LATEST NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
CDC Staff Reel from Shooting, Harassment, Vaccine Panel and Mass Layoffs
The CDC is navigating a period of unprecedented strain following a mass shooting at its Atlanta headquarters, harassment of staff, and the recent elimination of over 600 positions, including programs in maternal-child health, oral health, global HIV prevention, and violence prevention. Simultaneously, the agency announced a new panel to review COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, raising concerns among employees about conceding to disinformation. Staff report heightened anxiety and isolation amid these changes.
Public health experts warn that cuts to long-standing programs could disrupt essential data collection and prevention efforts, while the workforce’s morale and safety remain under pressure. Read more from CBS News here.
Mississippi Declares Public Health Emergency Over Rising Infant Mortality Rate
The Mississippi Department of Health has declared a public health emergency in response to alarming infant mortality rates, with 9.7 deaths per 1,000 births in 2024—the state’s highest rate in over a decade and more than 60% above the national average. Since 2014, more than 3,500 Mississippi infants have died before their first birthday.
State health officials outlined strategies including expanding prenatal and postpartum care, addressing maternity care deserts, increasing access to community health worker programs and home visits, and promoting safe sleep education. Public health leaders stress that improving maternal health and protecting access to care are essential to reducing infant deaths. Read more from CNN here.
Will SNAP Junk Food Restrictions Help Make America Healthy Again?
Twelve states have gained federal approval to restrict purchases of soda, candy, and other unhealthy foods through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), sparking national debate on the best path to improve nutrition and reduce chronic disease.
Supporters argue restrictions could lower the $1.1 trillion annual cost of diet-related disease and reduce taxpayer burden, while critics caution that limits alone won’t shift eating habits without addressing affordability and access. Research shows incentives for fruits and vegetables may be more effective, highlighting a larger conversation around equity, food deserts, and strategies to improve health outcomes in vulnerable communities. Read more from Newsweek here.
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New CDC Campaign “Free Mind” Tackles Youth Mental Health and Substance Use
The CDC’s Free Mind campaign takes a creative, youth-focused approach to address the critical link between mental health and substance use. Launched July 21, the campaign offers a range of engaging tools—fact sheets, social media graphics, video PSAs, an interactive graphic novel, and a forthcoming card game—to help youth and their caregivers understand how mental health challenges can increase the risk of substance misuse and overdose.
Designed to spark honest conversations and provide healthier coping strategies, Free Mind promotes a blueprint for better mental well-being. Public health communicators can learn more during the campaign’s live webinar on July 24.
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.
