Public Health Review Morning Edition

What does the future of public health look like when cutting-edge technology collides with persistent, preventable disease threats?  Senior Vice President of Health at ICF and ASTHO alum John Auerbach joins us to break down how artificial intelligence can be responsibly and realistically introduced into public health workflows. He outlines five practical, low-cost steps agencies of any size can take to start using AI today, explains the leadership mindset needed to build staff confidence, and explores how AI can both spread and counter misinformation when used thoughtfully.  Later, Jessica Baggett, Senior Advisor for Public Health Strategy and Response at ASTHO, unpacks why measles elimination status is back in the spotlight after the worst year for measles cases in more than 30 years. She explains what “elimination” really means, why it doesn’t mean zero cases, what’s driving recent outbreaks, and why vaccination remains the most effective public health tool.Leveraging Public Health Assets in Medicaid Managed Care | ASTHOWebinar Registration - Zoom

New CDC surveillance data show encouraging declines in several sexually transmitted infections—but a troubling increase in syphilis among newborns. In this episode, the Director of the Division of STD Prevention at the National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Dr. Bradley Stoner breaks down the key takeaways from the 2024 provisional STI surveillance report, including declines in chlamydia, gonorrhea, and primary and secondary syphilis, alongside the continued rise in congenital syphilis. The conversation explores what’s driving progress, the prevention strategies showing impact, and where urgent action is still needed. Dr. Stoner also discusses how states and local health departments can use provisional data to guide interventions, expand screening and treatment, and prepare for improved data access through CDC’s new One CDC Data Platform.Supporting Pharmacies as Contraception Access Hubs | ASTHOOrganizational Strategic Planning Guide | ASTHO

What does the public health workforce need to stay engaged, supported, and committed, and how can leaders act on those insights? Heather Krasna, Associate Dean of Career and Professional Development, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health joins us to break down new research on what younger public health workers value most at work.  She explains why flexible schedules, remote or hybrid options, professional development, student loan repayment, and family-friendly benefits are increasingly important for retention, and how agencies can think creatively when salary increases aren’t always possible. Then, Omar Khalid, Director of Workforce at ASTHO, walks through key findings from the 2024 Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey (PH WINS), the only nationally representative survey of  the governmental public health workforce. He discusses why high turnover, burnout, and loss of institutional knowledge remain urgent concerns, alongside encouraging signs of improved supervisor relationships and workforce commitment. Journal of Public Health Management and PracticeStrengthening Public Health Through Communication: Resources to Get Started - Public Health Infrastructure GrantClimate and Health | ASTHO

How do states turn public health messaging into real behavior change and how do the places we live shape our health every day? In this episode, Dr. Steven Stack, Secretary of Kentucky’s Cabinet for Health and Family Services, discusses the Our Healthy Kentucky Home campaign and what it takes to move beyond awareness to action. Dr. Stack, an ASTHO member and former ASTHO president, shares how Kentucky is using simple, achievable goals—eat healthier, move more, and stay socially connected—along with clear calls to action, trusted partners, and data-driven refinements to engage residents and build long-term, sustainable health improvements. Then, Clint Grant, Director of Healthy Community Design, Chronic Disease and Health Improvement at ASTHO joins us to explore the growing role of Healthy Community Design in public health. From transportation and road safety to green space and mobility, Clint explains how decisions about streets, sidewalks, and transit are some of the most powerful, and often overlooked, public health choices states and communities make. States Invest in Public Health and Safety Through Transportation Policy | ASTHOKey Insights to Improve Infection Prevention in Dialysis Settings | ASTHOMeeting Home Page

What does it take to strengthen public health systems nationwide and why does flexible funding matter? In this PHIG Impact Report, we’re joined by SzePui Hughes, Senior Director of Public Health Workforce and Infrastructure at ASTHO to unpack the Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG) and ASTHO’s role as a national partner.  We’ll discuss how health departments are using PHIG funding to modernize data systems, expand community-based services, and build a more resilient workforce, while adapting to shifting priorities and pressures. SzePui shares key trends health leaders are raising, from peer learning and leadership development to long-term sustainability, and highlights real-world success stories from states and local agencies.

Diabetes remains one of the most serious and costly chronic diseases facing communities today. In this episode, ASTHO Vice President of Community Health and Prevention Christi Mackie breaks down the differences between type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes, common symptoms parents should watch for, and why routine screenings are essential. The conversation focuses on prevention and management of type 2 diabetes, highlighting how public health and healthcare systems intersect through nutrition, physical activity, and policy initiatives such as food-as-medicine programs and SNAP waivers. The episode also examines ongoing challenges with insulin affordability and shortages, as well as growing state efforts to limit ultra-processed foods—particularly in schools—as part of a broader, systems-based approach to improving long-term health outcomes.Policy Trends Shaping Healthy Food and Chronic Disease in 2026 | ASTHOMeeting Home PageOrganizational Strategic Planning Guide | ASTHO

Community health workers (CHWs) play a critical role in bridging the gap between health systems and the communities they serve, especially in rural and underserved areas. In this episode, ASTHO Senior Director of Population Health, Alex Kearly, explains who CHWs are, how they build trust and address both health and social needs, and why Medicaid reimbursement can help make these roles sustainable. The conversation also explores the unique access challenges facing rural communities, from provider shortages to hospital closures, and the policy tools states can use to respond, including telehealth, workforce initiatives, and systems-of-care models. Looking ahead to 2026, the episode highlights what states should watch as new federal rural health programs begin to take shape.Policy Trends Shaping Access to Care in 2026 | ASTHOBraiding and Layering Funding to Address the Social Determinants of Health | ASTHOWebinar Registration - ZoomCMS Announces $50 Billion in Awards to Strengthen Rural Health in All 50 States | CMS

As behavioral health and overdose crises continue to strain health systems, states are rethinking how and where care is delivered. In this episode, Dr. Jerry Larkin, the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health and an ASTHO member, explains how youth-focused mobile response and stabilization services provide rapid, in-home crisis care and keep children out of emergency departments and reduce the need for hospitalization. The conversation explores why Rhode Island moved to require insurance coverage for these services and how states can sustain them amid funding uncertainty. Later, ASTHO Senior Director of Overdose Prevention, Richa Ranade, discusses the evolving policy landscape around naloxone, including efforts to expand access in schools, libraries, and other public spaces to prevent overdose deaths. Together, the guests highlight how prevention-focused, community-based approaches can save lives and strengthen public health systems.Policy Trends Shaping Behavioral Health in 2026 | ASTHOState of Rhode Island General AssemblyPolicy Trends Shaping Behavioral Health in 2026 | ASTHOData Modernization Primer and Tactical Guides | ASTHOMeeting Home Page

What happens when the federal government steps back and states are asked to lead?  Continuing our Legislative Prospectus Series, which examines the public health policy trends set to shape 2026, ASTHO president and Connecticut commissioner of public health Dr. Manisha Juthani joins the show to discuss the creation of a new public health emergency funding safety net and the difficult decisions leaders face when planning amid constant uncertainty. Later, ASTHO’s senior director of public health infrastructure, Brian Lentes, breaks down key federal funding streams, governance models, and practical steps states can take to stabilize infrastructure, modernize data systems, and support the public health workforce. This episode highlights how strong relationships, thoughtful prioritization, and long-term planning can help states navigate today’s funding challenges.Policy Trends Shaping Public Health Funding and Administration in 2026 | ASTHOMeeting Home PageWebinar Registration - Zoom

In this episode, we continue our legislative prospectus series examining public health trends in policy going into 2026 with Meredith Allen, Vice President for Health Security at ASTHO. She’ll discuss the critical role immunizations play in preventing the spread of disease and protecting communities nationwide. The conversation explores the science behind vaccines, the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates, and how recent developments at the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) may affect providers, patients, and states, particularly around hepatitis B guidance. Meredith also breaks down why expanded syphilis screening laws are gaining momentum across states and how early detection, especially during pregnancy, can prevent severe outcomes like congenital syphilis. 2026 Legislative Prospectus Series | ASTHOWebinar Registration - Zoom