Founded in 1942, the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) is a nonpartisan organization and the collective voice of the nation’s chief health officials. Its members are the chief health officials of the 59 states, territories, and Freely Associated States, as well as Washington, D.C.
ASTHO’s members are responsible for:
- Formulating and influencing public health policy within their jurisdictions, in collaboration with the state legislature, governor, and other public health professionals.
- Assuring excellence in state and territorial based public health practice.
- Providing public health and health expertise to their elected officials.
- Advancing health equity and optimal health for all.
Depending on the jurisdiction, state and territorial health officials (S/THOs) are appointed to their positions by governors, legislatures, boards, commissions, or state secretaries of health.
While the primary membership are the 59 chief health officials, ASTHO also supports staff in the agencies our members serve through peer-to-peer connections and skill development. Strong chief health officials require effective health agency staff, and ASTHO is committed to investing in the public health workforce.
View the State and Territorial Health Officials
Member Benefits
ASTHO supports state and territorial health officials, their leadership teams, and public health partners on issues of policy, practice, and leadership. ASTHO’s members also benefit from capacity-building tools, on-site visits, and a resource hub of public health products.
Other benefits available to our members and their staff include:
- The my.ASTHO online public health community
- Peer network engagement
- Professional development opportunities
- ASTHO meetings and events
- Technical assistance support