LATEST NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
CDC/NPHIC Monthly Call: September Agenda Highlights Key Communication Updates
NPHIC members are invited to join the monthly CDC/NPHIC call on Wednesday, September 23, from 2:00–3:00 p.m. ET, for timely updates and resources for public health communicators.
The agenda includes CDC Office of Communications updates, an overview of Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication (CERC) training, and a discussion of the Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer. Participants will also hear about a new website with local-level COVID-19, RSV and flu transmission estimates and communications for the respiratory virus season. Regional breakout rooms will follow.
To be added to the call, contact Laura Espino at lespino@nphic.org.
After Months of Vacancies, Kennedy Revamps Preventive Services Panel with New Members
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is undergoing a major membership change that could affect how preventive care recommendations are developed and reviewed.
Eight new members have been appointed, including specialists in oncology, cardiology and gastroenterology, as well as a health insurance and health care value expert. The task force had been unable to meet for more than a year amid vacancies and leadership changes, while former members said four guidelines, including updated cervical cancer screening recommendations, were held back.
The changes could influence future guidance on preventive services and the evidence used to inform decisions affecting population health. Read the full article from The Hill here.
Public Health Visual Commons Launches to Strengthen Public Health Storytelling
The Public Health Visual Commons is live! Finding the right image shouldn’t be one of the hardest parts of public health communication. The Visual Commons, from Health Resources in Action, is a free library of public health images designed to help health communicators move beyond generic stock photos and tell the story of public health more effectively.
The library offers images for social media, presentations, annual reports and other communications that reflect the communities public health organizations serve. Public health communicators can also contribute photos to expand the collection.
A November 19 webinar will showcase the Visual Commons, its features and contribution opportunities. Register here.
FEATURED TOPICS
Is Mpox Here to Stay? CDC Study Says Virus is Likely Becoming Endemic
Mpox is continuing to spread at low levels in the United States, suggesting the virus may be transitioning toward endemic circulation rather than remaining linked primarily to travel.
In 2024 and 2025, 76% of U.S. mpox cases occurred among unvaccinated people, who were nearly 10 times more likely to be hospitalized than those who received both Jynneos vaccine doses. Mpox remains most common among men who have sex with men, while transmission can occur through close contact, including within households.
The findings highlight the importance of vaccination for people at increased risk and ongoing monitoring of transmission. Read more from CIDRAP here.
More Than One Third of U.S. Counties Are Maternity Care Deserts
Maternity care access remains limited across much of the U.S., with 34.6% of counties classified as maternity care deserts and more than half lacking a hospital with labor and delivery services.
The March of Dimes found little change since 2016, while 57.9% of rural counties lack a practicing obstetric clinician. Financial pressures, low rural birth volumes, inadequate Medicaid reimbursement, hospital staffing shortages, and potential Medicaid cuts could further reduce access, particularly in rural communities.
By 2035, all but six states are projected to have an inadequate supply of obstetric clinicians. Longer travel distances can contribute to missed prenatal and postpartum care and delayed treatment of pregnancy complications. Read more from Time here.
Complaining About Bad Coverage Is the Surest Way to Amplify It
Public health communicators facing unfavorable media coverage should consider that public complaints can substantially amplify the original story and its negative framing.
A company executive’s social media response to a July 9 Wired article generated 437,000 views on the first day and 2.3 million within several days, compared with fewer than 15,000 views for Wired’s promotional post. The response shifted attention from the article’s reporting to the company’s dispute over its framing, while potentially overshadowing more favorable coverage.
The episode highlights the importance of weighing engagement gains against the longer-term communications risks of publicly amplifying unfavorable coverage. Read the article from PR News here.
NPHIC and CDC Monthly Communication Call Highlights Accessibility Practices for Public Health Communicators
NPHIC and CDC’s July 29 Monthly Communication Call highlighted practical strategies public health communicators can use to improve accessibility and expand access to health information. The session featured CDC’s Jessica Handley, who shared guidance on accessible digital content, including the use of descriptive links, alt text, plain language, proper headings, and mobile-friendly design.
The presentation also reviewed upcoming accessibility requirements for state and local governments, including WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards for digital content. Find the full presentation here.
Members are invited to join the next call on Wednesday, August 26, from 2:00–3:00 p.m. ET; participants can contact Laura Espino at lespino@nphic.org to receive the Microsoft Teams invitation.
