Will Humble Professional Development, Wills Blog

AZPHA Conference in 2 Weeks – Modernizing Public Health Practice: Building an Innovative Infrastructure for the Public Health of the Future

The Arizona Public Health Association’s 2025 Annual Conference is just around the corner (April 3), and this is your chance to register for an event that promises to explore groundbreaking innovations in public health.

This year’s theme, “Using AI to Enhance Public Health Practice, Data, Informatics, and the Public Health Workforce” focuses on how artificial intelligence is transforming the field of public health.

From data-driven decision-making to workforce development, this conference offers valuable opportunities for professionals, students, and organizations to learn from leading experts and take part in forward-thinking discussions.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills, explore new AI-driven technologies, or network with fellow professionals, the AZPHA 2025 Conference is an essential event for public health practitioners. Don’t miss out—register now to secure your spot and take advantage of early bird rates!

View Our Conference Brochure & Agenda

Keynote
  • Opening Keynote: Improving Perinatal Public Health: An Opportunity for Healthcare and Public Health to Collaborate
Breakout Sessions

Using AI to Enhance Public Health Practice

  • Leveraging AI to Standardize Housing Interventions
  • Merging Minds and Machines | Re-envisioning Public Health Innovation
  • Leveraging AI for Smarter Public Health Decision-Making: Balancing Innovation with Cultural Responsiveness
  • The AI Co-Worker You Never Knew You Needed

Data Infrastructure and Informatics

  • Enhancing Depression Care for Pregnant and Postpartum Women Through Data Visualization
  • Integrating Data to Action: Enhancing Overdose Surveillance and Response in Pima County
  • Substance Use Data to Action: Development of the City of Phoenix Opioid Overdose Alert System Methodology and Program Framework
  • Data as a Driver of Action: Leveraging Wastewater Monitoring for H5 Detection and Response
  • The ADHS 2024 State Health Assessment

Public Health Workforce

  • Public Health Inclusion & Belonging and Employee-Driven Approach
  • Bridging the Gap: Cultivating Public Health Leaders Through Workforce Innovation and Experiential Learning
  • Fostering Connection and Quality: Improving Behavioral Health Care Through Collaboration
  • Tribal Healthcare Workforce Development: A Collaborative Approach
  • Building a Sustainable Mental Healthcare Workforce in Arizona
  • Strengthening the Public Health Workforce by Reimaging Graduate Education
Panel Discussion
  • ADHS Data Modernization Initiative: Building an Innovative Infrastructure for Public Health Practice

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an exciting and forward-thinking conference. Register today and join us in exploring how AI is reshaping the future of public health!

Special Discounts:

  • Student Discounts: Affordable rates for AZPHA student members
  • Group Discounts: Organizations registering 10 or more people can access special pricing.
  • Member Discounts: AZPHA members receive exclusive discounts
  • Free Membership: General registration includes a complimentary one-year membership with AZPHA, giving you access to additional resources and networking opportunities.
For full registration details, fees, and sponsorship opportunities, visit our registration page

Register

View Our Conference Brochure & Agenda

2025 Conference Learning Objectives and Summary
2025 Conference Biographies
Will Humble Opioids, Wills Blog

A Turning Point in the Opioid Crisis?

New national data from the CDC and National Center for Health Statistics has revealed a 24% decline in opioid drug overdose deaths in the last 12 months compared with the previous 12. The biggest decline was among those 18-44 years old.

NCHS: Vital Statistics Rapid Release – Provisional Drug Overdose Data

Fatal fentanyl overdoses are down in every state : NPR

CDC Reports Nearly 24% Decline in U.S. Drug Overdose Deaths | CDC

So, what’s behind this encouraging trend? Several key factors appear to be driving the decrease in fatalities, and it’s worth taking a closer look at these interventions that are making a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Widespread Naloxone Distribution

One of the most impactful public health interventions has been making naloxone (the fast-acting reversal drug) much easier to get and afford – allowing bystanders access to the reversal drug. Thanks to widespread, data-driven distribution efforts and investments by state, county and local jurisdictions in naloxone their opioid settlement and other COVID relief funds.

First responders, community organizations, and people in high-risk environments and social groups are equipped with this vital quick reversal medication – and are increasingly using the reversal drug. Wider availability of fentanyl test strips may also be playing a role in the decline.

Naloxone is available for purchase in Arizona at local pharmacies without a prescription thanks to a bill from the state legislature a couple years ago. Benchmark price is between $75 and $80 per dose.

I’m not aware of surveillance data that collects the prevalence of naloxone use in the field, however. Anecdotally I’ve heard that some Arizona high school staff have used the drug to quickly reverse overdoses in schools – but like I said I don’t think there’s good data on how often it’s being used.

Better Access to Treatment

Another major factor contributing to the decline in overdose deaths is increased access to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders. The opioid settlement funds have played an important role in funding local and national initiatives that improve treatment availability, ensuring that individuals struggling with opioid addiction have the support they need. Medications like methadone and buprenorphine, combined with counseling and other treatment modalities, continue to provide a comprehensive approach to recovery.

Shifts in the Drug Supply

While fentanyl continues to be a dominant threat in the illegal drug market, shifts in the drug supply itself may be contributing to the decline in overdose deaths. Anecdotally, there has been a shift towards a more varied and, in some cases, less potent illegal drug supply. However, the prevalence of fentanyl is still a major challenge, requiring constant vigilance.

Other Factors?

Some experts suggest that another factor may be that the people most susceptible to opioid addiction and the use of illicit fentanyl already died in the now more than 15-year epidemic, leading to a natural reduction in overdose deaths.

Opioid Overdose Deaths Decline: A Turning Point Fueled by Harm Reduction & Settlements?

Summary

Despite the progress, overdose is still the leading cause of death for young adults in the U.S., and some states, including Alaska and Nevada, are still having increases in overdose deaths.

While the opioid crisis is far from over, the recent drop in overdose deaths is a testament to the power of effective, multi-faceted public health strategies. By ensuring that naloxone is available, expanding treatment options, and continuing to adapt to the changing drug landscape, we are slowly turning the tide against the opioid epidemic. But there’s still much more to do to keep the momentum going and save even more lives.

CDC: Drug Overdose Mortality by State

Will Humble Environmental Health, Public Health, Wills Blog

Trump Administration Rolling Back Environmental Protections

The president promised to roll back environmental protections in the leadup to the election and he is following through. This week his administration (EPA) announced they’ll be embarking on a several months rulemaking to undermine a host of existing environmental protections – mostly focusing on rolling back carbon reduction provisions.

While these changes won’t be immediate (they need to go through the federal rulemaking process) their intent is clear: to reverse climate policies and weaken or end carbon reduction policies while weakening environmental safeguards like soot and particulate matter control measures and goals.

EPA signals it will slash climate and pollution rules, including for cars and power plants

Under the new rules, they promise that car manufacturers would be given a free hand to produce vehicles that emit higher levels of carbon and other pollutants. Coal fired power plants, which are major contributors to greenhouse gases, will face fewer restrictions.

They also said they’ll be scaling back or ending soot (particulate matter) emission standards for industry and transportation which will have bad public health consequences (respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular problems, and other health issues) that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.

Long-Term Impact

Environmental advocates, scientists, and public health experts like APHA are voicing their concerns, warning that the EPA’s proposed changes are not just about reducing government intervention—they’re about dismantling critical protections that have helped mitigate the effects of climate change.

What’s Next?

Over the coming months expect the EPA to propose their rule rolling back the regulations. They’ll need to propose and publish a draft rule (CFR’s) and respond to comments before publishing a final rule. At that point I expect nonprofits and perhaps Democratic state Attorney Generals to file lawsuits challenging the rules – arguing they aren’t in accord with the direction given to the EPA by congress.

Will Humble Disease Control, Public Health, Wills Blog

Long COVID: Persistent Symptoms and Functional Impacts 5 Years After Infection

As the COVID-19 pandemic marks its fifth year, many people who’ve recovered from the virus continue to suffer from lingering symptoms known as “Long COVID”. This condition affects a significant portion of people who had moderate or severe COVID-19 infections, with people reporting symptoms persisting for months or even years after the initial infection.

Main Symptoms of Long COVID

The symptoms of long COVID vary widely and can affect multiple organ systems. Among the most common and persistent are neurological symptoms, including brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems, which can severely impair cognitive function and hinder work and daily activities. These cognitive issues are often described as “mental fatigue” or “cloudy thinking” and are a central complaint among long COVID patients.

Fatigue is another symptom, often reported as severe & debilitating. This fatigue is not simply tiredness but a deep, persistent exhaustion that does not improve with rest. Patients often struggle with even basic tasks due to this overwhelming tiredness.

In addition to fatigue, individuals with long COVID often experience musculoskeletal pain, including joint pain and muscle aches. This, coupled with chronic headaches and dizziness, can contribute to a significant decline in quality of life. Some patients also report shortness of breath and ongoing respiratory issues, even long after the acute phase of infection has passed.

Functional Changes

Sometimes Long COVID can cause functional changes in individuals’ ability to carry out everyday tasks. Many have difficulty returning to work or normal activities due to the persistent physical and cognitive symptoms. Exhaustion and pain often require modifications to their daily routines, and some individuals may need to reduce working hours or rely on help for tasks they once performed independently.

Mental Health Impact

The ongoing nature of long COVID can contribute to mental health challenges. Anxiety and depression have been reported by long COVID patients, possibly due to the frustration of living with an uncertain and often misunderstood condition. The burden of prolonged illness, combined with the uncertainty about recovery, worsens emotional and psychological stress.

New Report Reviews Evidence on Long COVID Diagnosis, Risk, Symptoms, and Functional Impact for Patients | National Academies

Long COVID: major findings, mechanisms and recommendations | Nature Reviews Microbiology

Long COVID | NHLBI, NIH

How common is long COVID? Why studies give different answers

Treatment

Physical rehabilitation like exercise and activity management helps some patients alleviate fatigue and improve physical function. Some clinicians are using medications targeting specific symptoms, such as low-dose naltrexone for pain and inflammation, are under investigation for their potential benefits.

Management of long COVID also includes psychological therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy, ‘acceptance and commitment therapy’, group therapy, and peer support.

Will Humble State Legislature, Wills Blog

Legislative Update: Week of March 17

This week was dominated by floor votes (called 3rd Read). Bills that successfully get approved on the floor vote then move over to the other chamber.

Committees are also back in full swing. The Senate and House Health and Human Services Committees are meeting this week on several bills. Rather than discuss them here (this is already a long update) I’ll just link you to our weekly committee worksheet.

Here’s a list of the public health related bills that have advanced out of their chamber over the last couple of weeks:

Senate

SB1019 photo enforcement; traffic (AzPHA opposes)

SB1071 SNAP TANF verification (AzPHA Opposed)

SB1108 international medical licenses; provisional licensing (no Position)

SB1612 RFP document retention; AHCCCS (No Position)

SB1347 – comprehensive dental; ahcccs (AzPHA Supports)

SB1604 licensed secure health facility; defendants (AzPHA Supports)

SB1623 – no vote yet -GME appropriations (AzPHA Supports)

House

HB2001 behavioral health temporary licenses (AzPHA Supports)

HB2012 emergency use products; employers (AzPHA Opposed)

HB2130 claims; prior authorization (AzPHA Supports)

HB2058 immunization proof; higher education (AzPHA Opposed)

HB2063 parental notification; school immunizations (AzPHA Opposes)

HB2125 insurance coverage; hearing aids (AzPHA Supports)

HB2126 medical records; parental choice (AzPHA Opposes)

HB2145 registered sanitarians; qualifications (AzPHA Supports)

HB2164 school lunches; ultra processed food (AzPHA Supports)

HB2165 SNAP; prohibited purchases (AzPHA No Position)

HB2175 claims; prior auth; company conduct (AzPHA Supports)

HB2176 training; investigations; complaints (AzPHA Neutral)

HB2257 DCS, vaccination; child placement (AzPHA No Position)

HB2291 opioids, red cap packaging (AzPHA Supports)

HB2449 AHCCCS presumptive eligibility (AzPHA Opposed)

HB2894 Silver alert criteria (AzPHA Supports)

Will Humble Vaccination, Wills Blog

FDA Bypasses Vaccines & Related Biological Products Advisory Committee: Establishes this Fall’s Influenza Vaccine Formula w/o VRBPAC Technical Review

Each March the US decides what the formulation should be for the next season’s influenza vaccine. For decades the process has been to have experts from the FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) analyze global surveillance in the northern and southern hemispheres and make a formula recommendation to the FDA Commissioner – with the goal of having a vaccine targeting the most likely strains that’ll be the most likely to circulate in the northern hemisphere the following fall.

Not this year. RFK Jr used his authority as HHS Secretary to cancel the March 13 VRBPAC meeting and told his FDA Commissioner to decide on their own what the 2025-2026 influenza vaccine formula should be – without expert review from VRBPAC.

Ironically, Acting FDA Commissioner Dr. Sara Brenner decided to just go with what the WHO is recommending – despite the president’s intent to withdraw from the WHO, stop paying dues… and his disparaging comments about the organization.

This fall’s formula will be trivalent, having two influenza A subtype viruses (H1N1 and H3N2) and one influenza B virus:

  • Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09-like virus: an A/Victoria/4897/2022 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus.
  • Influenza A(H3N2)-like virus: an A/Croatia/10136RV/2023 (H3N2)-like virus.
  • Influenza B (Victoria lineage)-like virus: a B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus.
Will Humble Federal Budget, Public Health, State Legislature, Wills Blog

Federal Budget News: No Government Shutdown

The U.S. House of Representatives and Senate approved a ‘continuing resolution’ this week – approving the “Full Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025”, to fund the federal government at current levels through the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2025. Here’s the text of the legislation and a section-by-section summary.

What’s still unclear is whether the agencies funded by the CR will actually follow through and actually do what the CR says they’re supposed to do with the money – and that’s the crux of the drama in congress and elsewhere.

Without firm stipulations it’s likely that the DOGE Bros and agency heads will simply not extend the funds through contracts.

In addition to extending federal funding through Sept. 30, 2025, the CR includes the following provisions relevant to state and territorial public health:

  • Extends funding for the following programs through Sept. 30, 2025:

o Community Health Centers

o Special Diabetes Program

o Teaching Health Centers that run GME

o National Disaster Medical System

o Sexual Risk Avoidance Education Program

o Personal Responsibility Education

o Family-to-Family Health Information Centers

  • Extends the authorization of the following programs through Sept. 30, 2025:

o Public Health Emergency Fund

o Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority

o BioShield Special Reserve Fund

o Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures Enterprise

o National Advisory Committee on Children and Disasters

o National Advisory Committee on Seniors and Disasters

o National Disaster Medical System

o Authority for states and tribes to request temporary reassignment for federally funded persons

Will Humble Uncategorized

Public Health Journalism this Week

Arizona’s public health feels the weight of federal orders

As Republicans prepare to cut Medicaid, two-thirds of GOP voters want no cuts — or higher spending • Arizona Mirror

AZ psychiatric care centers an alternative to ER in times of crisis

Hantavirus that killed Gene Hackman’s wife saw Arizona surge in 2024

Millions of people, including 600K in AZ, could lose Medicaid coverage under anticipated GOP cuts • Arizona Mirror

My Cuts to Arizona Medicaid Funds and Impact: Len Kerschner

The human cost of Arizona’s proposed Medicaid restrictions

Will Humble Professional Development, Wills Blog

Join Us at Our 2025 Conference for a Discussion of AI-Driven Advancements in Public Health Practice & More

The Arizona Public Health Association’s 2025 Annual Conference is just around the corner (April 3), and this is your chance to register for an event that promises to explore groundbreaking innovations in public health.

This year’s theme, “Using AI to Enhance Public Health Practice, Data, Informatics, and the Public Health Workforce” focuses on how artificial intelligence is transforming the field of public health.

View Our Final Agenda!

From data-driven decision-making to workforce development, this conference offers valuable opportunities for professionals, students, and organizations to learn from leading experts and take part in forward-thinking discussions.

Modernizing Public Health Practice:
Building an Innovative Infrastructure for the Public Health of the Future

Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills, explore new AI-driven technologies, or network with fellow professionals, the AZPHA 2025 Conference is an essential event for public health practitioners. Don’t miss out—register now to secure your spot and take advantage of early bird rates!

Conference Agenda

Keynote
  • Opening Keynote: Improving Perinatal Public Health: An Opportunity for Healthcare and Public Health to Collaborate
Breakout Sessions

Using AI to Enhance Public Health Practice

  • Leveraging AI to Standardize Housing Interventions
  • Merging Minds and Machines | Re-envisioning Public Health Innovation
  • Leveraging AI for Smarter Public Health Decision-Making: Balancing Innovation with Cultural Responsiveness
  • The AI Co-Worker You Never Knew You Needed

Data Infrastructure and Informatics

  • Enhancing Depression Care for Pregnant and Postpartum Women Through Data Visualization
  • Integrating Data to Action: Enhancing Overdose Surveillance and Response in Pima County
  • Substance Use Data to Action: Development of the City of Phoenix Opioid Overdose Alert System Methodology and Program Framework
  • Data as a Driver of Action: Leveraging Wastewater Monitoring for H5 Detection and Response
  • The ADHS 2024 State Health Assessment

Public Health Workforce

  • Public Health Inclusion & Belonging and Employee-Driven Approach
  • Bridging the Gap: Cultivating Public Health Leaders Through Workforce Innovation and Experiential Learning
  • Fostering Connection and Quality: Improving Behavioral Health Care Through Collaboration
  • Tribal Healthcare Workforce Development: A Collaborative Approach
  • Building a Sustainable Mental Healthcare Workforce in Arizona
  • Strengthening the Public Health Workforce by Reimaging Graduate Education
Panel Discussion
  • “Innovative Methods and Techniques in Public Health Implementation Science”

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an exciting and forward-thinking conference. Register today and join us in exploring how AI is reshaping the future of public health!

Special Discounts:

  • Student Discounts: Affordable rates for AZPHA student members
  • Group Discounts: Organizations registering 10 or more people can access special pricing.
  • Member Discounts: AZPHA members receive exclusive discounts
  • Free Membership: General registration includes a complimentary one-year membership with AZPHA, giving you access to additional resources and networking opportunities.
For full registration details, fees, and sponsorship opportunities, visit our registration page
View Our Final Agenda!
Register
Sponsorship Opportunities (Deadline March 18)
Will Humble Public Health, Wills Blog

CDC Suspends Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) Data Collection

From AzPHA Member Bre Thomas at Affirm

The CDC suspended data collection through the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) last week. PRAMS is a federal population-based surveillance system “designed to identify groups of women and infants at high risk for health problems, to monitor changes in health status, and to measure progress towards goals in improving the health of mothers and infants.”

Developed in the 1980s as part of a concerted effort to better understand why Black and Native American/Alaskan Native mothers and infants consistently experienced worse health outcomes than their white counterparts, the PRAMS questionnaire includes questions about racism, discrimination, and socioeconomic status.

Because the current survey and research protocol include questions about race, sexual orientation and gender identity, and class status, an overhaul is necessary to comply with the President’s executive order ending government diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.

CDC employees who work on PRAMS have reported that the program will eventually continue without survey questions about race/ethnicity and other social determinants of health. However, the ability of a revised PRAMS questionnaire to support the program’s goal of finding groups of pregnant people and infants at heightened risk for adverse health outcomes is still unclear.

Furthermore, these revisions to the survey’s questions — some of which have been asked consistently since 1988 — will diminish the ability of program administrators, policymakers, and advocates to watch changes over time.

Currently, 26 Title X grantee agencies (all state health departments) take part in the PRAMS program, and both programs are often co-located in the same bureau or division. Even more family planning and sexual health service providers rely on PRAMS data for program planning.

Of note, PRAMS data is used to calculate unintended pregnancy and birth rates; access to and receipt of prepregnancy, prenatal, and postpartum care; patterns of health insurance coverage before, during, and after pregnancy; and performance measures on access to postpartum contraception.

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