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States Seek to Protect the Workers Who Feed America

Blog,
Ohio,

Responsible for planting, growing, harvesting, processing, and preparing the food we eat, agricultural workers are essential workers during the COVID-19 response to keep the U.S. food supply chain operating efficiently. But farmworkers are ...

What ASTHO Expects from the Incoming Biden Administration

Blog,

As the country prepares for the inauguration of President-Elect Joseph R. Biden, Jr. on Wednesday, the incoming administration has highlighted several priorities over the next four years. This post is a summary of priorities that are ...

How States Are Housing the Homeless During a Pandemic

Blog,
Ohio,

Policymakers seek to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by focusing on non-congregate sheltering and alternative housing for unhoused populations.

Congress Convenes Sectors on School Reopenings

Blog,

As COVID-19 continues to spread across the country, increased attention has been given to how schools, colleges, and universities can safely reopen for the upcoming 2020-2021 academic year. To note, many schools and institutions closed in ...

Recent Federal Actions Spur Changes to Children's Blood Lead Level Screenings and Response

Blog,
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 change and provisions in the Infrastructure ...

Proposed Vaccination Laws to Watch in the New Year

Blog,
STIs,
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 among children and adults. The COVID-19 ...

COVID-19 and Beyond: Improving Youth Mental Health Outcomes and Disparities

Blog,
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 include increased anxiety, depression, ...

States Consider Role of COVID-19 Vaccination for School Enrollment

Blog,
Iowa,
Ohio,
Utah,

This week might have marked the beginning of summer, but many policymakers and health officials have their eye on the upcoming school year and what that might mean in terms of getting students vaccinated against COVID-19. According to a ...

Courts Considering Challenges to States Blocking School Mask Requirements

Blog,
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 in-person school. Ten states have enacted ...

Telehealth and Licensure Policies Improving Healthcare Access for Rural Communities

Blog,

Recent legislation at both the state and federal levels has significantly affected the ability of healthcare providers to serve patients virtually and across state lines.

Changes to School Nutrition Programs Helping Curb Pandemic-Related Impacts

Blog,

The National School Lunch Program, a federally-assisted meal program run by USDA, has provided millions of children with nutritionally balanced, low-cost or no-cost lunches each school day.

States Support Rural Hospitals While COVID-19 Highlights Challenges

Blog,
Utah,

More than 100 rural hospitals have closed since 2010, and an additional 25% are at high risk of closure, and COVID-19 has magnified the existing stressors on rural healthcare. As a result, states are using a variety of measures to address ...

Harnessing the Power of Rural: Expanding Access to Telehealth

Blog,

As we celebrate National Rural Health Day this year, we are reminded of how important telehealth can be for public health and healthcare. Telehealth can minimize challenges faced by rural patients and communities—such as transportation, ...

How States are Handling School Vaccination Requirements in a Pandemic

Blog,
Ohio,

Conditioning school attendance on student vaccinations is an evidence-based way of maintaining and increasing vaccine coverage. State law establishes school vaccination requirements which apply not only to public schools but often to ...

COVID-19’s Impact on Pregnancy and Childbirth Policies

Blog,

Many states have introduced bills to strengthen and increase access to these prenatal, delivery, and postpartum services, building a solid foundation of care for women who must navigate the healthcare system and make difficult decisions ...

Education and Public Health: Supporting Youth Through COVID-19 and Beyond

Blog,
ACEs,
Ohio,

Toxic stress contributes to a variety of negative outcomes for children. And unfortunately, COVID-19 has increased the likelihood of children experiencing childhood trauma, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and toxic stress. States and ...

The Importance of Addressing Breastfeeding Policies in Health Equity Work

Blog,

This Health Policy Update is an overview of state legislative activity addressing access to and support for breastfeeding or lactation practices.

Reproductive Health Services Expanded During Pandemic but Inequities Persist

STIs,

When the COVID-19 pandemic began the need for greater access to virtual reproductive healthcare services increased dramatically. Telehealth increased access to providers, eased workflows and infection protection for clinical staff, and ...

States Explore the Relationship Between Partner Violence and Substance Use Disorders

Blog,

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a critical moment to address intimate partner violence as a major public health threat. Intimate partner violence associated with substance use disorders and mental health challenges, and ...