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.

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!

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.

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.