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…

The de Beaumont Foundation is now accepting nominations for its 40 Under 40 in Public Health Class of 2025, a prestigious program recognizing exceptional leaders under age 40 who are addressing public health challenges and improving community health. Honorees will receive national recognition, exclusive opportunities for career advancement, and professional development to support their continue…

The FDA announced plans to phase out petroleum-based synthetic food dyes by the end of 2026, following a press conference with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary. The agency will work with industry partners to replace artificial dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1 with natural alternatives and expedite approval for new natural color additives. The FDA…

Despite decades of progress under the Clean Air Act, nearly half of Americans—156 million people—still live with unhealthy levels of air pollution, according to the American Lung Association's 2024 State of the Air report. While cleaner air has prevented millions of asthma attacks and extended life expectancy, rising threats like climate change-driven wildfires are eroding these gains. Pollut…

The 9th Annual National Summit for Health Communication, hosted by the Society for Health Communication, will take place on June 24, 2025, in McLean, VA and online. The summit offers a rich opportunity for public health communicators to gain practical tools and fresh insights. This one-day event will spotlight expert-led sessions on critical topics like generative AI, evaluation strategies, and…

To maximize the impact of public relations (PR) efforts, it’s crucial to track return on investment (ROI) through metrics like active media coverage, potential reach, website referral traffic, sentiment, backlinks, and social media engagement. Understanding and applying these analytics helps shape more effective, measurable campaigns. Public health communicators can boost ROI by leaning into…