Virginia joined the Governors Public Health Alliance, a coalition of 16 governors representing more than 40% of the U.S. population, Governor Abigail Spanberger announced.
The alliance enables states to share information, best practices, and coordinate responses to health threats that cross state lines, according to the coalition. Members work together on health threat detection, emergency preparedness and response, and public health guidance and policy.
"Health threats do not stop at state borders, and neither should our approach to preparing for and responding to these threats," said Governor Spanberger.
Virginia's participation strengthens the alliance at a time when states face public health challenges without adequate federal support, according to Angela Botticella, managing director of the Governors Public Health Alliance.
Virginia recently responded to a measles outbreak in Central Virginia from May to August that resulted in more than 150 confirmed cases. Through coordination with local health districts, state and regional epidemiologists, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other states including alliance member North Carolina, the outbreak was contained.
The other member states and territories are California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington. Guam is also a member.