The rise of seriously ill COVID-19 patients is a reminder of the primary role that public health departments play in responding to any outbreak: preventing community-wide transmission of disease.
The refrain from the popular Police song “Don’t Stand So Close to Me” takes on new meaning in the current era of COVID-19 infection and control. Remember to isolate, quarantine, and social distance.
On June 30, 2020, a group of public health and science organizations issued a letter urging Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Azar to maintain the Public Health Emergency Declaration for COVID-19.
On May 7, 2020, ASTHO released a statement applauding a new tool, the Contact Tracing Workforce Estimator, that will help state and local health departments determine the number of staff needed to effectively identify and trace people who ...
On April 10, 2020, ASTHO CEO Michael Fraser released a statement of support for a new report by the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security entitled "A National Plan to Enable Comprehensive COVID-19 Case Finding and Contact Tracing ...
On March 20, 2020, ASTHO, the Association of Public Health Laboratories, and the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists issued policy recommendations regarding testing for COVID-19.
This episode highlights COVID-19’s impact on overdose-related deaths during the postpartum period, also known as the fourth trimester. There has been a significant increase in postpartum overdose-related deaths in recent years—a problem ...
On the 32nd anniversary of the ADA, this blog post explores state legislation around the country that supports people living with disabilities.
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 ...
This video highlights specific administrative strategies, partnerships, and metrics used by the North Carolina Division of Public Health to support efficient and effective spending of federal funding.
Under the Tenth Amendment, states have the power to protect the health and welfare of their populations, including the authority to implement isolation and quarantine orders to limit the spread of disease. This post is an examination of ...
On Dec. 3, International Day of Persons with Disabilities, ASTHO is commemorating nearly 12 months of supporting disability and preparedness specialists in state and territorial health agencies. Throughout 2021, ASTHO embedded 20 full-time ...
Following a hurricane, the risk of exposure to infectious disease increases due, in part, to the presence of floodwater and debris. Hurricanes may contribute to population displacement and overcrowding—further heightening risk factors for ...
Although suicide was a critical public health issue in the U.S. long before the COVID-19 pandemic began, Americans are now reporting increased mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, and suicidal behaviors. In addition, millions ...
Over the years evidence has expanded on community health workers (CHWs) improving outcomes and even reducing disparities in heart disease and many other public health priority areas. However, their presence in state and local public health ...
Each year the U.S. battles seasonal influenza, leaving millions of people sick, hospitalized, or worse. As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, it is crucial for all eligible individuals to receive a flu vaccine to help reduce the likelihood ...
If there is any word to describe 2020 it is “unprecedented,” with the work of health agencies front and center since COVID-19 emerged in the U.S. But as we approach Public Health Thank You Day and the Thanksgiving season, ASTHO wants to ...
If there’s anyone who has spent their career preparing for a global pandemic, it’s Anne Schuchat, MD. Currently, she serves as the principal deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). She sat down with ASTHO ...
From the Chief Medical Officer: Preventing Respiratory Disease Spread with Less Authority, More Influence ASTHO, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, respiratory disease, disease spread, cdc public health, public health, ...
Closing remarks by ASTHO’s senior vice president of health initiatives, Kimberlee Wyche Etheridge, at the 2023 Health Equity Summit.