Former CDC Leaders Outline a Plan to Rebuild Public Health
At the APHA 2025 session “Discussion with Former CDC Leaders: The Way Forward,” three former CDC leaders explored strategies to strengthen public health amid ongoing federal challenges. Panelists emphasized the critical role of state and local health departments as the frontline of community protection, especially as federal support faces uncertainty. They highlighted the need to create public…
How Americans’ Trust in Information from News Organizations and Social Media Sites Has Changed Over Time
A recent Pew Research Center survey shows Americans’ trust in national and local news organizations has declined across all age groups and political affiliations. Currently, 56% of adults express at least some trust in national news, down 11 points since March 2025, while 70% trust local news, also declining from earlier this year.
Trust in social media remains lower, with just 37% of both Re…
As SNAP Recipients Brace to Receive Less, Panic, Political Infighting and Misinformation Swirl
During recent SNAP disruptions, misinformation circulated widely on social media, complicating public understanding of food assistance. AI-generated videos and misleading charts falsely portrayed recipients as predominantly nonwhite or noncitizens, feeding long-standing stereotypes. In reality, USDA data show white households make up the largest share of SNAP recipients, and most households inc…
Scientists Find Shingles Vaccine Lowers Dementia Risk and Impacts Inflammation
Recent research indicates that the shingles vaccine may offer benefits beyond preventing shingles, including a potential reduction in dementia risk. An analysis of over 100 million U.S. patients found that recipients of the shingles vaccine had up to a 33% lower risk of developing dementia compared with those receiving other recommended vaccines.
Experts suggest the vaccine may reduce brain i…
Apply Now: Arclet Access Fund Pilot
Arclet is a platform built by and for public health practitioners to make it easier to find, customize, and share trusted health messages—without starting from scratch. The platform also includes Arli, an AI health communications co-pilot that helps teams adapt messaging for their audiences.
Arclet is supporting three new pilot sites across the country with a full year of Arclet access…
6 Reasons Why People Believe Health Misinformation
Understanding why people believe health misinformation is crucial for public health communicators. Research shows mistrust of the health care system, past negative experiences, and strong personal autonomy drive individuals to seek alternative sources. Charismatic messengers, emotionally engaging content, and simple explanations often make misinformation more compelling than expert guidance…
Weight Loss Drugs are Bringing Down the Country's Obesity Rate
A new Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index survey shows a notable decline in U.S. adult obesity rates — now 37%, down from 39.9% three years ago — coinciding with a sharp rise in the use of GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro.
These drugs, which suppress appetite and slow digestion, have become a major public health development in addressing obesity and related dise…