LATEST NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
Relive the Energy of NCHCMM25
The 2025 National Conference on Health Communication, Marketing and Media (NCHCMM) brought together public health professionals from across the country to share strategies, strengthen skills, and foster meaningful connections. A new highlight reel captures the insight, energy, and community that defined this year’s event—from inspiring speakers to hallway conversations.
NPHIC extends sincere thanks to all who made the conference a success—attendees, sponsors, speakers, exhibitors, and partners. Watch the video, tag a colleague you see, and share your top takeaway using #NCHCMM25. Together, we’re advancing the future of public health communication—one message at a time.
Susan Monarez Confirmed as Trump’s CDC Director
The Senate confirmed Susan Monarez as director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), marking the first confirmation under a 2023 law. Monarez, a microbiologist with advanced training from the University of Wisconsin and Stanford, previously served as acting director amid significant agency challenges, including staff reductions and shifts in vaccine policies.
At her confirmation hearing, she emphasized her commitment to vaccines and scientific rigor while avoiding direct responses regarding her relationship with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has challenged established CDC vaccine protocols. Her leadership comes during a critical time for public health preparedness and trust. Read more from AP here.
Most Adults Do Not Plan on Getting COVID-19 Shot Amid Vaccine Policy Changes
New survey data from KFF reveals that 59% of American adults do not plan to receive the COVID-19 booster this fall, amid significant shifts in U.S. vaccine policy. Changes include revised recommendations excluding healthy children and pregnant women from booster guidance, alongside the replacement of the CDC’s independent vaccine advisory panel with members skeptical of vaccines.
Vaccine hesitancy is notably higher among Republicans and white adults, with younger adults (30-49) also showing low intent to vaccinate. This reluctance emerges as COVID-19 cases rise in 40 states, highlighting ongoing public health challenges in encouraging vaccine uptake during evolving policy landscapes. Read more from The Hill here.
FEATURED TOPICS
Nicotine Poisonings Soar in Babies and Toddlers
A new study in Pediatrics highlights a sharp 763% rise in nicotine poisonings among children under 6, driven primarily by the growing popularity of nicotine pouches like Zyn. From 2010 to 2023, U.S. poison centers recorded over 134,000 cases—most involving toddlers and nearly all occurring at home.
While most cases were minor, two toddlers died after ingesting liquid nicotine used in vapes. These findings underscore the urgent need for improved public health messaging around the risks of “tobacco-free” nicotine products, safe storage, and youth access. Public health communicators play a vital role in preventing these entirely avoidable poisonings through education and awareness. Read the full story from NBC here.
Warning to Antidepressant Users as Heat Wave Temperatures Hit 100 Degrees
As extreme heat waves hit the East Coast, public health experts warn that individuals taking common antidepressants—particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac and Zoloft, and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as Elavil—may face increased risks of heat intolerance and dehydration.
These medications can disrupt the body’s temperature regulation and sweating response, heightening the danger of heat exhaustion and potentially life-threatening heat stroke. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and muscle cramps. Health professionals advise users to stay hydrated, avoid direct sun exposure, wear loose clothing, and seek immediate help if symptoms arise. Awareness is critical to prevent severe heat-related illness among this vulnerable group. Read more from the New York Post here.
FDA Upgrades Blueberry Recall to Highest Risk Level
The FDA has elevated a recent blueberry recall to a Class I—the agency’s highest risk level—after routine testing by Alma Pak International LLC detected listeria monocytogenes. The recall affects 400 boxes (30 pounds each) shipped to a single customer in North Carolina. Class I recalls signal a reasonable probability that use of the product could cause serious health consequences or death.
Listeria poses heightened risk to pregnant people, newborns, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. The CDC reports about 1,600 U.S. listeria cases annually, with 260 deaths. This follows a February recall of 2 million listeria-contaminated baked goods. Read more from The Hill here.
ChatGPT Use Linked to Cognitive Decline: MIT Research
A recent MIT Media Lab study raises concerns about the long-term cognitive effects of relying on ChatGPT. Researchers found that participants who regularly used the tool to write SAT-style essays showed the lowest brain engagement and underperformed linguistically and behaviorally compared to peers who used Google or no tools at all.
EEG scans revealed diminished neural activity in the ChatGPT group, which increasingly shifted from using the tool for support to copying content outright. The “brain-only” group showed the strongest cognitive function. These findings highlight the need for caution, particularly for younger users, as public health and education sectors grapple with AI’s growing role. Read the full article from The Hill here.
