Infectious Disease

Building sound public health infectious disease control programs requires developing and implementing science-based policies, programs, and infrastructure for preventing infectious disease morbidity and mortality; control of outbreaks and vigilance against diminishing diseases; and prevention and response to reemerging and emerging infectious disease threats. Risk factors associated with such external drivers as globalization of commerce and transportation and climate change must also be taken into account.

ASTHO Infectious Disease Policy Statement

ASTHO's Infrastructure project aims to increase awareness of and support for our members' critical infectious disease infrastructure programs. 

• Infrastructure

The current economic climate and changing health care landscape are challenging state health officials to make difficult decisions about how to maximize limited program resources and articulate the unique role of public health. State health officials may consider ways to integrate infectious disease programs in their departments and to develop partnerships with provider groups.

• Public health and primary care integration: Infectious disease

Addressing antimicrobial resistance is a key area to reduce the incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), preventable illness and death. A federal interagency task force has developed “A Public Health Action Plan to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance.” State health agencies can continue to support this plan in the areas of surveillance, prevention, and promotion of antimicrobial stewardship.

• Antimicrobial Resistance

In partnership with the CDC and NACCHO, ASTHO is exploring alternative approaches to antiviral management and distribution during a public health emergency. The goal of this project is to improve the availability of antivirals (and potentially other countermeasures) for timely dispensing during a public health emergency.

• Antiviral Distribution Project 

Some individuals are at increased risk of severe consequences during an influenza pandemic and may need special assistance to maintain basic medical care, as well as access to food and shelter. Project staff are currently working with health departments to refine and implement the planning recommendations.

• At-Risk Populations Project »

This project tracks state healthcare-associated infection laws and regulations, and promotes sound public policy to reduce the incidence of HAIs.

• Healthcare-Associated Infections »

ASTHO supports members in providing cross-program leadership, developing and advocating for sound policies, and promoting efficient use of resources to prevent and control viral hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, STD, and TB.

• Hepatitis/HIV/STD/TB

ASTHO strives to improve pandemic preparedness among its members and to create a strong public health system that can respond to a pandemic.

• Pandemic Influenza

ASTHO's Refugee Health project supports state and territorial health officials, enhances state and territorial infectious disease program capacity, and works closely with state refugee health coordinators through the Association of Refugee Health Coordinators (ARHC) and other external partners to better address the needs of high-risk populations - including immigrants, migrants, and refugees.

• Refugee Health 

ASTHO submits formal comments on proposed federal policy and strategy with impact on state health agencies.

• Formal Comments  

Jim Blumenstock, MA, Public Health Practice
Catherine Cairns, MPH, Director, Infectious Disease
Connie Jorstad, MPP, MA, Director, Emerging Infections
Virginia Dolen, MS, Senior Analyst, Immunization and Infectious Disease
Ericka McGowan, MS, Director, Countermeasure Management & Evaluation
Kathy Talkington, MPAff, Senior Director, Immunization and Infectious Disease