hiring challenges, including restoring leadership continuity after years of vacancies. She also highlights the critical role of “behind-the-scenes” infrastructure like HR, finance, and operations, in enabling frontline public health work.This work is supported by funds made available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Center for STLT Public Health Infrastructure and Workforce, through OE⁠22-2203⁠: Strengthening U.S. Public Health Infrastructure, Workforce, and Data Systems grant. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.Public Health Infrastructure Grant: Resources & Impact - PHIG

Public health data modernization isn’t a quick fix, it’s a multi-decade transformation. In this episode, ASTHO Senior Vice President for Population Health and Innovation, Jen Layden talks about the real progress happening across the country and the persistent challenges that remain.  Drawing from insights at the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, or HIMSS, conference, Dr. Layden highlights key advancements like the expansion of electronic case reporting, improved syndromic surveillance, and ongoing efforts to modernize vital statistics systems. But she’s clear: sustaining this progress requires more than just technology. It demands stronger policy frameworks, a skilled workforce, and new ways of working across sectors.Breaking Silos, Building Success: A New Era of Policy, Funding, and PartnershipsDriving Impact with Flexible FundingASTHO Policy Institute Lunch & Learn Series: Modernizing and Strengthening Data For STI Prevention

How do public health officials detect emerging viruses before they spread widely across the U.S.? Heather Reese, Genomic Epidemiology and Preparedness Team Lead at CDC tells us about the Traveler-Based Genomic Surveillance (TGS) program: a cutting-edge effort that turns international travel into an early warning system for public health threats.  By combining voluntary nasal swabs from incoming travelers with wastewater sampling from aircraft, the program monitors for pathogens like COVID-19, flu, and RSV. These data help identify new variants and emerging strains, often before they begin circulating domestically, giving public health leaders critical time to prepare and respond.Driving Impact with Flexible FundingHow Public Health Can Support Modern Administrative Readiness in a Dynamic World | ASTHO

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

What does it take to build a stronger, more resilient food system? In this episode we speak with Nessa Richman, executive director of the Rhode Island Food Policy Council about how the Council is bringing diverse stakeholders together to tackle complex food challenges, from farmers and fishers to public health leaders and policymakers.  Nessa will explain how the council creates space for collaboration across the food system, helping break down silos and align efforts around shared goals like food access, economic vitality, and environmental sustainability. Through convenings, education programs, and coordinated advocacy, the council is driving more equitable and community-informed food policy.Food System Resilience: A Planning Guide for State Governments | ASTHOSustaining Accreditation: How Montana and Southern Nevada Are Building Resilient Public Health Infrastructure for the Long Term | ASTHOA Guide for Sustainable Public Health Accreditation | ASTHOHow States Can Prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences Through Stability, Safety, and Support | ASTHOUtilizing Partnerships, Data, and Messaging to Prevent ACEs | ASTHOAdverse Childhood Experiences | ASTHO

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

What does it take to turn a struggling performance management system into a national standout? Anna Bryant, Performance Manager at the Louisiana Department of Health, shares the story of how her team went from receiving an action plan after initial accreditation in 2019 to earning top recognition during their 2025 reaccreditation.  Using a “telescope and microscope” analogy, Bryant breaks down the essential connection between performance management and quality improvement, showing how big-picture strategy and day-to-day problem solving must work hand in hand. She walks through the nuts and bolts of Louisiana’s transformation, from conducting system-wide assessments and tackling staff burnout to leveraging existing tools like Monday.com and Tableau to reduce friction and drive adoption.Creating Meaning from Measures: A PDSA Approach to Performance ManagementPublic Health Infrastructure Grant: Resources & Impact - PHIGASTHO Leadership Institute | ASTHO

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

What if public health recruitment started with a summer camp? In this PHIG impact report, Veronika Hanna and Mondi Mason from the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment share how creative workforce strategies powered by the Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG) are opening new pathways into the field.  Veronika Hanna walks through Denver’s innovative three-day public health “summer camp,” where high school and college students step into real-world roles, from testing river water quality to inspecting food trucks and exploring the work of medical examiners. And Mondi Mason expands on how Denver is scaling that vision through deeper partnerships with universities, community colleges, and public schools. From paid internships and long-term placements to co-developing research and securing joint funding, these collaborations are transforming workforce development into a more structured, sustainable system.This work is supported by funds made available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Center for STLT Public Health Infrastructure and Workforce, through OE22-2203: Strengthening U.S. Public Health Infrastructure, Workforce, and Data Systems grant. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.Public Health Infrastructure Grant: Resources & Impact - PHIG

Today: bringing oral health into the public health conversation with Flora Nathan, assistant secretary for the Bureau of Oral Health in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. At her first ASTHO Spring Leadership Forum, Flora shares a candid look at the challenges and opportunities of delivering oral healthcare across a U.S. remote island nation. From severe workforce shortages and long clinic wait times to the ripple effects on families, schools, and local economies, she highlights how oral health is deeply connected to broader public health outcomes.  She also discusses the importance of integrating oral health into maternal and child health programs, school-based care, and community outreach, as well as the realities of operating without consistent funding. ASTHO Leadership Institute | ASTHOStorytelling in Public Health: Lessons from STI Prevention & Care

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

Public health doesn’t stop at hospitals or health departments, it lives in barbershops, grocery stores, schools, and small businesses. In this episode for National Public Health Week, Megan DeNubila-Griffin, ASTHO Assistant Director of Chronic Disease and Health Improvement, explores how agencies are building meaningful partnerships with non-traditional community players to address the social and environmental factors that shape health. From collaborating with local business owners to rethinking transportation and food access, this conversation highlights how public health leaders act as conveners, bringing the right voices to the table and asking who’s missing. Megan shares real-world examples, including a multi-year collaboration in Walworth County, Wisconsin, that shows how cross-sector partnerships can drive measurable impact.National Public Health WeekLeveraging Healthy People 2030 to Build Non-Traditional Multisector Partnerships | ASTHOPima County Elevates Collaboration with IT to Advance Data Modernization | ASTHO

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

Scientific advancement has always been at the heart of public health, but as new technologies emerge, the opportunities and challenges are evolving.  In this National Public Health Week conversation, ASTHO Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Susan Kansagra explores how public health can better integrate innovation into everyday practice, from leveraging continuous improvement frameworks like Plan-Do-Study-Act to building stronger partnerships with academic and research institutions. It’s about turning questions from the field into actionable research and using that knowledge to improve real-world outcomes. National Public Health WeekPublic Health Infrastructure Grant: Resources & Impact - PHIGDriving Impact with Flexible Funding

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

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

What happens when an entire health system is pushed to the brink of a funding cliff?  In this episode, Dr. Victor Ramos Otero, Secretary of Health for Puerto Rico, joins the show to discuss the urgent challenges facing the island’s health care system. At the center of the conversation is the looming expiration of enhanced Medicaid funding in 2027, a shift that could strip away a third of Puerto Rico’s health care resources and force difficult decisions about services, staffing, and access to care.  Dr. Ramos Otero outlines the structural inequities that set Puerto Rico apart from U.S. states, including capped Medicaid funding, lower Medicare Advantage rates, and gaps in critical programs like long-term care and low-income subsidies. These disparities, he explains, are driving both health care professionals and patients to leave the island in search of more stable support.Past, Present, and Future: Reflections from a Radiation Readiness Professional

What does it take to communicate clearly when the stakes are high and the science is complex?  In this episode, Jessica Wieder, President of Teal Skies Consulting and former leader in external affairs at FEMA and EPA, shares how a career that started with a satellite crash simulation turned into two decades at the forefront of radiological preparedness and risk communication.  Jessica breaks down the evolution of crisis messaging in the digital age, from early “message mapping” techniques to today’s multi-channel, narrative-driven strategies. She explains why people can only absorb a few key messages under stress, how authenticity can make or break public trust, and why validating emotions is just as important as delivering facts.Past, Present, and Future: Reflections from a Radiation Readiness ProfessionalStorytelling in Public Health: Lessons from STI Prevention & CareDriving Impact with Flexible Funding

What if public health could predict outbreaks the way we predict the weather? In this episode, Jason Asher, Director of the Center for Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics at the CDC, joins us to explain how a new generation of data tools is transforming how we detect and respond to infectious diseases.  For decades, public health has relied on lagging data telling us what already happened. Asher and his team are working to change that, building systems that turn real-time data streams into actionable forecasts, simulations, and decision-making tools for health departments across the country.  We dive into how these tools are already being used, from measles outbreak modeling in South Carolina to national “nowcasting” systems that fill in data gaps in real time. Behind the Model: How Scenario Modeling Can Inform Public Health Decision-Making | CFA: Behind the Model | CDCConnect with CFA | CFA | CDCModeling Handbook | CFA: Modeling and Forecasting | CDCLearning Resources | CFA | CDCepiENGAGE Measles Outbreak Simulator v-2.6.0Current Epidemic Trends (Based on Rt) for States | CFA: Modeling and Forecasting | CDCRespiratory Virus Hospitalization Surveillance Network (RESP-NET) | RESP-NET | CDCMeasles Outbreak Simulator | CFA: Modeling and Forecasting | CDCScenario assessment: 2025-2026 Measles Outbreak in South Carolina | CFA: Qualitative Assessments | CDC2025-2026 Respiratory Disease Season Outlook - December Update | CFA: Qualitative Assessments | CDCPast, Present, and Future: Reflections from a Radiation Readiness ProfessionalSubscribe | ASTHO

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

Long COVID didn’t end with the pandemic and in some ways, the challenges are just beginning. In this episode, Heather Drummond, Deputy Director of the Center for Access to Whole Person Care for the Washington State Department of Health joins us to discuss the myths, realities, and urgent gaps surrounding Long COVID today.  With an estimated 6.2% of Washington adults affected and over $1.5 billion in associated medical costs, Long COVID remains a complex and often misunderstood condition. Drummond explains why it’s so difficult to diagnose, how symptoms can vary widely across individuals, and why stigma and low awareness continue to prevent patients from getting the care they need.  We also explore Washington State’s innovative response, from building a multi-source surveillance system to expanding provider training, launching public awareness campaigns, and developing clinical decision tools in partnership with the University of Washington.Living With Long COVID: Stories, Science, and Public HealthPast, Present, and Future: Reflections from a Radiation Readiness ProfessionalNow, Next, and Beyond: Understanding the Rural Health Transformation Program | EY - US

At this year’s ASTHO Spring Leadership Forum, Gaafar Uherbelau, Advisor to the President of Palau and former Minister of Health and Human Services, shared the story behind a long-awaited solution to a quiet but growing challenge in public health.  Palau’s new transition facility is designed for individuals who are medically cleared to leave the hospital but have nowhere to go, or no one to care for them. What sounds like a simple fix is actually the result of decades of cultural shifts, resource challenges, and evolving community needs.  In this episode, Uherbelau unpacks how the facility works, why it took over 20 years to become a reality, and how it reflects broader global trends like aging populations and changing family structures. He also explores the delicate balance between honoring cultural expectations of family caregiving and building formal systems of support.Weathering the Storm – Part 2: The Importance of Environmental Health Preparedness and ResponseLiving With Long COVID: Stories, Science, and Public Health

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

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

In this episode: what happens after Hill Day wraps, and what’s next for public health funding.  We talk with ASTHO Senior Director for Government Affairs, Jeffrey Ekoma, about the fast-moving FY27 appropriations process and what it means for state and territorial health agencies.  From early signals in the House and Senate to the anticipated release of the president’s budget, Ekoma walks through the key milestones shaping the months ahead. He also unpacks recent oversight hearings, including insights from NIH and acting CDC leadership, and what they reveal about priorities like grants management and funding timelines.Subscribe | ASTHOPH-HERO | ASTHO

How do you deliver specialty health care across a 14-island chain spread across the Pacific?  In this episode we talk with Eleanor Cabrera, Chief Strategy Officer of the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.  She’ll tell us how telehealth is helping transform care delivery in the Northern Mariana Islands and explains how virtual services from telepharmacy and teleradiology to remote specialty consultations are reducing costly off-island referrals and connecting patients on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota with the care they need.  The conversation also explores the unique challenges territorial health systems face, including broadband gaps, workforce shortages, and capped Medicaid funding. Cabrera shares how strategic partnerships with mainland providers, potential collaborations with hospitals across the Asia-Pacific region, and new digital infrastructure investments could dramatically expand access to care.ASTHO Policy Institute Lunch & Learn Series: Medicaid Policy & Implications for STI PreventionNow, Next, and Beyond: Understanding the Rural Health Transformation Program | EY - US

Public health nurses are on the front lines of community health but many are facing stress, burnout, and limited opportunities for advancement. In this episode Shirley Orr, executive director for the Association of Public Health Nurses, talks about the final session in the Public Health Nursing Workforce Learning Lab series and what it reveals about retaining the public health nursing workforce. Drawing on insights from the Association of Public Health Nurses and the Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey (PH WINS), Orr discusses why about a quarter of public health nurses say they may leave the field, and what leaders can do about it. From fostering supportive workplace cultures and strong supervision to creating clear pathways for professional development and shared decision-making, the conversation highlights practical strategies agencies can use to improve satisfaction and keep nurses engaged.Meeting Home PageASTHO (@astho) on X⁠, Bluesky, Instagram, LinkedIn, ⁠Facebook

As Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG) funding moves into its later years, how can health departments maximize its impact? Ron Bialek, President and CEO, Public Health Foundation, talks about the biggest opportunities ahead for state and local agencies.  Bialek highlights three key areas where PHIG investments can drive lasting improvement: responsibly integrating AI into public health operations, strengthening performance management systems to guide daily decision-making, and expanding partnerships between health departments and academic institutions.AI in Public Health | PHFPerformance Improvement Consulting Services | PHFAcademic Health Department Learning Community | PHFPerformance Management Toolkit | PHF

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

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

What does it really mean for a food system to be resilient, and why does it matter for public health? In this episode, we hear from Elsie Moore, Postdoctoral Associate in the Division of Nutritional Sciences at Cornell University, who breaks down the concept of food system resilience and why it goes far beyond simply maintaining food supply. True resilience, she explains, means ensuring that food remains sufficient, appropriate, and accessible to all communities. Moore explores the complexity of modern food systems, from farms and distributors to government agencies and public health programs, and explains how shocks like hurricanes, supply chain breakdowns, workforce shortages, or rising food costs, can ripple across the system and impact population health. She also discusses how state-level food system resilience councils can help coordinate across sectors, institutionalize lessons learned from crises like COVID-19, and plan proactively for future challenges. Food System Resilience: A Planning Guide for State Governments | ASTHOMeeting Home PageLeadership Power Hour: Your Launchpad for Impact | ASTHO

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

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

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

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

Public health agencies across the country face a growing workforce shortage—but Missouri is tackling the challenge head-on. In this episode, we explore how Missouri internship programs are building a diverse, skilled pipeline of future public health professionals while strengthening partnerships between state and local agencies. Scott Allen, an Administrator and Health Officer of the Webster County Health Unit shares how hands-on internships are giving students real-world experience in areas like accreditation, emergency preparedness, food safety, and wastewater policy while delivering immediate value to rural communities. We’re also joined by Brenna Davidson, an Operational Excellence Leader with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, who explains how strategic investments through the Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG) funding helped launch and scale the program. She highlights the importance of removing barriers with paid internships, broadening recruitment beyond traditional public health fields, and strengthening leadership development through innovative initiatives like the Leadership Challenge.

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

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