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Dr. Steven Stack, ASTHO’s new President and Commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health, previews his goals for the upcoming year; Jacqueline Howard, a CNN Health Reporter, reacts to the idea that questions on licensing forms may...
Dr. Steven Stack, ASTHO’s new President and Commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health, previews his goals for the upcoming year; Jacqueline Howard, a CNN Health Reporter, reacts to the idea that questions on licensing forms may prevent health care workers from seeking help; and an ASTHO report explains how Health in All Policies strategies can promote health equity and address the root causes of disparities.
CNN News Article: US health care workers face elevated risk of suicide, new study finds
ROBERT JOHNSON:
This is the award-winning Public Health Review Morning Edition for Thursday, October 26, 2023. I'm Robert Johnson. Now, today's news from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.
STEVEN STACK:
I've always believed in my journey of non-profit leadership, that the presidents and the board members are in service to the association, not the other way around.
JOHNSON:
ASTHO's new President, Kentucky Health Commissioner, Dr. Steven Stack on his leadership approach and the challenge posed by today's politics.
STACK:
So it's a real challenge navigating that enhanced scrutiny and skepticism that we see across society and we have to find a way to bridge that and try to make that better, so that people have confidence in the work we're doing and are willing to follow the suggestions we make in their better interest.
JOHNSON:
Stack says the public health budget is another concern he expects to continue during his time in the post.
STACK:
And as Congress and the President tried to navigate how we fund our government in the years ahead. It's going to be important. We try to demonstrate compellingly to them that the relatively small investments we need in public health yield many multiples, in return benefits society because healthier people not only live healthier, happier lives, they're also more productive in the workforce.
JOHNSON:
Looking ahead, ASTHO's 81st President considers the potential impact of his term leading the organization.
STACK:
I'd really like it if in a year from now, we could look back and say the public health workforce feels appreciated and feels that appreciation is reflected and reasonable compensation, opportunities for professional advancement, and education, and skill development workplaces that are appropriate for the work they do, and IT infrastructure, data systems, and other tools that help make them more effective and efficient in the work they do.
JOHNSON:
Stack follows Alaska Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Anne Zink, in the position, you can read ASTHO's news release using the link in the show notes.
JACQUELINE HOWARD:
When I heard about this concern that's out there or this fear. I was really surprised that these kinds of questions or conversations around these kinds of questions haven't been had before.
JOHNSON:
CNN Health Reporter, Jacqueline Howard reacts to the idea that questions on licensing forms may prevent healthcare workers from seeking help for mental health concerns. This on the heels of a new study that says health care workers in the US face an elevated risk of suicide.
HOWARD:
We have heard anecdotally that some health care workers may be hesitant to seek help and support when needed because of the fear that if information gets out there that they're dealing with a mental health issue, or they sought support or treatment for a mental health issue. There's this fear that it may impact their license, or credentials.
JOHNSON:
Howard says many leading health organizations now are considering changes to those questionnaires.
HOWARD:
One of many possible solutions that have been brought forward is that we review and think of ways we can tweak those kinds of questions in a way where they do not deter someone or discourage someone from seeking help when needed.
JOHNSON:
An audit of the questions that states ask health care employees is published on the website, sigmanursing.com. You can read the report and Howard's coverage of the mental health crisis facing health care workers by clicking the links in the show notes. Also today, public health agencies are working to include equity in everything they do. O'Keyla Cooper has more.
O'KEYLA COOPER:
Learn how Health in All Policy strategies can promote health equity and address root causes of disparities. See how state and territorial health agencies are incorporating HiAP into their programs to tackle health inequities, based on ASTHO's 2022 Environmental Scan findings. Access the complete report by clicking the link in the show notes.
JOHNSON:
Finally, this morning stay up to date with everything happening in public health by signing up for ASTHO's Public Health Weekly email newsletter. The link to join the list is in the show notes.
Also, don't forget to follow us on your podcast player and ASTHO on social media. We're on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. That'll do it for today. We're back tomorrow morning with more ASTHO news and information.
I'm Robert Johnson. You're listening to the award-winning Public Health Review Morning Edition. Have a great day!
