Changes in state health agency priorities from 2010 to 2012

State health agencies (SHAs) play an integral role in improving the overall health of Americans. Among their many responsibilities, SHAs must decide which of the various public health topics and initiatives are of highest priority for the SHA in a given fiscal year. The aim of the current study is to examine changes in trends in state health agency priorities from 2010 to 2012. The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) conducts an online survey of SHAs every two to three years to document their structure, functions and resources. Among the 300 survey items included in the 2010 and 2012 surveys, respondents were asked to indicate the top five priorities for their SHA for the current fiscal year. The top five priorities for each state for 2010 and 2012 were coded and each priority was placed into one of thirteen categories (e.g., chronic disease, all-hazards preparedness and response, administration) to determine the most frequently occurring priorities in 2010 and 2012. Correlations between priorities in 2010 and 2012 were calculated to examine the extent to which priorities have changed in the past two years in SHAs. Analyses indicate that while states vary in whether or not their top priorities have changed from 2010 to 2012, there are several notable trends in how priorities have shifted during this time period. Results will be discussed in the context of how state health agencies decide on their top priorities and factors that may influence whether or not these priorities change over time.