Legislative Prospectus: Health Equity
In-depth analysis on state health policy surrounding health equity. This is part of ASTHO's annual legislative prospectus series.
Displaying 1-20 of 29 results for
Despite Major Benefits, Flavored Tobacco Regulations Face an Uphill Battle Led by Big Tobacco
Flavored tobacco policy has changed rapidly over the past few months. In April, FDA announced their intention to implement rules prohibiting the sale of menthol e-cigarettes and flavored cigars, ...
Ending the HIV Epidemic: 40 Years of Progress
HIV,
This June marked the 40-year anniversary of the first five cases of what later became known as AIDS reported in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Since then, more than 32 million people ...
COVID-19 and Beyond: Improving Youth Mental Health Outcomes and Disparities
Utah,
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted both the physical and mental health well-being of youth. Disruptions in both their home and school life have put youth at risk for poor mental health outcomes that ...
Youth Sports as a Protective Factor to Promote Resiliency
Every year in mid-July is National Youth Sports Week—in 2021 it falls on July 19-23. It’s an important health observance because youth sports create strong connections with peers and caring adults, ...
Building More Equitable Health, Housing and Human Services Systems Post-Pandemic
Blog,
ACEs,
All too often, work in health, housing, and human services systems is siloed. However, when you move upstream and work together, these industries can address the root causes of health and social ...
Stronger Together: Six Strategies to Enhance Your State’s Suicide Prevention Infrastructure
Ohio,
Utah,
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the importance of continued mental health promotion and suicide prevention efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. As we address the physical effects of ...
Braiding and Layering Funding to Address Supportive Housing
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the intersections of social determinants of health, such as transportation, education, and housing, and their impact on the health of individuals and ...
Strengthening Protective Factors in ACEs Prevention With Medicaid 1115 Waivers
ACEs,
One in three individuals who contract COVID-19 will experience lasting mental health impacts, according to a recent study. This startling discovery underscores the reality facing our nation: the ...
The Youth Mental Health Crisis: States Invest in Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention Strategies
ACEs,
Following disruptions to daily life caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, emergency departments saw an increase of mental health-related visits. A June 2021 study showed a significant increase of mental ...
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 ...
Public Health Policy Issues to Watch in 2021
HIV,
PFAS,
With many of the state and territorial legislatures reconvening over the next few weeks, we can look forward to new (and not-so-new) legislation start to crop up that will impact public health. To ...
Scarce Medical Resources Caused by COVID-19 Lead to Difficult Allocation Decisions
As the Delta variant spreads across the country and increases the number of COVID-19 cases, the strain it is placing on the nation’s health system continues to grow. The surge of COVID-19 patients is ...
Examining State Innovations to Advance Breastfeeding and Health Equity
Ohio,
Utah,
Breastfeeding is considered the gold standard in postnatal care for both birthing persons and infants. Yet racial disparities in breastfeeding initiation and duration rates continue to persist. ...
Proposed Vaccination Laws to Watch in the New Year
HIV,
PFAS,
Vaccines are one of the greatest public health achievements of the last century, as well as some of the most powerful and cost-effective tools to prevent disease, disparities, disability, and death ...
Factoring Housing Into Federal and State Policies to Improve Community Health
Housing and overall neighborhood conditions significantly influence a community’s health. Housing quality, stability, and affordability also directly impact an individual’s opportunity and ability to ...
Maternal Mortality in the U.S.: How States Are Working to Reverse the Rate
Two rising health trends are negatively affecting women’s health across the United States: maternal mortality (death from pregnancy or delivery complications) and severe maternal morbidity (mental ...
Recent Federal Actions Spur Changes to Children's Blood Lead Level Screenings and Response
Iowa,
The COVID-19 pandemic introduced new challenges for screening children’s blood lead levels, as screening rates across the country dropped during stay-at-home orders. A substantive federal policy ...
Courts Considering Challenges to States Blocking School Mask Requirements
Iowa,
Recent state laws and governor emergency orders prohibiting universal school mask protocols are complicating the implementation of CDC’s evidence-based guidance for COVID-19 mitigation measures for ...
The Shifting Legal Landscape of COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements
As governments and private entities adopt COVID-19 vaccine protocols to protect health and safety, legal challenges are mounting. In some states, policymakers have proactively attempted to limit or ...