In the latest ASTHO Public Health Review Morning Podcast, Dr. Marcus Plescia provides an update on current COVID-19 rates across the U.S., highlighting ongoing trends and concerns. Robert Jennings from the National Public Health Information Coalition (NPHIC) discusses the promising role of AI in enhancing public health communication, offering insights into how technology can improve outreach ...

Voting is now recognized as a public health priority. In June 2023, voter participation was named as a ‘core objective’ in the nation's health goals, Healthy People 2030. As stated by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP), voting influences community decisions that impact health and well-being.   Research shows a strong correlation between accessible voting and ...

The National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) is seeking a Senior Director of Communications to lead their communications strategy. This role involves developing and implementing NASHP’s communication plans, overseeing media engagement, and managing digital and print content. The ideal candidate will have 15 years of experience in communications, particularly in a non-profit setting, a...

A new study from the RECOVER initiative highlights that long Covid manifests differently in children and teens compared to adults. For children aged 6 to 11, symptoms such as headaches, memory issues, and stomach pain are most prevalent. Adolescents experience symptoms more akin to adults, including fatigue, brain fog, and muscle pain.   The study underscores that long Covid can signif...

NPHIC government members are invited to meet virtually with CDC on every fourth Wednesday of the month from 4-5 p.m. EST to discuss situational updates with CDC’s Office of the Associate Director of Communication. Find a recording of the most recent meeting on August 21, along with a transcript and presentation slides, directly on our website. After logging in as a member, under NPHIC’s “memb...

In 2023, HPV vaccination coverage among U.S. adolescents aged 13–17 remained stagnant for the second consecutive year, despite high and stable coverage for Tdap and MenACWY vaccines. The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, which provides no-cost vaccines to eligible children, covers about 40% of this age group and plays a crucial role in maintaining high vaccination rates.   The Advis...

A recent U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) report links high levels of fluoride in drinking water to lower IQs in children, intensifying the debate on water fluoridation. The report reviewed international studies and found moderate confidence that high fluoride levels are associated with cognitive impacts.   While most U.S. water systems meet safe fluoride standards, a...

Annual reports are crucial for organizations, providing a comprehensive overview of financial performance, including budgets, cash flow, and key achievements. They feature a leadership note, detailed financial statements, performance analysis, and future plans.   For public health communicators, these reports are more than a compliance tool—they're a strategic asset. They foster transp...

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the mpox outbreaks in Africa, particularly Congo, a global health emergency. Despite this, experts believe mpox is unlikely to trigger another pandemic. Unlike airborne viruses such as COVID-19, mpox spreads primarily through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated items, and often causes visible skin lesions that reduce close p...