LATEST NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
Youth Tobacco Product Use at a 25-Year Low, Yet Disparities Persist
Youth tobacco product use has reached a 25-year low, with 2.25 million U.S. middle and high school students reporting current use in 2024, down from 2.80 million in 2023. This decline is driven by reduced e-cigarette and hookah use. However, disparities persist, as tobacco use remains prevalent among more than 2 million students, with certain groups, such as American Indian or Alaska Native students, experiencing increases in use.
Public health officials emphasize the importance of continuing evidence-based strategies like mass media campaigns and regulatory measures to prevent youth tobacco use and address ongoing disparities to protect adolescent health. Read more from the CDC here.
DELPH Program in Now Accepting Applications
The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) is accepting applications for the Diverse Executives Leading in Public Health (DELPH) program, with a deadline of October 31st. In partnership with the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine, and supported by the CDC, DELPH aims to empower mid-senior level governmental public health professionals by enhancing visibility, expanding leadership skills, and providing access to key networks.
This 10-month program includes skill-building workshops, mentorship, and peer support, fostering inclusive leadership growth. Participants gain long-term professional development opportunities and peer connections, regardless of race, gender, or background. Learn more about eligibility and benefits today! Learn more from ASTHO here.
New CDC Resources on Flu Vaccination
As flu season approaches, it's vital to recognize flu vaccination as a key public health priority. The CDC's updated flu vaccination toolkit offers valuable resources to support your outreach efforts. This includes refreshed “Wild to Mild” social media assets and print-ready materials, as well as digital advertisements in select cities like Atlanta and Chicago.
In partnership with the American Medical Association and The Ad Council, the "Get My Flu Shot" campaign targets Black and Hispanic communities, with a new PSA emphasizing the body's antibody response to flu vaccines. Help promote flu vaccination and protect communities by sharing these essential resources.
FEATURED TOPICS
What Happened to All the Health Inspectors in New York City?
The New York City Department of Health (DOH) faces staffing shortages, leading to delayed health inspections, which worries many restaurant owners. Currently, only about 66 percent of the city's 27,000 food establishments were inspected between July 2023 and June 2024, down from 83 percent the previous year.
The DOH attributes this to a 20 percent drop in public health inspectors since COVID-19. Restaurant owners describe long waits and increased uncertainty surrounding inspections, with some waiting nearly two years. The staffing challenges leave both new and long-established businesses in a state of limbo, heightening anxiety around food safety compliance and public health. Read more from Grub Street here.
FDA Approves First Self-Administered Flu Vaccine
The FDA has approved the first self-administered flu vaccine, offering a new option to increase flu vaccination accessibility. Adults can now administer FluMist, a nasal spray vaccine, at home without a healthcare provider present. This option may help address the decline in flu vaccination rates, which fell below 50% during the 2022-2023 season.
Available for those aged 2 to 49, FluMist provides a convenient alternative to traditional flu shots. However, individuals must still obtain a prescription, and vaccines will be delivered directly to homes. This innovation could enhance public health efforts by improving access to seasonal flu prevention. Read more from The Hill here.
CDC Recommends The 2024-2025 COVID-19 Vaccine for Everyone Aged 6 Months and Older
The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine for everyone aged 6 months and older. This updated vaccine targets the evolving virus, addressing the waning protection from prior vaccination and infection.
COVID-19 continues to cause significant hospitalizations and deaths weekly in the U.S., and the vaccine remains crucial, particularly for those at higher risk, including individuals 65 and older, those in long-term care facilities, people with underlying conditions, and pregnant individuals. ACIP’s recommendations, grounded in evidence on vaccine safety, effectiveness, and equity, will be reassessed as new data emerges, ensuring ongoing protection for all. Read more from the CDC here.
New Report - State of Obesity 2024: Better Policies for a Healthier America
The State of Obesity 2024: Better Policies for a Healthier America report highlights rising U.S. obesity rates, with over 35% of adults affected in 23 states. The epidemic, particularly impacting communities of color and low-income areas, is driven by limited access to healthy foods and physical activity.
Obesity-related health conditions are increasing, affecting both physical and mental well-being. The report calls for comprehensive policy changes, including increased funding for prevention programs, expanding nutrition support like SNAP, promoting healthy food environments, and improving healthcare access. Addressing obesity requires systems-level solutions that go beyond individual behaviors to target structural barriers and inequities.
