Summary:

Discover how the Data Readiness Project, a collaboration between ASTHO and ASPR, strengthened medical countermeasure systems and enhanced data sharing for health agencies. Public health leaders from Virginia, North Dakota, and Massachusetts share how the project strengthened emergency preparedness and response capabilities. The discussion highlights the power of strategic investment and underscores the meaningful progress toward building systems that support faster, more effective responses to public health threats — not just through technology, but also via sustainable funding, collaboration, and scaling systems to meet unique jurisdictional needs.

Guests:

• Margaux Haviland, MPH, Director, Preparedness and Response Coordination, ASTHO
• Shane Keville-Wagner, Resource and Inventory Coordinator, Office of Preparedness and Emergency Management, Massachusetts Department of Public Health
• Tim Wiedrich, Director, Health Response and Licensure Section, North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services
• Jonathan Kiser, MS, Planning Division Director, Office of Emergency Preparedness, Virginia Department of Health

Resources:

• Public Health Review Morning Edition - 990: Connecting Public Health Silos, Tracking Data for Emergencies
• How Washington State Leverages Data to Improve Emergency Preparedness, ASTHO
• Ohio Department of Health Using Partnerships to Improve Public Health Data and Emergency Preparedness, ASTHO
• How Massachusetts Streamlines Data Sharing to Strengthen Emergency Preparedness, ASTHO
• Successful Informatics Alignment, Policy Approaches for State and Local Data Sharing, ASTHO
• Legal and Policy Considerations for Public Health Technology Adoption: An Exploratory Guide, ASTHO
• Data Modernization Primer and Tactical Guides, ASTHO

This episode explores how strong partnerships across state and local agencies expand
adolescent access to school health services in Illinois. Guests from the Illinois Department of
Public Health, Chicago Department of Public Health, and Chicago Public Schools share how
coordinated efforts are improving health and wellness supports for students. From district-wide
initiatives like Healthy CPS to statewide infrastructure for school-based health centers, the
discussion offers practical examples and lessons learned to inspire similar collaboration in other
jurisdictions.

This publication was supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award
totaling $750,000 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS under the PW-24-0080 Cooperative
Agreement, Grant #1NU38PW000018. The contents are those of the author and do not
necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S.
Government.

Guests

• Nikki Goodman, MSW: Healthy CPS Manager, Office of Student Health and Wellness, Chicago Public Schools

• Alexandra Sontag, DNP, MSN, APRN, CNL, FNP-BC: Director of School Nursing, Division of School Health, Chicago Department of Public Health

• Sally Lemke, DNP, WHNP-BC: School Health Nurse Consultant, Illinois Department of Public Health

Resources

• Healthy CPS | Chicago Public Schools

• CDPH School Health Programs | Chicago Department of Public Health

• School-Based/Linked Health Centers | Illinois Department of Public Health

• What Works in Schools | CDC

• Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child | CDC

• Supporting Adolescent Health Through School-Based Health Programs | ASTHO

In this episode, we spotlight a dynamic partnership between an Indiana local health department and Public Health AmeriCorps. Our guests — Jessica Baker, a dedicated Public Health AmeriCorps member, and Michelle Arnold, their host site supervisor — share how they became involved with the program and the impact of their collaboration. Michelle discusses the decision to host an AmeriCorps member and the valuable contributions Jessica has made, both locally and at the state health agency level. Meanwhile, Jessica reflects on their day-to-day responsibilities, motivations for joining, and future career goals. The episode wraps with practical advice for other agencies considering hosting AmeriCorps members and insights into what the supervisor hopes to see in future fellows. It offers a candid look at building the public health workforce through mentorship, service, and shared goals.

Guests

Jessica Baker, MPH: Public Health AmeriCorps Member

Michelle Arnold, MPH: Public Health AmeriCorps Host Site Supervisor