LATEST NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
Join the Nation’s Top Public Health Communicators in Atlanta — Register by July 20
Time is running out to register for the 2025 National Conference on Health Communication, Marketing & Media, the deadline is July 20! Don’t miss this opportunity to join public health communicators from across the country in Atlanta, July 28–30, for three days of insights, innovation, and connection. This unique event brings together experts from government, academia, nonprofits, and industry to explore practical solutions, emerging tools, and real-world case studies that drive impact in public health communication.
Whether you work in strategy, research, or community engagement, NCHCMM offers valuable insights and connections. Register by July 20 to secure your spot and be part of the dialogue advancing our field. Learn more and sign up at NCHCMM.org.
New Poll Data: 79% of Americans Support Routine Childhood Vaccine Requirements
A new poll from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the de Beaumont Foundation finds broad, bipartisan support for routine childhood vaccine requirements amid a multi-state measles outbreak. Nearly 8 in 10 U.S. adults (79%)—including 90% of Democrats, 68% of Republicans, and 72% of parents—agree vaccines should be required for school entry.
Safety concerns were less common among opponents, who more often cited parental rights. Importantly, 91% of Americans believe routine childhood vaccines are safe. These findings offer a valuable opportunity for public health communicators to meet concerns with empathy and reinforce vaccination’s role in protecting community health. See the full report 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.
FEATURED TOPICS
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.
HHS Plans ‘Bold, Edgy’ Campaign on Ultra-Processed Foods
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is launching a bold national campaign, “Take Back Your Health,” focused on the strong links between ultra-processed foods and increased diabetes risk. With an estimated $10-20 million budget for its first phase, the campaign aims to deliver daring, viral messaging that motivates behavior change among Americans.
It also seeks to popularize health technologies like wearables, framing them as modern, “cool” tools for tracking diet and managing health. This initiative highlights a strategic push to combine public health messaging with cutting-edge technology to address chronic disease prevention nationwide. Read more from STAT News here.
Don’t Miss the Closing Plenary at NCHCMM!
Be sure to join us on Wednesday, July 30, for the powerful closing plenary at the National Conference for Health Communication, Marketing, and Media (NCHCMM) in Atlanta: Communicating the Value of Public Health. Sponsored by Deloitte and organized by PHCC and NPHIC, this dynamic session brings together leading voices—Brian Castrucci, Katherine Reed, and Ashani Johnson-Turbes—for a conversation on how storytelling, media strategy, and innovation can reshape public understanding of public health. Walk away inspired to elevate your messaging and impact.
This plenary is a must-attend for public health professionals seeking practical strategies to cut through misinformation, engage diverse audiences, and demonstrate the critical role of public health in improving lives. Register today to be part of this energizing conclusion to NCHCMM!
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.
