HHS Plans ‘Bold, Edgy’ Campaign on Ultra-Processed Foods
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is launching a bold national campaign, “Take Back Your Health,” focused on the strong links between ultra-processed foods and increased diabetes risk. With an estimated $10-20 million budget for its first phase, the campaign aims to deliver daring, viral messaging that motivates behavior change among Americans.
It also seeks to popularize…
Don’t Miss the Closing Plenary at NCHCMM!
Be sure to join us on Wednesday, July 30, for the powerful closing plenary at the National Conference for Health Communication, Marketing, and Media (NCHCMM) in Atlanta: Communicating the Value of Public Health. Sponsored by Deloitte and organized by PHCC and NPHIC, this dynamic session brings together leading voices—Brian Castrucci, Katherine Reed, and Ashani Johnson-Turbes—for a conversation…
Like Measles, Misinformation is Spreading, Poll Finds
As measles cases surge past 800 nationwide—most in Texas—a new KFF poll reveals a troubling rise in public exposure to vaccine misinformation. While most Americans still trust the measles vaccine’s safety, many report uncertainty when encountering false claims, such as the vaccine causing autism or vitamin A preventing infection.
Notably, 19% of adults believe the vaccine may be more dangerou…
FDA Making Plans to End its Routine Food Safety Inspections
The FDA is reportedly exploring plans to shift most routine food safety inspections to state and local agencies—a move that could free up federal resources but raises concerns about oversight and consistency. While the FDA says inspections will continue during a reorganization period, internal sources and layoffs suggest significant changes are underway.
States already handle about one-third of routine inspections, often at lower costs, and supporters argue they meet federal standards. However, critics warn the transition could undermine national food safety, especially in states without…
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…