For almost 20 years, my career has focused on hospital epidemiology, infection prevention and control (IPC), and antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP), so I am excited about joining this group of like-minded folks.
My blended international and state-level perspectives have helped me identify opportunities in IPC guidance, and to ponder ways health care and public health could work together. Now, more than ever, it is crucial to strengthen the relationships between public health and healthcare. Communication and relationship building are critical. CORHA is well positioned to assist this effort. For example, the Council brings public health and healthcare partners together to engage in dialogue about some of the most pressing issues facing us today, such as strengthening public health infrastructure, increasing trust in messaging and communication, building and deepening relationships with community members, and prioritizing health equity.
We are in a moment when outbreak and pandemic preparedness is experiencing greater visibility, and this is our opportunity to ask for the things public health needs: flexible funding, robust data infrastructure and workforce support. This is also a good time to communicate about what public health does and why this work is so important. In my new leadership role with CORHA, representing the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, I will work on these initiatives and further the Council’s mission, vision, and goals of protecting patients from outbreaks.
I feel passionate about addressing the issues of health care-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance and improving outbreak preparedness at all levels—national, state, community. I look forward to meeting and working with others who share these interests with CORHA!
Natasha Bagdasarian