LATEST NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
Call for Abstracts: 2025 NCHCMM
Public health communicators are invited to submit thematic panel proposals and poster abstracts for the 2025 National Conference on Health Communication, Marketing, and Media (NCHCMM), which will take place from July 28-30, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. The conference welcomes research and insights on health communication strategies, social marketing, media initiatives, policy communication, and emerging trends.
Submissions should highlight evaluation findings, program advancements, or theoretical innovations that contribute to the multidisciplinary nature of the event. Abstracts are due by April 18, 2025, and all submissions will be peer-reviewed, with notifications expected the week of May 12. For more information or questions, visit NCHCMM.org or contact NCHCMM@nphic.org.
A Quick Guide to Public Health Misinformation
On March 11, 2025, the public health community reflected on the 5th anniversary of the World Health Organization declaring COVID-19 a pandemic. In response to the ongoing challenges of misinformation, the Public Health Communications Collaborative (PHCC) released a quick guide to help communicators address false narratives.
This resource, created in partnership with the Infodemiology Training Program, equips public health professionals with tools to deliver accurate, clear, and accessible information. PHCC, established in 2020, continues to grow with new partners and topics, fostering collaboration to rebuild trust and advocate for an equitable, effective public health system where everyone can access the information they need for informed decision-making. Find the guide from PHCC here.
NIH Cuts Funding for Vaccine Hesitancy Research, Raising Concerns for Public Health Advancements
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has recently cut millions in grants aimed at addressing vaccine hesitancy, despite the growing relevance of immunization amid a measles outbreak. This decision has sparked concerns among public health experts, who argue that such cuts undermine efforts to increase vaccination rates and address health disparities.
Additionally, there are fears that ongoing research on mRNA vaccines, which have proven crucial in the fight against COVID-19 and show promise in treating other diseases like cancer, may also be at risk. These funding reductions could limit advancements in public health, making it harder to address future pandemics and public health challenges. Read more from NPR here.
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Stay Connected with NPHIC on Social Media
NPHIC members, stay informed and engaged by following us on Facebook (@NPHICpublic), Twitter (X) (@NPHIC), and Instagram (@NPHIC_). We’re excited to highlight our new LinkedIn page, where you can find important updates on the National Conference on Health Communication, Marketing, and Media (NCHCMM). Follow us at NPHIC on LinkedIn.
We also invite you to join our exclusive closed Facebook group for members, a space for collaboration and sharing valuable information. Strengthen our community and amplify the impact of public health communications by joining today: NPHIC Member-Only Facebook Group.
U.S. Pays $590 Million to Moderna to Speed up Development of Bird Flu Vaccine
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has committed $590 million to Moderna to accelerate the development of a bird flu vaccine. This effort builds on $176 million awarded last year and aims to advance late-stage development, clinical studies, and licensure of a "pandemic influenza vaccine" targeting H5N1 and other influenza subtypes.
With bird flu rapidly spreading among livestock and mammals, and 67 confirmed human cases—including one death—public health officials emphasize the unpredictability of the virus. The CDC recently issued an alert urging hospitals to prioritize testing for suspected infections, reinforcing the urgency of proactive measures to mitigate potential public health emergencies. Read more from NPR here.
Raging California Wildfires May Spread Toxic Asbestos
As wildfires ravage Southern California, thousands are at risk of exposure to toxic asbestos. Older buildings, particularly those built before 1980, often contain asbestos, which can be released into the air as fires destroy structures. The dry conditions and high winds exacerbate the spread of these dangerous fibers, potentially affecting people far from the flames.
Asbestos exposure can lead to severe respiratory issues and cancers, including mesothelioma. Public health experts stress the importance of protective measures like wearing respirators and using air purifiers to reduce exposure. Cleaning up fire-damaged areas also requires caution to prevent inhalation of asbestos-contaminated debris. Read more from Asbestos.com here.
CDC Monitors Rising HMPV Cases in China, U.S. Cases Remain Stable
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring rising cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in northern China, though U.S. cases remain stable at pre-pandemic levels. HMPV, a respiratory virus first discovered in 2001, typically circulates during flu season, causing symptoms similar to the common cold, such as coughing, wheezing, and congestion. It can lead to severe illness in young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.
While no vaccines or treatments exist, the CDC emphasizes preventive measures, including handwashing and avoiding close contact with infected individuals. The CDC continues to monitor U.S. HMPV trends and will update the public if necessary. Read more from The Hill here.
