The World Health Organization (WHO) launched a global strategy in 2020 to eliminate cervical cancer, setting ambitious 2030 targets for HPV vaccination, screening, and treatment. This landmark initiative recognizes cervical cancer as one of the few cancers that can be eliminated through proven public health tools. Despite progress, barriers persist—especially for underserved populations. Now…

A multistate salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers has sickened at least 26 people and prompted a nationwide recall. The FDA traced the contaminated produce to Bedner Growers in Florida, with distribution by Fresh Start Produce Sales. Illnesses have been reported in 15 states, including Ohio, California, and New York, with nine hospitalizations. The FDA and CDC urge consumers to discard cuc…

Get ready for NCHCMM 2025—where public health communicators gather to tackle today’s most urgent challenges. Held July 28–30 in Atlanta, the conference will spotlight bold, solutions-focused conversations on misinformation, climate justice, mental health, youth engagement, and more. Attendees can expect sessions on countering health misinformation, culturally tailored messaging, vaccine communi…

The FDA has approved the first U.S. at-home alternative to the Pap smear—a major milestone in women’s health and public health innovation. Teal Health’s self-screening device, the Teal Wand, allows women to collect vaginal samples at home and mail them to a lab for HPV testing, a proven method for detecting the virus that causes nearly all cervical cancers. Research shows the at-home method i…

The CDC has launched a new Public Health Data Channel offering a comprehensive look at mental health trends among U.S. youth and adults. Designed for public health professionals, the tool aggregates national and state-level data to inform strategies that improve mental well-being. Key findings include that 1 in 3 high school students report poor mental health, and 1 in 5 adults have been diagno…

Men’s Health Week (June 9–15, 2025) highlights a critical public health priority: closing the Empathy Gap in men’s health. Despite men dying on average six years earlier than women—often from preventable conditions—men’s physical and mental health challenges remain underfunded and under-discussed. This year’s theme urges action through advocacy and awareness to address disparities in care, me…

A recent study of California’s 2020 wildfires reveals alarming links between wildfire smoke and mental health. Researchers found that every 10 μg/m³ increase in PM2.5 particles corresponded with an 8% rise in emergency room visits for mental health issues, including a 15% increase in depression and 29% in mood disorders. Vulnerable populations—children, women, Black and Hispanic communities, an…

A groundbreaking at-home blood test, Encompass, now offers early detection of preeclampsia risk—one of the most serious pregnancy complications, linked to 46,000 maternal deaths globally each year. Developed by Mirvie, the test analyzes RNA to predict risk months before symptoms arise, allowing for proactive interventions like low-dose aspirin, home blood pressure monitoring, and increased clin…

Public health communicators play a critical role in combating vaccine misinformation—especially the persistent myth linking vaccines to autism. New social media graphics from the Public Health Communication Collaborative (PHCC), available in English and Spanish, offer clear, science-based messaging to debunk this falsehood. These shareable visuals explain where the myth originated, why it’s s…