LATEST NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
Get a First Look at NCHCMM 2025 Breakout Sessions
The 2025 National Conference on Health Communication, Marketing, and Media (NCHCMM) is happening July 28–30 in Atlanta, and we’re excited to share a preview of this year’s breakout sessions.
Highlights include sessions on AI in public health, youth-driven campaigns, mental health messaging, and building trust and transparency through community engagement. Attendees can also explore sessions covering global health, CRM-based campaigns, cancer and maternal health, and more. Haven’t registered yet? Register at www.NCHCMM.org to join the conversation shaping the future of public health communication.
Going Outside on a Hot Day? Take These Precautions
With warmer-than-average temperatures expected throughout summer 2025, public health communicators are reminded that extreme heat remains the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S.—and is often underestimated. Experts interviewed by NPR emphasize proactive strategies to stay safe. Checking the heat index, not just the temperature, helps gauge true outdoor conditions.
Lightweight, breathable clothing and moisture-wicking fabrics support cooling. Seeking shade can reduce exposure by 10 degrees or more. Tools like cooling towels or wet cloths on key areas—neck, armpits, and groin—help regulate body temperature. These accessible, preventive measures can be lifesaving as heat risks grow with climate change. Read the full article from NPR here.
FDA Approval of Injectable Lenacapavir Marks Progress for HIV Prevention
The FDA’s approval of injectable lenacapavir marks a significant advancement in HIV prevention, offering a twice-yearly, long-acting option that addresses key barriers like daily pill burden and stigma. Backed by strong safety and efficacy data from recent trials, lenacapavir complements existing prevention tools such as oral PrEP and long-acting cabotegravir.
The World Health Organization (WHO) applauds this milestone and is preparing guidelines to support global access, emphasizing rapid, equitable distribution. With FDA approval enabling WHO prequalification, lenacapavir is poised to accelerate national regulatory processes and expand prevention choices for diverse populations worldwide.
FEATURED TOPICS
Like Measles, Misinformation is Spreading, Poll Finds
As measles cases surge past 800 nationwide—most in Texas—a new KFF poll reveals a troubling rise in public exposure to vaccine misinformation. While most Americans still trust the measles vaccine’s safety, many report uncertainty when encountering false claims, such as the vaccine causing autism or vitamin A preventing infection.
Notably, 19% of adults believe the vaccine may be more dangerous than the disease. A clear political divide also emerged, with Republicans more likely to believe misinformation. Most concerning: parents who believe such falsehoods are more than twice as likely to delay or skip their children’s vaccines—highlighting an urgent public health communication challenge. Read the full article from NPR here.
FDA Making Plans to End its Routine Food Safety Inspections
The FDA is reportedly exploring plans to shift most routine food safety inspections to state and local agencies—a move that could free up federal resources but raises concerns about oversight and consistency. While the FDA says inspections will continue during a reorganization period, internal sources and layoffs suggest significant changes are underway.
States already handle about one-third of routine inspections, often at lower costs, and supporters argue they meet federal standards. However, critics warn the transition could undermine national food safety, especially in states without inspection contracts. Public health leaders are watching closely, as this shift could reshape federal-state responsibilities in protecting the U.S. food supply. Read more from CBS here.
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.
New Ethical AI Guidelines: A Must-Read for Public Health Communicators
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping public health communication, and NPHIC has proudly contributed to a groundbreaking new resource: the Guidelines for the Ethical Use of AI in Public Health Communications. Developed by a diverse working group of public health and technology leaders, this initiative ensures AI is used responsibly while upholding accuracy, transparency, and equity.
Executive Director Robert Jennings and NPHIC supported this effort to provide communicators with practical, adaptable principles for integrating AI ethically. Access the short guide or full working paper here and read more about the guide here and be part of the conversation shaping the future of AI in public health!
