KFF Tracking Poll on Health Information and Trust: Update on Common Vaccine Myths
Uncertainty about common vaccine myths remains widespread despite relatively few U.S. adults fully believing false claims, highlighting continued vulnerability to health misinformation. KFF found that at least half of adults classified each false claim as "probably true" or "probably false," while fewer than one in ten expressed firm belief in any individual myth.
Belief in misinformation was…
CDC Investigates Parasite That’s Caused Cases of ‘Explosive’ Diarrhea in 18 US States
Increased cyclosporiasis activity across multiple U.S. states has prompted a federal investigation into the source of infections, with contaminated fresh produce and water remaining the primary suspected exposure routes.
Between May 1 and June 16, the CDC identified 145 cases across 17 states, including 20 hospitalizations, while Michigan separately reported more than 300 cases in a growing o…
US Death Rate at Record Low: CDC Data
The U.S. death rate fell to a record low in 2025, reaching 689.2 deaths per 100,000 people, a 4.6% decline from 2024. Heart disease and cancer remained the leading causes of death, followed by unintentional injuries, stroke, chronic lower respiratory disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes.
Death rates were highest among males, older adults, and Black people, with no declines among America…
National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month - Toolkit
New resources support community-based mental health promotion for Black, Indigenous, and people of color during Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, emphasizing trusted conversations and well-being tools.
Free 2026 BIPOC Mental Health Toolkit in English and Spanish includes printables, graphics, Trusted Spaces Pack, and curated outreach and communication tools…
The Health Risks of Extreme Heat
Extreme heat is driving escalating public health risk across Europe, Asia, and parts of the United States, according to a Reuters report. Heatstroke—when core body temperature exceeds 105°F—can rapidly become fatal, contributing to organ failure and death.
Globally, excess heat is linked to nearly 500,000 deaths each year, with a European analysis attributing 68% of 2025 heat-related deaths t…
PHCC Opens Applications for Ambassador and Academy Programs
The Public Health Communications Collaborative (PHCC) is expanding opportunities for public health communicators to build skills, connect with peers, and strengthen communication practice.
Applications for the next PHCC Ambassador cohort open July 6, followed by applications for the Academy's live course, Strengthening Health Communications through Community Engagement, on July 13.
On July…
Heading Into 2026 Midterms, Americans Back Policies Targeting Lower Healthcare Costs
Americans heading into the 2026 midterms show broad bipartisan support for policies aimed at lowering healthcare costs, including allowing prescription drug manufacturers to sell directly to patients and expanding drug discount platforms.
Sixty-seven percent support direct-to-consumer prescription models, while 62% back reinstating ACA marketplace subsidies. Support is widespread across parti…