The One Health initiative recognizes the inextricable link between human, animal, and environmental health and seeks to “promote, improve, and defend the health and well-being of all species” through collaboration and cooperation among the different fields.
ECOS/ERIS, the Association of State & Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, and U.S. EPA have been working in coordination to promote One Health and to raise awareness of it across U.S. EPA and state agencies.
In 2021, the associations held two introductory webinars to familiarize attendees with the One Health approach and how it looks from both an environmental and health perspective.
Starting in 2022, U.S. EPA with ECOS/ERIS, ASTHO, and AFWA began holding quarterly One Health Community of Practice meetings. If you are interested in joining these meetings to learn more about One Health or to share your state’s experiences, contact Sarah Grace Hughes.
In 2023, ECOS/ERIS and ASTHO developed four case studies showing how states have used the One Health approach to address complex issues. The case studies discuss how state agencies work together to integrate environmental, public health, and wildlife offices, as well as highlight some challenges and opportunities for cross-agency coordination and engagement.