ASTHO Calls for $1 Billion Public Health Investment

Health officials advocate for major funding boost during annual leadership forum.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) is urging Congress to allocate $1 billion in new funding to strengthen the nation's public health infrastructure. The call for increased investment came during ASTHO's annual Spring Leadership Forum, where state and territorial health leaders gathered to discuss critical priorities.

Why it matters

Adequate and sustained public health funding is essential to ensure communities have the resources and capabilities to respond effectively to emerging health threats and maintain essential services. ASTHO's advocacy highlights the need for greater federal support for state and local public health departments.

The details

ASTHO, which represents public health agencies across the United States, is seeking the $1 billion investment to modernize data systems, strengthen the public health workforce, and improve pandemic preparedness. The organization argues that boosting funding is crucial to address longstanding challenges that were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • The ASTHO Spring Leadership Forum took place on March 1-3, 2026.

The players

Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO)

A nonprofit organization representing public health agencies across the United States.

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What they’re saying

“Investing in public health infrastructure is critical to ensuring our nation is prepared to respond to future health emergencies and maintain essential services that protect the wellbeing of all Americans.”

— Michael Fraser, Chief Executive Officer, ASTHO (PRNewswire)

What’s next

ASTHO plans to continue advocating for the $1 billion investment in meetings with members of Congress and the Biden administration.

The takeaway

ASTHO's call for a major funding boost underscores the urgent need to strengthen the foundation of the U.S. public health system, which was tested to its limits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Increased and sustained federal support is essential to ensure state and local health departments have the resources to protect community health.