Catherine Murphy, government affairs analyst at ASTHO, describes the impact of potential cuts to federally funded public health preparedness programs in a new Federal Health Policy Update; Monique Farmer, president of Avant Solutions, shares what she’ll be discussing in today’s ASTHO webinar on public health communication strategies...
Catherine Murphy, government affairs analyst at ASTHO, describes the impact of potential cuts to federally funded public health preparedness programs in a new Federal Health Policy Update; Monique Farmer, president of Avant Solutions, shares what she’ll be discussing in today’s ASTHO webinar on public health communication strategies; the highlights from ASTHO’s recent INSPIRE: Readiness webinar on rumors and public trust are available online now; and Sheila Sjolander, interim director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, is welcomed as ASTHO’s newest member.
ASTHO Federal Health Policy Update: Federal Preparedness Programs Support Health Departments
ASTHO Webinar: Enhancing Public Health Communication: Tools for Engagement & Visibility
JANSON SILVERS:
This is the award-winning Public Health Review Morning Edition for Thursday, July 24, 2025. I'm Janson Silvers. Now, today's news from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.
CATHERINE MURPHY:
We're looking at them because the FY26 President's budget request proposes $350 million which is a $385 million decrease for the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program, and it actually eliminates the Hospital Preparedness Program.
SILVERS:
A new ASTHO Federal Health Policy Update describes the impact of potential cuts to federally funded public health preparedness programs. ASTHO analyst Catherine Murphy explains why they're so vital.
MURPHY:
The Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program ensures that public health departments can respond effectively to emergencies, minimize the economic and human costs of disasters, support recovery efforts and establish a resilient infrastructure capable of handling future threats.
SILVERS:
Murphy says the future of these programs depends on Congress.
MURPHY:
The President's budget proposal only sets out the administration's priorities, and the power to fund or not fund programs is ultimately the responsibility of Congress. To date, they've continued to fully fund the Hospital Preparedness Program and the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program, despite the lapse in authorizations.
SILVERS:
Murphy adds, there are still a lot of unknowns.
MURPHY:
In this current complex political environment, and with the administration and Congress focused on lowering spending, some appropriators have indicated reluctance to continue funding unauthorized programs.
SILVERS:
Click on the link in the show notes to read the full Federal Health Policy Update today.
Today, Thursday, July 24 at 2 p.m. Eastern Time, ASTHO is holding a webinar on effective communication strategies to enhance public health messaging. Monique Farmer, with Avant Solutions is a webinar presenter and shares what participants can expect.
MONIQUE FARMER:
We'll talk about storytelling, but we're going to focus on, you know, core habits that help to make those stories stick, so, shared goals, clear roles, and really being able to articulate their own individual story.
SILVERS:
The event will also touch on the value of collaboration.
FARMER:
I often like to say, make a friend before you need a friend, because when we're in the midst of something, specifically a crisis situation, that is not the very first time I want to be meeting a counterpart in another organization to talk about how we're going to organize.
SILVERS:
Farmer says connecting with your audience is essential to break through the noise.
FARMER:
When a communicator can say, hey, here's here's why I care about this work, and here's why it matters for you. That changes the dynamic, and so, suddenly a message feels more real. It's not just data, it's not just a directive. It's a human being who's showing up with purpose.
SILVERS:
There's still time to register for today's webinar. We have a link in the show notes.
Also, if you missed ASTHO's recent INSPIRE: Readiness webinar on rumors and public trust, the highlights are available online now. Explore strategies to safeguard public health, and communication tactics that can build resilience in your community. Head to the link in the show notes to watch now.
And finally, ASTHO welcomes new member, Sheila Sjolander, interim director and deputy director of public health services at the Arizona Department of Health Services. In her 22 years with the department, Sjolander has been a dedicated leader focusing on health improvement, strategic planning, and the state's work to reduce opioid overdoses. You can read Sjolander's bio by clicking the link in the show notes.
That'll do it for today. We're back tomorrow morning with more ASTHO news and information. I'm Janson Silvers. You're listening to the award-winning Public Health Review Morning Edition. Have a great day.
