Save the Date | NCHCMM
Planning for the 2025 National Conference on Health Communication, Marketing, and Media (NCHCMM) is underway, with exciting updates for public health communication professionals. Mark your calendars for the updated dates: July 28–30, 2025, in Atlanta. This new Monday-Wednesday schedule enhances convenience for attendees.
Additionally, the conference welcomes the Public Health Communi...
Measles Cases Rose 20% Worldwide in 2023, Per New Report
Measles cases surged by 20% worldwide in 2023, driven by lower vaccination rates due to pandemic disruptions. The World Health Organization (WHO) and CDC report that only 74% of eligible children received the second dose of the measles vaccine, falling short of the necessary coverage to prevent outbreaks.
This has resulted in 10.3 million cases and 107,500 deaths globally, although d...
Turning the Tide on STIs: Progress and Challenges in Public Health
Despite over 2.4 million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) reported in 2023, recent CDC data show promising signs of progress in addressing the epidemic. Gonorrhea cases declined 7% from 2022, and primary and secondary syphilis cases saw their first significant drop in over two decades, falling 10%. Congenital syphilis cases also grew at a slower rate. However, disparities persist, dispr...
The 2024 Election and the Changing Definition of ‘The Media’
Since the 2024 election, professionals in media and public relations have closely monitored the shifting landscape of media influence. As trust in traditional news outlets declines, new voices—such as influencers and podcasters—have risen in prominence, shaping public opinion in ways that demand attention. These new media figures, who are not bound by journalistic ethics, hold sway over large...
Rates of Anxiety, Depression Rising Among Americans
Recent data from the CDC highlights a concerning rise in anxiety and depression among U.S. adults, particularly younger individuals. Anxiety rates among adults increased from 15.6% in 2019 to 18.2% in 2022, while depression rates grew from 18.5% to 21.4% over the same period. Young adults, aged 18-29, were most affected, with over a quarter reporting anxiety and nearly 27% experiencing depres...
Why You Should Have a Post-Election Communications Strategy
As elections dominate the media landscape, it's essential for public health organizations to craft a strategic communication approach. The intense election coverage, extending beyond Election Day, risks overshadowing other messages. Avoid scheduling major announcements during this period, as they may get lost in the election's prolonged news cycle.
Remaining neutral is crucial, with ...
TB Reclaims Deadliest Infectious Disease Title
Tuberculosis (TB) has reclaimed its title as the deadliest infectious disease, surpassing COVID-19 with 1.25 million deaths in 2023. Despite having the tools to prevent, detect, and treat TB, the disease continues to kill millions, with 8.2 million new cases reported last year—the highest since WHO began tracking in 1995.
Public health leaders cite insufficient funding, stigma, and p...