Oyez! Oyez! Oyez! Public Health in the Courts
There are a number of court cases playing out across the country that could affect the options state and territorial health officials have to limit the spread of disease and promote health and ...
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Preparedness Policy Highlights for Trending Public Health Threats
Iowa,
While communities transition from emergency response to long-term monitoring and recovery, the federal government and states are taking legislative action to improve emergency preparedness ...
States Using Settlement Fund Legislation to Enhance Response to the Opioid Crisis
Ohio,
State and territorial health agencies continue to be challenged by the opioid epidemic, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing the opioid crisis requires a robust public ...
How States Are Addressing the Public Health Crisis of Racism
An increasing body of research finds racism can have a significant impact across one’s lifespan. Research shows that persistent exposure to racial discrimination may result in premature aging, poor ...
2022 Legislative Session Update: Part Two
HIV,
PFAS,
The ASTHO State Health Policy team provides brief updates on 5 of the ten state health policy issues to watch in 2022: mental and behavioral health, rural health, e-cigarettes and flavored tobacco ...
States Using Policy to Remove Barriers to HIV Testing
HIV,
National HIV Testing Day is observed each year on June 27, the goal is to encourage people to get tested and know their HIV status. Recent legislation on this topic speaks to its prioritization and ...
Courts Consider Whether State Vaccination Laws Must Include a Religious Exemption
During the 2022 state legislative sessions, at least 20 states considered bills that would require a religious exemption to a vaccine requirement. As state legislatures continue considering vaccine ...
Approaching Summer, States Ramping Up Water Protections
As the weather warms, state and territorial health agencies prepare to address a rise in public health risks associated with recreational water activities, such as water-related injury, drowning, ...
Addressing Privacy Concerns of Using Mental Healthcare via Telehealth
Ohio,
Utah,
In an effort to help meet demand, some states and territories have joined interjurisdictional licensing compacts that allow a mental healthcare provider licensed in one state to provide care in ...
Avoiding ACEs by Helping Families During COVID-19
Ohio,
This Health Policy Update is an overview of state legislative activity to increase financial stability for families during the COVID-19 pandemic which may help to prevent adverse childhood ...
COVID-19’s Impact on Pregnancy and Childbirth Policies
Many states have introduced bills to strengthen and increase access to these prenatal, delivery, and postpartum services, building a solid foundation of care for women who must navigate the ...
ASTHO Policy Watch 2022: Public Health Workforce
Utah,
Continuing ASTHO’s Legislative Prospectus series—which highlights the top 10 public health policy issues for 2022—we are focusing this week on mental and behavioral health as well as supporting the ...
Harm Reduction Policies Can Prevent Overdose Fatalities
Adopting a public health approach to substance use by implementing harm reduction policies across all levels of government can help communities address the overdose crisis. This post analyzes e
State Policies to Improve Youth Mental Health and Reduce Suicides
Ohio,
The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted youth mental health, particularly as a result of school closures, social isolation, family economic hardship, fear of family loss or illness, and reduced ...
State, Territorial Health Policies Strengthening Emergency Preparedness Efforts
While COVID-19 is still present and ever-changing, public health professionals must also grapple with new challenges such as monkeypox, increasing firearm homicide, and widespread heat waves. In the ...
ASTHO Policy Watch 2022: Maintaining Public Health’s Legal Authority to Prevent Disease Spread
Iowa,
Ohio,
States and territories have broad powers to protect public health and safety, including powers to prevent and control the spread of communicable disease typically exercised by state and territorial ...
Leveraging State and Federal Policy to Reduce Maternal Illness and Death
There are significant disparities in pregnancy-related outcomes in the United States. Many of these deaths considered preventable, so state and federal policy makers are taking steps to improve ...
How States are Preparing for Opioid Settlement Funds
Ohio,
The opioid crisis continues to claim the lives of thousands across the United States and has cost the economy billions in health care, mortality, and criminal justice costs. In 2018, it’s estimated ...
States Consider Expanding Scope of Flu Vaccine Policies
The 2019-2020 flu season had approximately 5 million fewer illnesses than the previous year. Thanks to COVID-19 mitigation efforts like social distancing and increased handwashing—coupled with a ...
State Policies Bolster Investment in Community Health Workers
Ohio,
In the current legislative cycle, there are several policy strategies that support the development and integration of community health workers into the public health workforce, including dedicated ...