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…
Many Black US Patients with Long COVID Being Missed, Analysis Reveals
Long COVID may be underdiagnosed among Black patients despite similar symptom burdens, highlighting a potential gap in equitable diagnosis and care.
Analysis of electronic health records from approximately 2.4 million U.S. patients found Black patients were 6% less likely than White patients to receive a long COVID diagnosis despite comparable symptom profiles,
while no significant differenc…
CSTE Launches Interactive Tool for State Reportable Disease Requirements
Public health professionals can now access a new interactive resource that simplifies reportable disease and condition requirements across U.S. jurisdictions.
The Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) launched the State Reportable Conditions Assessment (SRCA), the only publicly available tool of its kind, with participation from 100% of states, the District of Columbia, and…
Measles Cases Climb to Highest Level in Decades, Renewing Vaccination Focus
Measles cases in the United States have reached their highest level in 35 years, prompting renewed public messaging supporting childhood vaccination.
The nation has confirmed 2,371 measles cases so far this year, surpassing 2025’s record of 2,289, while the past two years have produced more cases than the rest of the 21st century combined. The surge includes 37 outbreaks and has raised concer…
Medicaid's Work Requirement Crunch Arrives
Medicaid beneficiaries in states implementing new work requirements are beginning to face coverage losses as eligibility rules take effect, increasing the risk of insurance disruptions for eligible enrollees.
Nebraska, the first state to enforce the requirements ahead of the Jan. 1 national deadline, expects about 200 people to lose coverage this week, while projections estimate up to 7 milli…
CDC Updates Cyclospora Outbreak Resource Page & PHCC Resources
CDC has updated its Cyclospora outbreak webpage with the latest guidance and investigation findings, making it an important resource for public health communicators to monitor as the outbreak evolves and recommendations change.
The multistate outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce has grown to at least 1,947 cases across nine states, resulting in 98 hospitalizations and prompting an expa…
Food Banks Confront Growing SNAP Gap
SNAP participation has declined by more than 4.5 million people since July 2025, increasing pressure on food banks as demand for food assistance continues.
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that more than 1.5 million children also lost SNAP benefits during that period, while 41 states reported participation declines of at least 5% and Arizona's caseload dropped by nearly 55…