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 served as acting CDC director from January-July 2017 and February-March 2018. Schuchat sat down with ASTHO for a 1-on-1 on her reaction to the COVID-19 response, what policymakers should be thinking about next, and what keeps her up at night.Read More »
Every year, state and territorial health officials descend on the Nation’s capital to educate lawmakers on the importance of increased funding for public health. This year is no different, though there is a shadow hanging over the year’s events: COVID-19, an infectious disease that’s been spreading across the globe.
On the first day of ASTHO’s ‘Washington Week,’ the organization formally requested emergency supplemental money with the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE), and Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) in order to adequately respond to COVID-19.Read More »
Since 2016, 30 states have experienced hepatitis A outbreaks, primarily among individuals experiencing homelessness and/or those struggling with substance abuse. State health departments, with support from the CDC, have mounted a robust public health response, with vaccination as a cornerstone for prevention. Hear from our experts about the national perspective and on-the-ground action to stop the spread of hepatitis A—as well as challenges that remain with these complex populations.Read More »
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by the body’s extreme response to an infection and can rapidly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. Sepsis can be caused by a wide range of infections but is most commonly linked to infections of the lungs, kidneys, skin, and gut. Based on CDC estimates, at least 1.7 million American adults developed sepsis in 2014 and nearly 270,000 died as a result of sepsis. CDC investigations showed that sepsis begins outside of the hospital for four out of every five patients. While preventing infections and illness is critical to reduce the risk of sepsis, early detection and immediate treatment is often the difference between life and death. Many opportunities exist to improve sepsis prevention, detection, and treatment and improve patient outcomes. Our experts discuss the national burden and epidemiology of sepsis, the importance of raising awareness among healthcare personnel and the community, and case examples of state efforts to promote policy changes relating to sepsis, including options for state-level policy to identify and/or prevent sepsis.Read More »
It’s that time of year again…flu season. Each year, the United States battles seasonal influenza, leaving thousands of people sick, hospitalized, or worse. Public health professionals across the nation are on the front lines, doing their best to prepare for and respond to seasonal flu in the hopes of reducing the likelihood of a pandemic event. This episode will focus on the burden of seasonal and pandemic flu, and highlight key planning activities and strategies that federal, state, and local public health agencies are doing to combat flu and keep communities healthy.Read More »
In the United States, three main types of fungi—coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, and blastomycosis—can cause lung infections like pneumonia when people breathe in fungal spores from the air. Depending on where you live, you may be more likely to come in contact with one of these fungi. Some fungal diseases go undiagnosed and cause serious infections in people in the United States and around the world, leading to illness and death. Increased awareness about fungal diseases is one of the most important ways we can improve early recognition and reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment. In this episode, in honor of Fungal Disease Awareness Week, Tom Chiller from CDC’s Mycotic Diseases Branch, and Kristen Ehresmann, director at the Minnesota Department of Health’s Infectious Disease Epidemiology department, talk about the risks of endemic fungal diseases.Read More »
In March 2018, Robert R. Redfield became the 18th director of CDC, bringing to the role more than 30 years of experience as a public health leader engaged in the clinical research and care of viral infections and infectious diseases, especially HIV. Since then, HHS and President Trump have announced an ambitious plan to end HIV in America, a cause which Redfield considers a prominent part of his life’s work. But public health challenges remain, including the opioid epidemic and anti-vaccine movement. In this wide-ranging conversation, Redfield shares insights into how his own personal experiences have shaped his priorities as CDC director, the importance of improved communication around vaccine education, CDC’s strategy to end HIV transmission, and how the agency plans to support states and territories as they address the opioid epidemic and other public health challenges.Read More »
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are at a record high in the United States, and while they can impact anyone, vulnerable groups—including young people, pregnant women, and men who have sex with men—are hit hardest. In this episode, we hear state and national perspectives from leaders in the fight against STDs, discussing the resurgence and health impacts of STDs, proven prevention strategies, and the critical role of disease intervention specialists.Read More »