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2025

National Conference on Health Communication Marketing and Media

Short Reel:  "Voices, Vision, and Vibes – A Recap”

Thanks to all who attended and made the week so special!

LATEST NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

CDC Updates Cyclospora Outbreak Resource Page & PHCC Resources

CDC has updated its Cyclospora outbreak webpage with the latest guidance and investigation findings, making it an important resource for public health communicators to monitor as the outbreak evolves and recommendations change.

The multistate outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce has grown to at least 1,947 cases across nine states, resulting in 98 hospitalizations and prompting an expanded public health response. The recall includes Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce distributed to consumers, restaurants, and retailers in at least 27 states.

Regularly checking the CDC webpage can help communicators share timely information on recalls, testing, prevention, and other developments as they become available. See the page here.

To support risk communication efforts, the Public Health Communication Collaborative (PHCC) has also developed ready-to-use messaging about the outbreak. The resource addresses common public questions, including what cyclosporiasis is, where the outbreak is occurring, how to reduce risk, whether it is safe to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, and what to do if symptoms develop, helping communicators respond with clear, consistent, evidence-based information. Find it here.

Food Banks Confront Growing SNAP Gap

SNAP participation has declined by more than 4.5 million people since July 2025, increasing pressure on food banks as demand for food assistance continues.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that more than 1.5 million children also lost SNAP benefits during that period, while 41 states reported participation declines of at least 5% and Arizona's caseload dropped by nearly 55%.

Expanded work requirements, stricter eligibility rules, and intensified state efforts to reduce payment error rates are contributing to administrative barriers that may delay or prevent eligible households from receiving benefits. The trend highlights growing strain on charitable food systems and concerns that eligible families may lose access to nutrition assistance despite ongoing need. Read the full article from Axios here.

Reports Show Sharp Drop in Global HIV Funding in 2025

Global HIV response funding declined sharply in 2025, increasing concerns that progress toward ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 could stall.

Donor government funding for HIV programs in low- and middle-income countries fell by $2.1 billion, with total disbursements dropping 25% from $8.3 billion in 2024 to $6.2 billion in 2025—the lowest level since 2007. Reports indicate reduced investments in HIV prevention and community services could contribute to renewed transmission, while no major donors have announced plans to offset the funding gap.

The findings highlight growing uncertainty about sustaining global HIV prevention, treatment, and response efforts. Read the full article from The Hill here.

FEATURED TOPICS

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The U.S. death rate fell to a record low in 2025, reaching 689.2 deaths per 100,000 people, a 4.6% decline from 2024. Heart disease and cancer remained the leading causes of death, followed by unintentional injuries, stroke, chronic lower respiratory disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes.

Death rates were highest among males, older adults, and Black people, with no declines among American Indian and Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, and Asian populations.

Provisional CDC data from the National Vital Statistics System covering 99 percent of deaths informs public health policy and prevention efforts. Read more from The Hill here.
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A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that COVID-19 vaccination was associated with substantially lower risks of several serious cardiovascular outcomes among more than 1 million U.S. veterans.

Researchers reported nearly a 60% reduction in cardiovascular deaths linked to COVID-19, a roughly 40% lower risk of heart attack and heart failure hospitalization, and more than a 30% reduction in stroke risk. Benefits were greatest among adults age 75 and older and those with preexisting health conditions.

The study also found modest reductions in overall cardiovascular disease, deaths and hospitalizations, highlighting potential cardiovascular protection as an important consideration in COVID-19 vaccination efforts. Read more from The Hill here.
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CDC’s latest United States Cancer Statistics release expands access to one of the nation’s most comprehensive cancer datasets, now including complete county-level cancer incidence data for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
 
The new data reveal that rural communities experienced higher cancer incidence rates than urban areas from 2019–2023, with approximately 467 versus 451 new cases per 100,000 people. In 2023, nearly 1.94 million new cancer cases were reported nationwide, and cancer remained the second leading cause of death in 2024, accounting for 619,871 deaths.
 
The addition of county-level and rural–urban data can help public health professionals better identify disparities, target interventions, and inform cancer control planning and resource allocation. See the full report from the CDC here.
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A nationally representative Annenberg Public Policy Center survey found that while most U.S. adults understand core STI transmission routes, knowledge gaps persist around less common pathways and vaccine availability.

Majorities correctly identified gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, HPV, and genital herpes as sexually transmitted, but far fewer recognized mpox (35%) or Zika (13%) as sexually transmitted infections.

Misconceptions included 20% believing STI transmission can occur via toilet seats and only 33% identifying breastfeeding as a possible HIV transmission route. While 68% recognized an HPV vaccine, only 42% were aware of an mpox vaccine, and most respondents were uncertain about vaccine availability for other STIs. Read the survey here.

Podcast

"Public Health Speaks"

A bi-monthly podcast series about public health issues to educate, inform and assist our members, partners and affiliate organizations in understanding and overcoming urgent communication challenges