LATEST NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
Join Us at NCHCMM 2025 – Registration Now Open!
Public health communicators, mark your calendars! The 2025 National Conference on Health Communication, Marketing & Media (NCHCMM) is set for July 28-30 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. This premier event brings together experts to explore innovative strategies in health communication. The first keynote speaker, Dr. Garth Graham—cardiologist, researcher, and Head of YouTube Health—promises valuable insights.
Take advantage of advance registration discounts through May 30, and submit your abstracts by April 18. Secure your hotel stay at a special rate by July 18. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and inspire—visit our website and follow us for updates! Visit www.NCHCMM.org for all the details.
Deadliest Phase of Fentanyl Crisis Eases, As All States See Recovery
New research from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reveals a dramatic and sustained decline in fentanyl-related overdose deaths, marking a potential turning point in the opioid crisis. According to CDC data, drug deaths have dropped by nearly 25%, with fentanyl-related fatalities decreasing by over 30% in just one year.
Experts, including Dr. Nabarun Dasgupta, suggest this trend may be long-term, with overdose deaths in some states falling to pre-pandemic levels. While the reasons remain unclear, improved access to Narcan and shifts in drug use behavior may be contributing factors. If sustained, the U.S. could return to pre-2016 overdose levels, signaling a major public health victory. Read the full story from NPR here.
FDA Proposes Front-of-Package Nutrition Labels to Combat Diet-Related Diseases
The FDA has proposed a front-of-package (FOP) nutrition labeling rule to help consumers make quicker, informed food choices and address the rising rates of diet-related chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. The proposed Nutrition Info box would categorize saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars as “Low,” “Med,” or “High,” complementing the existing Nutrition Facts label.
Research shows that simplified, at-a-glance labels improve consumers’ ability to identify healthier options. If finalized, this policy could be as impactful as the original Nutrition Facts label. Public comments on the proposal are open until May 16, 2025. Read more from the FDA here.
FEATURED TOPICS
NPHIC’s Robert Jennings Featured on Public Health Review Morning Edition Podcast
Robert Jennings, Executive Director of the National Public Health Information Coalition (NPHIC), is shaping the future of public health communication by developing guidelines for AI use in the field. In a recent Public Health Review Morning Edition episode, Jennings highlighted the need for responsible AI integration to enhance messaging and outreach. He also provided an outlook on evolving communication strategies for pressing public health challenges, including firearm injury prevention. Meanwhile, ASTHO President Dr. Scott Harris reflected on the success of the HPAI symposium.
Public health leaders can stay engaged through ASTHO’s Public Health Weekly newsletter, featuring expert insights, policy updates, and leadership opportunities. Listen to the podcasts here.
Stay Connected with NPHIC on Social Media
NPHIC members, stay informed and engaged by following us on Facebook (@NPHICpublic), Twitter (X) (@NPHIC), and Instagram (@NPHIC_). We’re excited to highlight our new LinkedIn page, where you can find important updates on the National Conference on Health Communication, Marketing, and Media (NCHCMM). Follow us at NPHIC on LinkedIn.
We also invite you to join our exclusive closed Facebook group for members, a space for collaboration and sharing valuable information. Strengthen our community and amplify the impact of public health communications by joining today: NPHIC Member-Only Facebook Group.
U.S. Pays $590 Million to Moderna to Speed up Development of Bird Flu Vaccine
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has committed $590 million to Moderna to accelerate the development of a bird flu vaccine. This effort builds on $176 million awarded last year and aims to advance late-stage development, clinical studies, and licensure of a "pandemic influenza vaccine" targeting H5N1 and other influenza subtypes.
With bird flu rapidly spreading among livestock and mammals, and 67 confirmed human cases—including one death—public health officials emphasize the unpredictability of the virus. The CDC recently issued an alert urging hospitals to prioritize testing for suspected infections, reinforcing the urgency of proactive measures to mitigate potential public health emergencies. Read more from NPR here.
Raging California Wildfires May Spread Toxic Asbestos
As wildfires ravage Southern California, thousands are at risk of exposure to toxic asbestos. Older buildings, particularly those built before 1980, often contain asbestos, which can be released into the air as fires destroy structures. The dry conditions and high winds exacerbate the spread of these dangerous fibers, potentially affecting people far from the flames.
Asbestos exposure can lead to severe respiratory issues and cancers, including mesothelioma. Public health experts stress the importance of protective measures like wearing respirators and using air purifiers to reduce exposure. Cleaning up fire-damaged areas also requires caution to prevent inhalation of asbestos-contaminated debris. Read more from Asbestos.com here.
