Public Health Review Morning Edition

ASTHO
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Your daily public health briefing with the latest news from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO).

  1. 2h ago

    1175: Wildfire Smoke Is No Longer Just a Western Problem

    As wildfire smoke becomes a recurring threat across more of the United States, public health agencies are adapting their guidance to help communities prepare and respond. In this episode, Gabriela Goldfarb, Environmental Public Health section manager of the Oregon Health Authority and Kathy Raleigh, principal epidemiologist of the Minnesota Department of Health, explain the health risks associated with wildfire smoke, why the combination of smoke and extreme heat can be especially dangerous, and how states are using surveillance data, public education, and cross-state collaboration to protect residents. They also share practical advice on reducing exposure, improving indoor air quality, recognizing symptoms, and preparing for a future in which wildfire smoke is becoming an increasingly common public health challenge. Partnership as the Foundation for Advancing Adolescent Health in American Samoa | ASTHO Strengthening Long-Term Care Capacity in Island Jurisdictions Through Policy | ASTHO

  2. 1d ago

    1174: Medicaid Collaboration and Vector-Borne Disease Policy

    Strong public health systems depend on collaboration like partnerships across agencies or coordinating responses to emerging health threats. In this episode, ASTHO Senior Analyst for State Health Policy, Beth Giambrone, discusses a recent ASTHO Health Policy Update that examines how states are approaching vector-borne disease policy through surveillance, reporting requirements, education, and cross-agency coordination.  Then, ASTHO Senior Analyst for Medicaid and Health Systems Partnerships, Orobosa Idehen, introduces a new Medicaid Oversight Governance Map designed to help state health agencies better understand their governance structures, strengthen relationships with Medicaid partners, and identify opportunities to improve population health. Together, these conversations highlight how thoughtful governance, collaboration, and strategic policy making can help public health agencies make better use of limited resources while responding to evolving public health challenges. Medicaid Oversight Governance Map | ASTHO Improving Public Health Communication for Effective STI Programs | ASTHO

  3. 2d ago

    1173: Why Public Health's Biggest Challenges Require Better Collaboration

    Public health's most complex challenges require stronger partnerships, deeper community engagement, and leaders willing to connect people across sectors. In this episode, Dr. Chelsea Moriarty Coffield, population health program manager for Community Health Choice, explains why collaboration is more than coordination, sharing practical strategies for building trust, aligning organizations around community needs, and embedding health equity into everyday decision-making. She also discusses the importance of one-on-one relationships, cross-sector partnerships, and leadership rooted in humility rather than expertise. Whether you're leading a coalition or looking to strengthen collaboration within your own organization, this conversation offers actionable lessons for creating lasting public health impact. Leading Collaboratively for Lasting Public Health Impact | ASTHO Workforce Trends in Public Health Preparedness | ASTHO The Boundary Spanning Leadership Framework’s Impact on Public Health | ASTHO

  4. 5d ago

    1172: View from Washington D.C.: Congress Races Toward Recess

    With Congress approaching its August recess, several key public health priorities are entering a critical stretch. In this View from Washington D.C., ASTHO vice president for Government Affairs Jeffrey Ekoma breaks down the latest developments in FY 2027 appropriations, the status of Senate consideration of CDC Director and ASPR nominees, and the political factors shaping the legislative calendar. He also previews what public health leaders should watch in the coming weeks, including a potential reconciliation package, the administration's supplemental funding request, and how these federal decisions could affect state and territorial health agencies. Utilizing Flexible Funding Strategies in Public Health | ASTHO Strengthening Partnerships to Prevent Overdose: Key Actions in a Multi-State Learning Collaborative | ASTHO Lessons in Advancing Policy to Prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences | ASTHO

  5. 6d ago

    1171: Leveraging the Rural Health Transformation Grant to Strengthen Maternal Health Systems

    Improving maternal health outcomes requires coordinated systems that ensure every patient receives the right level of care at the right time. In this bonus, long-form episode, Daniel Edney, ASTHOpresident-elect and state health officer for the Mississippi State Department of Health, explains how Mississippi is using Rural Health Transformation Program grant funding to build a statewide obstetrical system of care, establish new neonatal intensive care units, strengthen EMS coordination, and close critical gaps in care for rural communities. He also discusses how data, innovation, and broad partnerships are driving the state's effort to reduce maternal and infant mortality. Later, Ramya Flores, director of Maternal and Infant Health at ASTHO, puts Mississippi's work into a national context, highlighting how states are adopting levels of maternal care to improve access to risk-appropriate services. She outlines the partnerships, investments, and implementation strategies that support successful maternal care systems and previews ASTHO's latest resources to help states advance this work.

  6. Jul 22

    1170: Making Data Modernization Matter: Communicating Change in Public Health

    Successful data modernization depends on more than new technology, it requires people to understand, trust, and support the change. In this episode, Sarah Shaw, senior informatics analyst at the Public Health Informatics Institute, discusses a new Data Modernization Communications Toolkit designed to help public health professionals explain complex initiatives in ways that resonate with colleagues, leaders, and communities. Shaw explains how the toolkit is built around three core communication strategies: active listening, storytelling, and audience-centered messaging. She also shares practical examples from health departments across the country that demonstrate how effective communication can turn technical concepts into meaningful improvements for public health, helping agencies strengthen data systems and ultimately make better decisions for the communities they serve. Data Modernization Communications Toolkit - PHII Applications | ASTHO Valley Health's Dr. Matthew Christiansen Elected To National Epic FQHC Advisory Board - Valley Health

  7. Jul 21

    1169: PHIG Impact Report: Building a Stronger Public Health Workforce in New Mexico

    A resilient public health system starts with investing in the people who make it work. In this PHIG Impact Report, director for the Office of Training and Development at the New Mexico Department of Health, Shadee Lauer, discusses how Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG) funding is helping the state recruit, retain, and develop its workforce through data-driven strategies and innovative professional development programs. Lauer shares how New Mexico used employee survey data to shape initiatives including paid internships, tuition reimbursement, leadership academies, recruitment and retention toolkits, and a train-the-trainer model that strengthens both the workforce and the communities it serves. She also explains how these investments are creating long-term organizational capacity while helping public health professionals build rewarding careers that benefit New Mexicans for years to come.  This work is supported by funds made available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Center for STLT Public Health Infrastructure and Workforce, through OE⁠⁠22-2203⁠⁠: Strengthening U.S. Public Health Infrastructure, Workforce, and Data Systems grant. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.Public Health Infrastructure Grant: Resources & Impact - PHIG

  8. Jul 20

    1168: Strengthening Pennsylvania's Emergency Response System

    Reliable emergency medical services require sustained investments in equipment, workforce development, and preparedness. In this episode, ASTHO member and Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Debra Bogen discusses how the state's latest $6.6 million investment in EMS is improving patient care, supporting first responders, and strengthening emergency response across Pennsylvania. Dr. Bogen explains how regional EMS agencies are using new funding to purchase advanced equipment like video laryngoscopes and lift-assist devices, expand training opportunities, and recruit and retain the next generation of EMTs and paramedics. She also highlights how Pennsylvania uses EMS performance data to measure outcomes, improve quality, and identify areas for additional support. Leading Change October 2026 DELPH Power of Leadership Micro-Conference

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Your daily public health briefing with the latest news from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO).

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