In a recent vote, three states—Alaska, Missouri, and Nebraska—passed measures mandating paid sick leave for eligible workers, contributing to a growing movement to improve worker health protections. Currently, 15 states and Washington, D.C., have laws requiring paid sick leave for private employees, though no federal law mandates it.   In Alaska, employees now receive at least 40 hours...

A recent study in Science reveals that reducing sugar intake in the first 1,000 days after conception (gestation through age 2) may significantly lower chronic disease risks later in life. Researchers found that children with reduced sugar exposure during this period showed a 35% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes and a 20% lower risk of high blood pressure, with onset of these conditio...

Despite initial urgency, the development of a Zika vaccine has stalled due to funding gaps, low pharmaceutical interest, and logistical challenges in trial execution. After the rapid spread of Zika in 2015-2016, which caused severe birth defects in affected pregnancies, public health officials redirected attention and resources to other priorities, including COVID-19. This shift left Zika vac...

In a first for the U.S., a regional health department in Idaho is now barred from administering COVID-19 vaccines, impacting six counties and many vulnerable residents. The board of Southwest District Health narrowly voted to halt vaccinations despite testimony from their medical director about its necessity, especially for groups with limited access like the unhoused, homebound, and elderly....

The third Thursday of November marks National Rural Health Day (NRHD), established by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) to celebrate the “Power of Rural.” This day honors the dedication of rural healthcare providers, State Offices of Rural Health, and organizations working to meet the unique healthcare challenges in rural America.   Rural areas—home to...

Franklin County Public Health in Ohio recently launched The Guardians of Good Health campaign to reshape the public’s perception of public health beyond COVID-19. With $155,000 in federal and state funds, they worked with a Columbus-based branding company to create retro-inspired cartoon characters representing different public health roles: Vicki Vaccine for immunizations, Millie the Microsc...

New data released in a recent MMRW states that flu hospitalization rates in the U.S. are highest among adults 65 and older and children under 4, with the 2022-2023 season showing a return to pre-pandemic levels after exceptionally low rates during the 2020-2021 season. Hospitalization data indicate a concerning decline in antiviral treatment among hospitalized patients, especially in children...

NPHIC members recently joined a special session with CDC Regional Press Officers on October 16 to strengthen collaboration and streamline public health messaging. The meeting provided an overview of NPHIC’s structure, introduced CDC’s new regional press officers, and included interactive breakout sessions for members to connect with their regional media counterparts.   This valuable se...

November marks both National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month, highlighting crucial public health topics. Public health professionals are encouraged to leverage partner toolkits to educate communities about Alzheimer's—focusing on early detection and adopting healthy habits that can reduce risks. Additionally, resources are available to support family c...