About Us:
ASTHO is the national nonprofit organization representing the public health agencies of the United States, the U.S. territories and Freely Associated States, and the District of Columbia, as well as the more than 100,000 public health professionals these agencies employ. ASTHO members, the chief health officials of these jurisdictions, are dedicated to formulating and influencing sound public health policy and to ensuring excellence in public health practice. ASTHO is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia with a regional office in Atlanta, GA. ASTHO was incorporated on March 23, 1942 with the goal of helping health officials navigate a rapidly changing public health landscape and remains a strong voice in governmental public health.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
ASTHO is an all-encompassing diverse and inclusive organization that respects and celebrates every person’s strengths, assets, and values, eliminating inequities and biases in all facets of activities and operations. ASTHO is committed to leading organizational change efforts that support racial healing, racial justice, and transformation within state and territorial public health agencies.
Vision: State and territorial health agencies advancing health equity and optimal health for all.
Mission:
To support, equip, and advocate for state and territorial health officials in their work of advancing the public’s health and well-being.
Values:
Leadership/Integrity/Collaboration/Respect/Diversity and Inclusion/Responsiveness
Program and Policy Areas:
ASTHO participates in a number of grants, contracts and cooperative agreements with federal agencies and receives foundation support for special projects. Through these program activities, ASTHO works to fulfill its mission to help state/territorial health agencies develop and implement programs and policies in public health priority areas. ASTHO projects facilitate collection of relevant information and sharing of ideas and experiences, create dialogue with outside organizations, represent the states at national forums on health, and identify best practices in public health. ASTHO policy committees provide strategic direction for these projects. Staff members produce newsletters, resource lists, reports, and toolkits that assist states and territories to develop public policy and promote public health programs.
