LATEST NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
Tamiflu Isn’t the Only Flu Treatment Available
As flu activity increases nationwide, a recent article highlights that Tamiflu is not the only CDC-recommended antiviral available to treat influenza. Other options—Xofluza, Relenza, and Rapivab—offer different dosing, delivery methods, and age approvals, which may influence treatment decisions based on access, cost, and patient needs. Antivirals are most effective when started within two days of symptom onset, underscoring the importance of timely testing and care-seeking.
The article also notes growing use of Xofluza due to single-dose convenience and fewer reported side effects, alongside ongoing considerations around availability, insurance coverage, and antiviral resistance—key context for public health communicators sharing accurate, actionable flu guidance this season. Read it from CNN here.
The Little-Known Program Contributing to a Decline in Overdose Deaths in the US
Overdose deaths in the U.S. have declined unevenly since fall 2023, with states like West Virginia seeing notable reductions. One contributing factor gaining attention is crisis intervention training (CIT) for law enforcement, a program originally designed to help officers recognize and respond to mental health conditions.
CIT equips officers to identify substance use crises, engage empathetically, and connect individuals with treatment rather than incarceration—a strategy shown to reduce overdose risk. Experts emphasize “warm handoffs” to treatment and prioritizing patient needs, highlighting how collaborative, public health-centered policing can improve outcomes and save lives. Read more from the Guardian here.
American Academy of Pediatrics Sues RFK Jr. Over Funding Cuts
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has filed a lawsuit challenging the abrupt termination of nearly $12 million in federal grants by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The organization argues the funding cuts jeopardize long-standing public health initiatives unrelated to current policy disputes, including efforts to prevent sudden unexpected infant death, improve early identification of developmental disabilities and birth defects, strengthen pediatric care in rural areas, support adolescent mental health and substance use programs, and improve newborn care standards.
HHS has stated the grants no longer align with agency priorities, while the AAP is seeking court intervention to restore funding as the case proceeds. Read more from The Hill here.
FEATURED TOPICS
Voices From the Field Podcast: Former NFL Stars and CDC Gear-Up Against Cancer
During the 2025 National Conference on Health Communication, Marketing, and Media (NCHCMM) in Atlanta, NPHIC conducted a special series of interviews titled Voices from the Field as part of its Public Health Speaks podcast. Over the next several weeks, NPHIC will release one new episode each week in this seven-part series, featuring conversations with public health leaders, communicators, and partners who are driving change across the nation.
The first episode kicks off with a compelling discussion on the partnership between the National Football League Alumni Association (NFL Alumni) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in their “Gear Up Against Cancer” campaign. This national initiative aims to raise awareness about the impact of colorectal cancer and the importance of early detection.
According to the CDC, colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death among men and women in the United States. Data show that Black and Latino men face a higher risk, with Black men 40 percent more likely to die from the disease. Through this campaign, the NFL Alumni and CDC are using trusted voices to spread a life-saving message: get screened.
In the interview, NPHIC’s Olivia Biggs speaks with campaign partners about how regular screenings, open conversations, and community engagement can shift behaviors and save lives. Former NFL wide receiver Perry Kemp shared a heartfelt message: “Hey, it happens to football players and our families too. Prevention is everything — get tested.”
The Gear Up Against Cancer campaign has already achieved impressive results — 775 million impressions in its first six months — and continues to build momentum through listening sessions and community outreach.
We encourage all of our readers to listen to this powerful first episode and stay tuned each week as NPHIC releases the remaining Voices from the Field interviews. Each episode explores a different public health topic, offering real-world insights and inspiring stories from those working on the front lines of health communication.
Listen to the podcast here and subscribe to the series to hear more Voices from the Field!
State of Obesity Report 2025: Better Policies for a Healthier America
The 2025 State of Obesity report highlights persistent challenges and emerging opportunities in addressing the nation’s obesity crisis. While 2024 data show a slight decline in states with adult obesity rates above 35 percent, nearly 40 percent of U.S. adults remain affected, with higher rates among Black and Latino populations and residents of rural communities. Childhood obesity continues to rise, disproportionately impacting youth of color.
The report emphasizes structural factors—economic, environmental, and social—that shape access to healthy food and physical activity. It calls for sustained investment in federal prevention programs, nutrition supports, healthcare access, and community-level interventions to reduce disparities and improve public health outcomes. Read the report from TFAH here.
WHO Warns of Widespread Resistance to Common Antibiotics Worldwide
A new WHO report warns that antibiotic resistance is rising globally, with one in six bacterial infections in 2023 resistant to treatment. Drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, including E. coli and K. pneumoniae, are increasingly linked to severe bloodstream infections, with resistance exceeding 70% in some regions. Between 2018 and 2023, resistance rose in over 40% of monitored pathogen-antibiotic combinations.
While participation in the WHO GLASS surveillance system has grown, nearly half of countries still lack reliable data, particularly where health systems are weakest. WHO urges countries to strengthen laboratory capacity, report high-quality data, and implement coordinated interventions to preserve antibiotic effectiveness and guide public health policies. Read more from WHO here.
Trust in Media at New Low of 28% in U.S.
Trust in U.S. news media has reached a historic low, with only 28% of adults expressing confidence in newspapers, television, and radio to report fully, fairly, and accurately. Confidence has declined across all partisan groups, with Republicans’ trust now in single digits (8%), independents at 27%, and Democrats holding a narrow majority (51%).
Generational divides are pronounced: adults 65 and older show higher trust, while younger adults remain highly skeptical. For public health communicators, these trends underscore the challenge of effectively conveying health information in a polarized media environment and highlight the importance of building credibility and trust with diverse audiences. Read more from Gallup here.
