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Harm Reduction Policies Can Prevent Overdose Fatalities

Blog,

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

Jurisdictions Moving Many ASTHO Essential Tobacco Control Policies Forward

Blog,
Guam,
Iowa,

Over the past several years, states and jurisdictions have continued to implement important policies to reduce tobacco and nicotine use, including increasing tobacco prices, expanding areas deemed “smoke-free,” limiting the sale of ...

State and Territorial Caregiver Wellness Policies May Reduce Adverse Childhood Experiences

Blog,
ACEs,
Guam,

People exposed to adverse childhood experiences are at risk for negative physical and/or mental health outcomes, substance use disorders, and unfavorable social outcomes in adulthood. One known risk factor for ACEs is caregiver stress, ...

State Policies to Improve Youth Mental Health and Reduce Suicides

Blog,
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 access to healthcare. However, states ...

Courts Consider Whether State Vaccination Laws Must Include a Religious Exemption

Blog,

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 protocols for COVID-19, HPV, and other ...

Leveraging State and Federal Policy to Reduce Maternal Illness and Death

Blog,

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 health outcomes for pregnant people.

Addressing Privacy Concerns of Using Mental Healthcare via Telehealth

Blog,
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 another state—without needing to gain ...

States Using Policy to Reduce Dementia’s Disease and Fiscal Impact

Blog,
Utah,

Public health agencies are working to reduce dementia risk and to optimize the health and well-being of people living with dementia and their caregivers.

States and Territories Strengthening Infection Prevention and Control Policies

Blog,
Guam,

While largely preventable, healthcare-associated infections are the most common complication of hospital care, are a leading cause of death in the United States, and increased significantly during the pandemic. States have proposed ...

School-Based Strategies are Crucial to Supporting Adolescent Girls’ Mental Health

Blog,
ACEs,

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a particularly negative impact on the mental health of adolescent girls. Fortunately, state legislators have been addressing school-based mental health through legislation enacted since the beginning of the ...

Strategic Policies Protect Breastfeeding in Workplaces and Schools

Blog,
Guam,
Utah,

Families who wish to breastfeed in the United States often face barriers in workplace and school settings. To address these disparities, federal, state, and territorial governments are adopting policies to improve lactation accommodations ...

Jurisdictions Seek to Modernize Vital Records Systems

Blog,
Iowa,

State issued documents, such as birth certificates, are often required to navigate daily life. Vital records policy is a complex and evolving issue with many of the processes and procedures left to jurisdictional policy-makers.

State, Territorial Health Policies Strengthening Emergency Preparedness Efforts

Blog,

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 wake of such emergencies, public health ...

Legal Considerations for Scaling Monkeypox Vaccination Efforts

Blog,

Public health officials from all levels of government are working to respond to the existing outbreak of monkeypox, while preparing for the potential of more widespread transmission.

States Using Policy to Remove Barriers to HIV Testing

Blog,
STIs,
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 importance; themes include: consent for ...

As Families Seek More Work / Life Balance, States Consider Leave Policies

Blog,

An ASTHO blog article on leave policies to support better work/life balance.

Midterm Elections: Predictions on Congressional Priorities for Upcoming Session

Blog,

Midterm Elections: Predictions on Congressional Priorities for Upcoming Session astho, association of state and territorial health officials, public health, opioid crisis, congressional priorities, sequestration cuts, healthy future task ...