LATEST NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
Louisiana Forbids Public Health Workers from Promoting COVID, Flu and Mpox Shots
Louisiana's Department of Health has implemented a policy prohibiting public health workers from promoting COVID-19, flu, and mpox vaccines. Staff were instructed to stop advertising vaccines, hosting events, or sharing information about them, even within clinics. The policy, not put in writing, contradicts the core mission of public health: preventing illness and saving lives through evidence-based interventions.
Experts warn this decision could erode trust in public health and increase preventable illnesses and deaths. With Louisiana already experiencing high flu rates and significant COVID-19 fatalities, this shift highlights the critical importance of advocacy and clear communication in protecting public health outcomes. Read more from NPR here.
Webinar: Communicating After a Nuclear Detonation
Public health communicators, mark your calendars! On January 14, 2025, at 4 PM ET, join ASTHO, EPA, and NARR for an essential webinar on crisis communication in the aftermath of a nuclear detonation. This session introduces the newly revised Nuclear Detonation Preparedness: Communicating in the Immediate Aftermath resource, featuring pre-scripted messages for public health responders.
Learn from EPA experts Shelley Laver and Ellen Wang how to apply this guidance to your radiation readiness plans and ensure your community receives life-saving information during the first 72 hours of a radiological emergency. Register and learn more here.
The FDA Has a New Definition for Food Labels
The FDA has updated its definition of "healthy" food labels, aiming to help consumers make better dietary choices. To qualify, products must meet specific requirements, including providing essential nutrients from food groups such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, grains, and proteins, while staying below limits for added sugars, sodium, and saturated fat.
This change, the first in 30 years, reflects evolving nutrition science, acknowledging the benefits of healthy fats from sources like nuts, seeds, and fatty fish. The FDA hopes these updated labels, along with a new icon for qualifying products, will empower consumers to choose healthier foods, addressing the nation's growing chronic disease crisis. Read more from NPR here.
FEATURED TOPICS
New At-Home Test Identifies Flu or COVID
This flu season brings a breakthrough in managing respiratory illnesses with new at-home tests that detect both flu and COVID-19 simultaneously. Available without a prescription, these tests provide accurate results within 15-30 minutes, empowering individuals to determine the cause of their symptoms without visiting a clinic.
Early diagnosis aids in preventing transmission, starting treatments like Paxlovid or Tamiflu promptly, and protecting vulnerable populations. These tests, costing about $15, are a game-changer for public health, allowing faster, informed decisions about isolation, care, and treatment. Experts hail them as a milestone in respiratory illness management, offering peace of mind and safeguarding communities. Read more from NPR here.
Save the Date | NCHCMM
Planning for the 2025 National Conference on Health Communication, Marketing, and Media (NCHCMM) is underway, with exciting updates for public health communication professionals. Mark your calendars for the updated dates: July 28–30, 2025, in Atlanta. This new Monday-Wednesday schedule enhances convenience for attendees.
Additionally, the conference welcomes the Public Health Communications Collaborative (PHCC) as a full partner, joining NPHIC and the CDC to advance strategies and innovations in public health communication. The call for abstracts will open soon, providing an opportunity to share impactful work. Stay tuned for updates, including hotel reservation details, and prepare to engage with leaders shaping the future of public health communication. Learn more at NCHCMM.org.
Sugar in the First 1,000 Days After Conception Linked to Health Issues Later in Life
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 conditions delayed by several years.
The study, using data from WWII-era sugar rationing in the UK, suggests that early dietary habits shape lifelong health. Health experts recommend supporting parents and caregivers with nutritional literacy to reduce sugar in children’s diets, fostering a healthier future. Read more from CNN here.
Guardians of Good Health – Public Health Campaign
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 Microscope for infectious diseases, and others.
Designed to resonate across age groups, the campaign spans digital ads, streaming PSAs, and medical office materials. Early feedback shows strong engagement, and a forthcoming comic book aims to expand outreach further, positioning public health as a vital, accessible, and community-centered field. Angela Taah, Communication Specialist at FCPH, invites NPHIC members and public health professionals to learn more about the campaign here and to reach out to her directly for sharable campaign assets (posters, stickers, cards, ads, etc) at AngelaTaah@franklincountyohio.gov.
