Virginia Joins 16-Governor Public Health Alliance for Cross-State Coordination
RICHMOND, Virginia — Governor Abigail Spanberger announced on October 23 that Virginia is joining the Governors Public Health Alliance, a nonpartisan coalition of 16 governors representing more than 40 percent of the U.S. population, working across state lines to protect residents' health and strengthen public health preparedness. "We know that health threats do not stop at state borders, and neither should our approach to preparing for and responding to these threats," Spanberger said.
Secretary of Health and Human Resources Marvin B. Figueroa said the alliance gives Virginia another way to share information sooner and coordinate responses. Managing Director Angela Botticella said Virginia's participation strengthens the alliance at a time when states face public health challenges demanding quick, coordinated responses. From May to August of this year, Virginia responded to a measles outbreak in Central Virginia with more than 150 confirmed cases, contained in partnership with other states including alliance member North Carolina, according to the state health department.
The alliance is supported by Governors Action Alliance (GovAct), a nonprofit, nonpartisan initiative, and is guided by advisors including former CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen. Current members also include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Guam, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island and Washington.
Source: GSM·America
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：里士满弗吉尼亚州议会大厦。摄影：Farragutful，CC BY-SA 4.0，经 Wikimedia Commons。 / Photo: the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond, by Farragutful, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
