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Fifteen Democratic state governors have formed a new alternative health coalition, meant to complement their respective states’ existing public health mechanisms.
The Governors Public Health Alliance, a new coalition of governors designed to protect Americans’ health, is being spearheaded by governors Kathy Hochul (NY), Bob Ferguson (WA), Josh Green (HI), Maura Healey (MA), Tina Kotek (OR), Ned Lamont (CT), Lou Leon Guerrero (GU), Dan McKee (RI), Matt Meyer (DE), Wes Moore (MD), Phil Murphy (NJ), Gavin Newsom (CA), Jared Polis (CO), JB Pritzker (IL) and Josh Stein (NC).
“From undermining vaccine access and abortion rights to slashing billions in Medicaid funding from those in need, the federal government is wreaking havoc on public health and the institutions we rely on,” said Hochul. “The Governors Public Health Alliance will allow our states to share expertise, coordinate with global partners, and deploy the tools and information needed to meet public health threats and protect the American people.”
WHAT'S THE IMPACT
Members described the Governors Public Health Alliance as a nonpartisan coordinating hub for governors and their public health leaders.
The alliance also provides a platform for governors to exchange best practices, align policies, and coordinate on issues such as vaccine access, emergency response and health security, the governors said.
It will facilitate national coordination on public health at the gubernatorial level – complementing existing mechanisms and interfacing with entities across the county including the Northeast Public Health Collaborative.
It also assists state public health laboratories in sharing resources and expertise to strengthen regional readiness, the governors said.
Participating states have already begun sharing best practices, receiving briefings from public health experts and coordinating on executive actions governors can take to strengthen public health protections, including standing orders or directives to preserve access to COVID-19 vaccines.
The alliance will continue to provide governors and their teams with toolkits and timely briefings on major policy developments in public health, share coordinated strategies ahead of high-profile events and offer opportunities to discuss health security issues.
THE LARGER TREND
The alliance is advised by public health experts, including former CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen, former Alaska Chief Medical Officer Dr. Anne Zink, and Dr. Raj Panjabi, former White House Senior Director for Global Health Security and Biodefense.
It will be advised by GovAct’s Bipartisan Advisory Board of former governors and former senior federal officials.
“With many health threats at our doorstep, collaboration and communication between Governors is essential to protect the health of families and save lives,” said Dr. Mandy Cohen, former CDC Director and former North Carolina Secretary for Health and Human Services. “This alliance creates the framework to support the national coordination needed to safeguard communities.”
Jeff Lagasse is editor of Healthcare Finance News.
Email: jlagasse@himss.org
Healthcare Finance News is a HIMSS Media publication.