969: Record Low Infant Mortality, Island Areas Learning Series

JANSON SILVERS: 

This is the award-winning Public Health Review Morning Edition for Thursday, August 14, 2025. I'm Janson Silvers. Now, today's news from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.

DAWN SHANAFELT: 

Actually considering families and communities the expert and listening to their advisement and making sure that we respond accordingly.

SILVERS: 

The State of Michigan recently recorded its lowest infant mortality rate on record. Here to share more about the programs that led the state to this achievement, is Dawn Shanafelt, director of the division of maternal and infant health for the State of Michigan [Michigan Department of Health and Human Services].

SHANAFELT: 

Last year, we launched a partnership with the Joint Commission regarding maternal levels of care- verification, and by having those standards of care in place, by- by knowing where gaps exist and successes are happening, we really can move some of those systemic challenges that have been plaguing our state and our nation.

SILVERS: 

Michigan has also seen success through the expansion of doula services, which are now eligible for Medicaid reimbursement in the state.

SHANAFELT: 

So, we have geographic and demographic diversity of doulas. And the Doula Advisory Council directly advises the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, advises us on areas of challenge for doulas, areas where community education and outreach are needed, and advises us on policy as well, too.

SILVERS: 

Shanafelt adds that it's important to honor the differences that exist across the state.

SHANAFELT: 

The way that we did that is that our Michigan Perinatal Quality Collaborative, or PQC, is divided into nine regional PQCs, and each of the regional PQCs work on quality improvement projects that are the same and then also those that are unique, right to their regions.

SILVERS: 

To learn more about Michigan's approach, head to the link in the show notes.

ASTHO has a new learning series that explores the unique public health landscapes of U.S. territories and freely associated states, to prepare professionals who are engaging with them. ASTHO's Dulce Mendoza explains how the series can benefit public health professionals.

DULCE MENDOZA: 

This online learning series provides that context that's often missing, helping public health professionals work more respectfully and effectively across these unique jurisdictions.

SILVERS: 

The learning modules cover everything from colonial history, to music, to faith, and traditions. The purpose is to help learners understand why each territory works the way it does.

MENDOZA: 

Whether they're new to the space or they've been doing the work for years, there's something new to learn. At the end of the day, we want to build stronger relationships and better outcomes rooted in understanding, respect, and real collaboration.

SILVERS: 

Mendoza says the goal is for the series to become a go-to resource for anyone working with the territories.

MENDOZA: 

Public health doesn't exist in a vacuum, so it's deeply rooted by history, politics, and trust, and these elements help shift the approach from how do I implement something here to how can I be a better partner? And that mindset going in makes all the difference.

SILVERS: 

Head to the link in the show notes to check out the series now.

In other news, applications are now open for ASTHO's Developing Executive Leaders in Public Health program. This 10-month intensive leadership development includes skill-building workshops, coaching, professional networking, and exposure to national thought leaders. Don't miss out. The application deadline is August 31. You can apply now using the link in the show notes.

Finally, a new ASTHO resource breaks down document management systems to help you and your team determine the best fit, improve efficiency, collaboration, and compliance with a system that will securely store, organize, and track your electronic files. Click the link in the show notes to check out the resource.

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.