LATEST NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
Sneak Peek: What You’ll Learn at NCHCMM 2025
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 communication, and digital storytelling.
A special highlight: keynote speaker Dr. Garth Graham, Head of YouTube Health, will share what’s next in public health communication. This is your chance to reconnect with peers, explore innovative strategies, and recharge your impact. Register by May 30 for early bird rates and book your hotel by July 18! Learn more at www.NCHCMM.org.
World No Tobacco Day 2025: Equipping Public Health Communicators to Combat Youth Tobacco Use
World No Tobacco Day 2025, observed on May 31, highlights how the tobacco and nicotine industries use deceptive tactics—like appealing flavors, attractive designs, and glamorized marketing—to lure young people into addiction. With over 37 million youths aged 13–15 using tobacco globally and e-cigarette marketing reaching billions on social media, the need for strong public health action is urgent.
Public health communicators are encouraged to promote policies such as banning flavored products, enforcing plain packaging, and supporting cessation programs. A comprehensive WHO toolkit is available here, offering ready-to-use social media content, graphics, and resources to support effective advocacy and public education efforts worldwide.
The FDA Approves First U.S. At-Home Tool as a Pap-Smear Alternative
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 is as effective as in-clinic tests and is overwhelmingly preferred by women, especially those overdue for screening. This tool could reduce racial disparities, increase screening rates, and support the public health goal of eliminating cervical cancer altogether. Read the full article from NPR here.
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Don’t Miss Out: Early Bird Registration for NCHCMM 2025 Ends May 30
Public health communicators won’t want to miss NCHCMM 2025, taking place July 28–31 in Atlanta. This year’s conference will spotlight some of the most pressing issues in our field—misinformation, mental health, climate justice, and more—through bold conversations and real-world strategies. Sessions will delve into community-driven messaging, culturally tailored campaigns, youth engagement, and lessons from vaccine communication.
Attendees will also explore smarter ways to evaluate impact and drive behavior change. Keynote speaker Dr. Garth Graham, Head of YouTube Health, will share insights on the future of public health communication. Early bird registration ends May 30, and hotel discounts are available through July 18. Register here.
Register Now for NCHCMM 2025
Public health communicators, mark your calendars! The 2025 National Conference on Health Communication, Marketing & Media (NCHCMM) is set for July 28-30 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. This premier event brings together experts to explore innovative strategies in health communication. The first keynote speaker, Dr. Garth Graham—cardiologist, researcher, and Head of YouTube Health—promises valuable insights.
Take advantage of advance registration discounts through May 30. Secure your hotel stay at a special rate by July 18. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and inspire—visit our website and follow us for updates! Visit www.NCHCMM.org for all the details.
Deadliest Phase of Fentanyl Crisis Eases, As All States See Recovery
New research from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reveals a dramatic and sustained decline in fentanyl-related overdose deaths, marking a potential turning point in the opioid crisis. According to CDC data, drug deaths have dropped by nearly 25%, with fentanyl-related fatalities decreasing by over 30% in just one year.
Experts, including Dr. Nabarun Dasgupta, suggest this trend may be long-term, with overdose deaths in some states falling to pre-pandemic levels. While the reasons remain unclear, improved access to Narcan and shifts in drug use behavior may be contributing factors. If sustained, the U.S. could return to pre-2016 overdose levels, signaling a major public health victory. Read the full story from NPR here.
New Ethical AI Guidelines: A Must-Read for Public Health Communicators
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping public health communication, and NPHIC has proudly contributed to a groundbreaking new resource: the Guidelines for the Ethical Use of AI in Public Health Communications. Developed by a diverse working group of public health and technology leaders, this initiative ensures AI is used responsibly while upholding accuracy, transparency, and equity.
Executive Director Robert Jennings and NPHIC supported this effort to provide communicators with practical, adaptable principles for integrating AI ethically. Access the short guide or full working paper here and read more about the guide here and be part of the conversation shaping the future of AI in public health!
