The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials is a nonprofit organization committed to supporting the work of state and territorial public health officials and furthering the development and excellence of public health policy nationwide.

ASTHO's membership is comprised of chief health officials from states, Washington, D.C., five U.S. territories, and three Freely Associated States. ASTHO also supports peer communities of state and territorial health leaders and senior executives in health departments who work with the over 100,000 public health professionals employed at state and territorial public health agencies.

ASTHO’s primary functions are to:

  • Develop strong and effective public health leaders.
  • Improve public health through capacity building, technical assistance, and thought leadership.
  • Advocate for resources and policies that improve the public’s health and well-being.

In all our endeavors, we aim to promote the advancement of equity and optimal health for all.

Our Vision

State and territorial health agencies advancing health equity and optimal health for all.

Our Mission

To support, equip, and advocate for state and territorial health officials in their work of advancing the public’s health and well-being.

What We Value

people Leadership

We empower individual and collective initiative, innovation, and ingenuity within our organization, and among members and stakeholders, to advance health equity and organizational excellence.

handshake Respect

We demonstrate appreciation for the abilities, expertise and diverse perspectives of our colleagues, partners, and members.

scale Integrity

We expect one another to be honest, trustworthy, kind, and reliable and we keep our commitments to our colleagues and to our members and partners.

group_add Diversity and Inclusion

Through our policies as an organization and behaviors as individuals, we strive to foster a sense of belonging among every individual and practice respect for and understanding of all cultures, identities, perspectives, beliefs, and abilities.

groups Collaboration

We promote equal partnership, inclusion, and information-sharing among
staff, members, funders, and external stakeholders to achieve strategic
priorities and goals.

connect_without_contact Responsiveness

Our practices are forward-thinking, thoughtful, timely and relevant, anticipating the needs of staff, members, and other stakeholders to provide necessary insights and support.