To help break the chain of COVID-19 infections, state and local health departments are conducting disease investigations and contact tracing, core tools of public health practice used to combat the spread of communicable diseases. This ...
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, states are using their emergency powers to authorize a variety of social distancing measures. This post is a summary of executive orders that have led to the closure of many businesses and nonprofit ...
ASTHO Unveils Top Five State Public Health Policy Issues to Watch in 2025 ARLINGTON, VA—The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) released its top five state public health policy issues for 2025, which give key ...
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 change and provisions in the Infrastructure ...
COVID-19 has revealed the stark reality of racial and ethnic health disparities that exist nationally. Black and Hispanic Americans were nearly three times more likely to die from COVID-19 than white Americans. Black and Hispanic Americans ...
As COVID-19 spread across the country, governors and health officials invoked their emergency powers to order physical distancing measures designed to reduce social interactions and slow the spread of the disease. Several of these ...
While the Biden Administration and Congress have no shortage of immediate health issues to focus on, improving maternal health outcomes—particularly Black maternal morbidity and mortality—have become a priority for federal lawmakers. To ...
State Policies Aim to Eliminate Food Deserts Beth Giambrone Learn how states are working to improve access to healthy foods and eliminate food deserts in this Health Policy Update. The environment where we live, work, and play can shape ...
Michigan Court Decision on Health Official's Case is Bad for Public Health ARLINGTON, VA—Michael Fraser, CEO of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), issued the following statement today in response to a ...
Advocating on Capitol Hill for strong public health systems is critical to advancing the work of state and territorial health agencies. ASTHO's 2019 “Washington Week” has come and gone, but the work is far from over.
State Health Officials, Medical Experts, and Safety Advocates Call on FDA to Seek Removal of Ultra-High Dosage Opioids ARLINGTON, VA—The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), together with the Physicians for ...
Summary of FY26 House LHHS Appropriations Bill Read a detailed summary of the FY26 House Appropriations Bill, which was released on September 1. On Sept. 1, the House Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education (LHHS) appropriations ...
Summary of FY26 Continuing Resolution Learn about public health funding provisions in the FY26 Continuing Resolution proposed on Sept. 16, 2025. On Tuesday, Sept. 16, the House Appropriations Committee majority released the Continuing ...
Find funding criteria/distribution details for the Rural Health Transformation Grant, and explore collaboration and tactical considerations for your application.
Increasing tobacco taxes in states is an effective method for encouraging cessation among youth. This brief outlines leading tobacco taxation strategies implemented by New York state, Washington, D.C., and Connecticut.
Policy Approaches to Improve State and Local Data Sharing Health officials can pursue organizational policies across key priority areas to advance state and local data sharing. Learn about these policy approaches. Several factors impact ...
This brief highlights legislative actions that states are taking to remove financial burdens for women who struggle to afford period products and mitigate existing stigma.
ASTHO compiled a list of informative and inspirational public health podcasts to listen to in 2024.
State and territorial health officials share priorities and build relationships on Capitol Hill.
Federal and state legislation can play a role in promoting positive infant mental health by providing funding and policies that support early intervention, caregiver assistance, and the creation of nurturing environments conducive to their ...