A new Pew Research Center analysis shows that public confidence in scientists and medical scientists has declined since the early days of the pandemic. While they remain among the most trusted professionals, only 57% of Americans now express confidence in them—down from 87% in 2020. The findings highlight growing challenges for public health communicators as trust in science becomes more comp…

Public health experts widely agree that reducing soda consumption would benefit Americans’ health, given its link to obesity and heart disease. A recent proposal to restrict the use of SNAP benefits for purchasing soda has sparked debate. Supporters say it could reduce sugar intake, while critics argue it may do little to improve nutrition. Advocates stress that real change comes from increas…

A new CDC study published in JAMA reveals that invasive group A strep infections more than doubled in the U.S. from 2013 to 2022, with nearly 2,000 deaths recorded. Unlike mild strep throat, invasive strep can lead to life-threatening conditions like necrotizing fasciitis or toxic shock syndrome. Public health experts attribute the surge to rising rates of diabetes, obesity, injection drug us…

In crisis communications, the classroom and real-world disasters continually inform one another. During the 2024 Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, FEMA-trained public information officers used an eight-step strategy learned in the Executive Public Information Officer (EPIO) course to build public trust through proactive, multilingual messaging and transparent leadership visibility. Similarly…

Misinformation about health and wellness is rampant on social media, with influencers promoting everything from “nature’s Ozempic” to IV drip bars—often with little scientific backing. A recent study in JAMA found that many social media posts about popular medical tests were misleading and financially motivated. Experts warn that influencers prioritize engagement over accuracy, leading to the s…

Proposed cuts to U.S. foreign aid could reverse decades of progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, a new Lancet HIV study warns. Researchers estimate that by 2030, up to 10.8 million new HIV infections and 2.9 million related deaths could occur in low- and middle-income countries if funding reductions proceed. The U.S. currently provides 73% of international HIV aid, primarily through PEPFAR, b…

Water insecurity is a growing public health crisis, impacting access to safe drinking water and worsening health disparities. In the first episode of Health Affairs' special podcast series on food, nutrition, and health, Ellen Bayer speaks with Na'Taki Osborne Jelks of Spelman College about the connections between water insecurity and public health. The conversation highlights how systemic in…

Climate change is increasingly recognized as a key factor in rising obesity rates, especially among children. As temperatures soar, physical activity declines, and people, particularly in urban areas, are more likely to stay indoors. Extreme heat also reduces crop yields, leading to higher food prices and the replacement of nutritious foods with calorie-dense, processed options. This shift in…

Trust for America’s Health’s newly published "Ready or Not 2025" report evaluates U.S. states' preparedness for health emergencies, highlighting strengths and areas needing improvement. It reveals that while many states excel in areas like nurse licensure compact adoption and public health laboratory surge capacity, gaps remain in funding, avoidable mortality, and flu vaccination rates. The r…