What’s Ahead for NPHIC in 2026
As we move further into 2026, NPHIC wants to thank our members for your continued leadership and dedication to public health communication. In a rapidly evolving information landscape, we remain deeply committed to supporting your work through practical tools, professional development, and opportunities for connection.
This year, we are exploring a potential strategic partnership with the Pub…
Biohackers and Wellness Influencers are Pushing Nicotine as Part of Their ‘Stacks’
Nicotine is being rebranded by startups and influencers as a cognitive and performance enhancer, raising new public health concerns. Wellness marketing and social media narratives increasingly position nicotine pouches, patches, and drinks as tools for focus, energy, or lifestyle optimization, even among nonsmokers.
Experts caution that evidence for cognitive benefits in healthy individuals i…
Early Prenatal Care Declining in US: CDC Data
A recent CDC analysis indicates a decline in early prenatal care initiation in the United States, with the proportion of mothers beginning care in the first trimester falling from 78.3% in 2021 to 75.5% in 2024. Concurrently, second-trimester starts and late or no care both increased. The findings underscore the established importance of early prenatal care, which is associated with healthier p…
Using Saliva to Detect Disease Holds Promise, But It's Not Perfected Yet
Emerging salivary diagnostics offer promising opportunities for earlier, more accessible disease detection. Already used to identify HIV and COVID-19, saliva-based tests are being developed to detect conditions such as oral cancers, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. Public health leaders note their potential to expand preventive care, reduce barriers for rural and underserved populations, a…
Outbreaks You Never Heard About: Because CDC Was There
The CDC’s new campaign, Outbreaks You Never Heard About: Because CDC Was There, highlights the agency’s critical role in global health security. Many dangerous disease outbreaks never make headlines because CDC teams work behind the scenes to detect, respond to, and contain threats quickly. By partnering with countries worldwide, these efforts prevent outbreaks from crossing borders, overwhelmi…
Overcoming Challenges & Leveraging Strengths: An Action Guide for Communicators at Public Health Agencies
Public health communicators navigating high expectations and limited resources now have a new resource tailored to their needs. The Public Health Communications Collaborative (PHCC), with the Harvard Opinion Research Program, has released Overcoming Challenges & Leveraging Strengths: An Action Guide for Communicators at Public Health Agencies, grounded in 50 in-depth interviews with governm…
Measles Cases Spread on College Campuses
Measles cases on U.S. college campuses highlight the persistent risk of highly transmissible diseases in close-living environments. Recent campus clusters have prompted isolation, quarantine, contact tracing, and expanded clinical operations, even where student immunity rates are high. Health experts emphasize that rare breakthrough infections can occur despite strong protection from the two-do…