NPHW Flood the Feed - Wednesday
During National Public Health Week this week, the American Public Health Association is leading a coordinated social media activation, “Ready. Set. Action! NPHW Flood the Feed,” to elevate the visibility and impact of public health.
Public health communicators are invited to participate on Wednesday, April 8 by posting at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. ET alongside partners nationwide, creating a…
New White House Budget Plan Would Reduce HHS Funding by Billions
A proposed 2027 White House budget outlines significant reductions to federal public health infrastructure, including a more than 12% cut to HHS funding—roughly $15.8 billion below current levels.
The plan would reduce support for biomedical research, including a $5 billion cut to NIH, and eliminate or consolidate key programs serving low-income and refugee populations. While some targeted in…
Healthcare Reclaims Top Spot Among U.S. Domestic Worries
A recent Gallup poll finds healthcare has reemerged as Americans’ top domestic concern, with 61% reporting significant worry about access and affordability—outpacing economic issues such as inflation and federal spending.
While overall concern across major national issues has modestly declined since 2025, healthcare anxiety remains steady, underscoring its persistent importance for public hea…

EPA Flags Microplastics, Pharmaceuticals as Contaminants in Drinking Water
The EPA has added microplastics and pharmaceuticals to its draft Contaminant Candidate List for drinking water, highlighting potential public health concerns alongside PFAS and other chemicals. This update, part of the Safe Drinking Water Act’s regular review, allows local regulators to evaluate risks and encourages further research, though it does not mandate regulatory action.
Complementing…

New U.S. Tariffs on Brand-Name Drugs: Implications for Access and Public Health
President Trump signed an executive order imposing a 100% tariff on imported brand-name drugs, citing national security and U.S. import reliance. Certain exemptions apply, including generic and orphan drugs, as well as manufacturers with U.S. production plans or “Most Favored Nation” agreements.
Tariffs on drugs from the EU, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and the U.K. vary. H…

Scientists Warn Antibacterial Soaps, Wipes Can Fuel Superbugs
Researchers are raising concerns that widespread use of antibacterial soaps, wipes, and other household products may be accelerating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) without delivering added public health benefit.
Evidence shows that common biocides, such as quaternary ammonium compounds, can foster cross-resistance to critical antibiotics and contribute to the spread of resistant bacteria in t…

Shaping NPHIC’s 2026 Priorities: Member Input Requested
As the National Public Health Information Coalition (NPHIC) approaches 2026 as a year for planning and assessment, we are seeking member input to better shape future communications and engagement strategies.
A brief, three-minute survey invites public health communicators to share preferences on how they receive updates and what types of support would be most valuable. Insights gathere…

Share your Story: A Path Forward for Public Health Through Community Voices
Health Affairs is inviting community members and organizations to contribute to a January 2027 special issue focused on the future of public health. The initiative emphasizes lived experiences and community-driven responses to shifts in public health funding, policy, and infrastructure.
Submissions may include essays, interviews, poetry, or visual art, highlighting both challenges and…

Effort to Classify COVID Vax Injuries Gains Momentum
Federal health officials are exploring a proposal to create a distinct ICD-10 code for COVID-19 vaccine-related injuries, aiming to improve documentation, research, and patient care. Supporters note that a specific code could help clinicians identify, track, and study adverse effects, while also providing data for statistical analysis and health system planning.
Some experts caution that post…




