MONTGOMERY-The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) announced today that State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris will serve as the organization’s 82nd president.
ASTHO is the national nonprofit organization representing the public health agencies of the United States, the U.S. territories and freely associated states, and Washington, D.C., 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.
In 2015, Dr. Harris left private practice to join the Alabama Department of Public Health as Area Health Officer for seven North Alabama counties. He was appointed Acting State Health Officer in September 2017 and formally designated as Alabama’s 12th State Health Officer in February 2018. As Alabama’s State Health Officer, Dr. Harris has worked to improve statewide public health through numerous health policy initiatives and community health improvement campaigns including those focused on infant mortality, opioid mitigation, and emergency preparedness.
“I am honored to take on the role of ASTHO president at this critical juncture for public health,” says ASTHO President
Dr. Scott Harris
Scott Harris, MD, MPH. “Our country continues to face many public health challenges, including opioid misuse, the re-emergence of certain vaccine-preventable diseases, and infant and maternal mortality. Now more than ever, state and territorial health departments must work together to achieve our aims of improving health, safety and wellness. Most importantly, we must do so in a way that fosters trust among the populations we serve.”
“Dr. Harris has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public health and has been a strong advocate for community health initiatives,” says ASTHO CEO Dr. Joseph Kanter. “His broad expertise in infectious diseases, substance use, and maternal health will serve ASTHO well in the coming year. As the demands on public health continue to evolve, I am heartened knowing our organization will continue to thrive under such a capable, steady, and experienced leader. I am eager to work alongside Dr. Harris as we chart new territory.”
Dr. Harris’ public health and medical career has spanned nearly three decades and includes serving as medical director of the non-profit Decatur-Morgan Community Free Clinic and volunteering in numerous international medical missions. A native of Talladega, he is board certified in internal medicine and infectious diseases and is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and the Infectious Disease Society of America.
Media Release/ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
