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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

A new national survey by the Alzheimer’s Association reveals that older Americans are increasingly proactive about knowing their Alzheimer’s status, with 79% saying they’d want to know before symptoms interfere with daily life. The majority support testing—91% are open to simple blood tests, and 80% would actively request one from a doctor.   Public health communicators should note this…

For public health communicators, the challenge of delivering fragmented messages across various platforms can dilute the impact of vital public health initiatives. Rather than spreading efforts thin with disconnected stories, creating a cohesive narrative can help drive deeper engagement. A unified story—focused on a central theme—strengthens brand identity and fosters audience recognition, w…

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a change to vaccine trial protocols: all new vaccines will now be required to undergo placebo-controlled trials. The agency describes this as a move toward greater transparency in medical product evaluation. Some public health experts caution that while placebo use can enhance scientific rigor, it may not always be ethical o…

According to CDC’s latest MMWR, the U.S. is currently experiencing its second-highest annual number of measles cases in 25 years, with 800 cases reported as of April 17, 2025. A majority stem from a multistate outbreak in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, particularly in close-knit communities with low MMR vaccination coverage. Measles remains highly contagious—infecting up to 90% of unvaccina…