LATEST NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
Save the Date | NCHCMM
Planning for the 2025 National Conference on Health Communication, Marketing, and Media (NCHCMM) is underway, with exciting updates for public health communication professionals. Mark your calendars for the updated dates: July 28–30, 2025, in Atlanta. This new Monday-Wednesday schedule enhances convenience for attendees.
Additionally, the conference welcomes the Public Health Communications Collaborative (PHCC) as a full partner, joining NPHIC and the CDC to advance strategies and innovations in public health communication. The call for abstracts will open soon, providing an opportunity to share impactful work. Stay tuned for updates, including hotel reservation details, and prepare to engage with leaders shaping the future of public health communication. Learn more at NCHCMM.org.
CDC Seeks Public Health Communicators to Test New Risk Communication Tool
The CDC is inviting public health communicators to test a new web-based Public Health Risk Communication Tool. Designed to assist in crafting evidence-based communication plans and messages, the tool offers tailored recommendations for addressing evolving public health threats. Testing sessions, led by RTI International analysts, will occur virtually in November and December, lasting about 60 minutes.
Participants must have recent experience in public-facing health communications within a public health agency. Your feedback will help refine this resource, which will eventually be available for free nationwide. Interested? Complete the Interest Form or contact Elizabeth Adams at etroutmanadams@rti.org.
United States’ First Known Case of More Severe Strain of Mpox Confirmed in California
The U.S. confirmed its first case of clade I mpox, a more severe strain, in California, linked to recent travel from Eastern Africa. While the public risk remains low, the CDC and state officials are monitoring and tracing contacts. Clade I, historically causing higher mortality rates (3%-11%), has shown reduced severity in recent outbreaks, with deaths under 1% when patients receive appropriate care. This emphasizes the importance of strong healthcare systems.
The WHO notes rising cases in Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, and Uganda. Preventative measures include vaccination and avoiding contact with symptomatic individuals or contaminated materials. Read more from CNN here.
FEATURED TOPICS
Listen Up! Podcast: Harnessing AI for the Future of Public Health Communication
Explore how AI is set to revolutionize health communication in the latest episode of CDC’s podcast, Listen Up!, featuring Robert Jennings, Executive Director of the National Public Health Information Coalition. This episode dives into the transformative potential of AI for public health professionals, from delivering rapid solutions to improving communication strategies.
Experts discuss how to navigate the complexities of AI, including potential risks and the need for digital fluency in an evolving landscape. Tune in to learn which AI applications hold the most promise for public health communicators and how to prepare for this shift. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, or through your RSS feed reader. See more information here.
Map Reveals U.S. States Where Healthcare Is Least Accessible
A recent study by Forbes Advisor highlights significant disparities in healthcare accessibility across the U.S., where affordable healthcare remains a challenge for many Americans. Notably, only 55% of U.S. adults can access quality healthcare when needed. The analysis ranked states based on various health metrics, revealing that Utah, Nevada, and Texas are among the ten states with the least accessible healthcare.
Key barriers include high costs, inadequate insurance coverage, and a shortage of healthcare providers. Solutions such as telehealth and improved health insurance coverage are crucial for reducing these disparities and enhancing access to primary care, ultimately benefiting public health and equality. Read the story and see the map from NewsWeek here.
U.S. Are Students Experience Racism at School: It's Affecting Mental Health
A recent study reveals that nearly one in three U.S. high school students experience racism at school, significantly impacting their mental health. Researchers from the CDC found that students of color reported two to three times more incidents than their white peers, leading to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
Asian students were particularly affected, with 57% reporting racist experiences, often exacerbated by societal issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts emphasize the importance of supportive school environments, urging educational institutions to adopt anti-racism policies and provide clear reporting mechanisms. Read more from USA Today here.
Apple Cider Warning: Health Officials Urge Consumers to be Careful
Health officials are urging caution when consuming unpasteurized apple cider, a popular fall beverage, as it poses health risks, especially for vulnerable populations. Unpasteurized cider may contain harmful bacteria that can cause serious illness or even death, particularly in children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
The FDA reports that while most juice in the U.S. is pasteurized, unpasteurized versions sold at orchards, farmers’ markets, and roadside stands may lack warning labels. Consumers are advised to check for pasteurization or ask vendors if unsure, to reduce the risk of foodborne illness from untreated juice or cider. Read more from USA Today here.
