As the federal budget process stalls, uncertainty continues to ripple through Washington. ASTHO’s senior director of Government Affairs, Jeffrey Ekoma joins us to break down the latest on the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown, which is the longest on record, and what it means for the broader FY26 budget timeline. He’ll unpack how congressional gridlock is delaying progress on FY27 appropriations, what to expect from the president’s upcoming budget request, and why growing talk of a reconciliation bill could have major implications for public health funding. While current delays may not directly hit public health programs, the indirect effects could shape funding priorities and advocacy efforts in the months ahead.

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What happens when an entire health system is pushed to the brink of a funding cliff? In this episode, Dr. Victor Ramos Otero, Secretary of Health for Puerto Rico, joins the show to discuss the urgent challenges facing the island’s health care system. At the center of the conversation is the looming expiration of enhanced Medicaid funding in 2027, a shift that could strip away a third of Puerto Rico’s health care resources and force difficult decisions about services, staffing, and access to care. Dr. Ramos Otero outlines the structural inequities that set Puerto Rico apart from U.S. states, including capped Medicaid funding, lower Medicare Advantage rates, and gaps in critical programs like long-term care and low-income subsidies. These disparities, he explains, are driving both health care professionals and patients to leave the island in search of more stable support.

Past, Present, and Future: Reflections from a Radiation Readiness Professional

What does it take to communicate clearly when the stakes are high and the science is complex? In this episode, Jessica Wieder, President of Teal Skies Consulting and former leader in external affairs at FEMA and EPA, shares how a career that started with a satellite crash simulation turned into two decades at the forefront of radiological preparedness and risk communication. Jessica breaks down the evolution of crisis messaging in the digital age, from early “message mapping” techniques to today’s multi-channel, narrative-driven strategies. She explains why people can only absorb a few key messages under stress, how authenticity can make or break public trust, and why validating emotions is just as important as delivering facts.

Past, Present, and Future: Reflections from a Radiation Readiness Professional

Storytelling in Public Health: Lessons from STI Prevention & Care

Driving Impact with Flexible Funding