Don’t Miss Out: Early Bird Registration for NCHCMM 2025 Ends May 30
Public health communicators won’t want to miss NCHCMM 2025, taking place July 28–31 in Atlanta. This year’s conference will spotlight some of the most pressing issues in our field—misinformation, mental health, climate justice, and more—through bold conversations and real-world strategies. Sessions will delve into community-driven messaging, culturally tailored campaigns, youth engagement, and…
Apply to Join NACCHO's Public Health Communications Workgroup
The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) is recruiting for its Subject Matter Expert Advisory Workgroups, including the Public Health Communications Workgroup. These are a primary and recognized vehicle for identifying the opportunities and challenges facing local health departments and the field at large.
NACCHO’s Public Health Communications Workgroup is a group…
Talk Therapy Is Up, and Use of Psych Meds Without Therapy is Down
A new study in the American Journal of Psychiatry finds more U.S. adults are receiving talk therapy, while use of psychiatric medications alone is declining—a reversal of decades-long trends. Between 2018 and 2021, the number of adults receiving therapy rose from 16.5 to 22 million. Telehealth expansion and broader acceptance of therapy contributed to the shift, with licensed counselors and soc…
Expert Reveals Why Pollen Allergies Are Getting Worse
Pollen allergies are becoming more severe due to a combination of factors, including climate change and increased storm activity. Wind-pollinated trees, which produce vast amounts of lightweight pollen, are particularly problematic for allergy sufferers. As climate change causes longer and more intense pollen seasons, studies have shown that pollen concentrations have increased by 21% since 199…
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 dangerou…
Americans Losing Trust After Public Health Leadership Shakeups
A new national poll from Harvard and the de Beaumont Foundation finds that recent federal leadership changes have deepened Americans’ mistrust in public health—especially among Democrats—while bolstering confidence for many Republicans. Despite this divide, there’s broad bipartisan agreement on key public health priorities, including reducing chronic disease, improving maternal health, addressi…
Why It’s Still Unclear Exactly How Much Banning Soda from SNAP Could Improve Health
Public health communicators may soon gain valuable data on the impact of restricting soda purchases with SNAP benefits—a long-debated proposal aimed at curbing chronic disease. Sugar-sweetened beverages are the top item bought with SNAP, contributing significantly to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. For years, efforts to test restrictions faced opposition from the soda industry and lacked…