A new, highly contagious COVID-19 subvariant nicknamed “Nimbus” (NB.1.8.1) is driving an uptick in cases across California, with projections showing it now makes up 55% of circulating virus in the state. Notably, the subvariant is associated with “razor blade throat” — an intensely painful sore throat symptom reported internationally and increasingly observed in the U.S. Wastewater surveillan…

New CDC data reveal a sharp rise in prescriptions for FDA-approved obesity medications among adolescents aged 12–17 with obesity—from 2020 to 2023, rates jumped 300%. Still, fewer than 1% of eligible adolescents received these medications in 2023, with most prescriptions going to those with severe obesity. The findings underscore ongoing disparities by age, race, and gender and highlight the…

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is launching a bold national campaign, “Take Back Your Health,” focused on the strong links between ultra-processed foods and increased diabetes risk. With an estimated $10-20 million budget for its first phase, the campaign aims to deliver daring, viral messaging that motivates behavior change among Americans. It also seeks to popularize…

More than 75% of PR professionals now use AI, yet its potential in crisis communications remains underutilized. AI can help communicators respond swiftly by drafting public statements, preparing spokespeople for media interviews, and tracking real-time coverage and sentiment across channels. However, emotional intelligence remains essential—especially in public health, where authenticity and…

Be sure to join us on Wednesday, July 30, for the powerful closing plenary at the National Conference for Health Communication, Marketing, and Media (NCHCMM) in Atlanta: Communicating the Value of Public Health. Sponsored by Deloitte and organized by PHCC and NPHIC, this dynamic session brings together leading voices—Brian Castrucci, Katherine Reed, and Ashani Johnson-Turbes—for a conversation…

A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine highlights a significant and ongoing decline in mental health among U.S. mothers—dropping from 38% reporting “excellent” mental health in 2016 to just 26% in 2023. Conducted by researchers at Columbia University and the University of Michigan, the study analyzed data from nearly 200,000 mothers and found the downturn began even before the COVID-…

A new report from Trust for America’s Health, Pain in the Nation 2025, reveals a second consecutive year of decline in U.S. deaths from alcohol, drugs, and suicide—yet over 200,000 lives were still lost in 2023, double the toll from two decades ago. Public health progress is evident, including a 27% drop in overdose deaths, but racial and age disparities remain stark, especially for American…

Emotional storytelling in press materials is a powerful tool for public health communicators aiming to break through noise and drive meaningful action. Research shows emotionally resonant content is remembered, shared, and acted upon more than purely factual messaging. Press releases that begin with human stories, connect to broader issues, and conclude with relatable emotion engage audiences d…

The Society for Health Communication and Journal of Health Communication Special Issue #2 Call for Papers is live! This year's issue, "Getting Creative: Engaging Communities through Innovative Communication Approaches" is all about sharing insights that showcase the power of partnerships, from non-profits and foundations to grassroots organizations, demonstrating how tailored, community-centere…