A new report from Trust for America’s Health, Pain in the Nation 2025, reveals a second consecutive year of decline in U.S. deaths from alcohol, drugs, and suicide—yet over 200,000 lives were still lost in 2023, double the toll from two decades ago. Public health progress is evident, including a 27% drop in overdose deaths, but racial and age disparities remain stark, especially for American…

Emotional storytelling in press materials is a powerful tool for public health communicators aiming to break through noise and drive meaningful action. Research shows emotionally resonant content is remembered, shared, and acted upon more than purely factual messaging. Press releases that begin with human stories, connect to broader issues, and conclude with relatable emotion engage audiences d…

The Society for Health Communication and Journal of Health Communication Special Issue #2 Call for Papers is live! This year's issue, "Getting Creative: Engaging Communities through Innovative Communication Approaches" is all about sharing insights that showcase the power of partnerships, from non-profits and foundations to grassroots organizations, demonstrating how tailored, community-centere…

Let your network know you’re attending the National Conference for Health Communication, Marketing, and Media (NCHCMM), July 28–30 in Atlanta! Share your event badge—available for attendees, presenters, sponsors, and contributors—on social media here. Just right-click, save, and post with #NCHCMM2025 to connect and build excitement. This year’s conference highlights urgent topics like misinfo…

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has canceled over $760 million in federal funding awarded to Moderna for developing mRNA-based pandemic flu vaccines, including those targeting bird flu in humans. Originally granted through BARDA to support rapid vaccine development during public health emergencies, the funding was withdrawn following a federal review. HHS cited concerns abou…

The Public Health Communication Collaborative (PHCC) offers an updated resource—Tips for a Happy and Healthy Summer—designed to help families make the most of the summer months. This guide encourages children to stay active, connect with friends and family, and build habits that support physical and mental well-being before the new school year.   It also includes a fun summer-themed bin…

New research reveals that climate disasters like floods and wildfires have hidden, long-term public health consequences beyond physical destruction. A study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found a strong link between severe climate events and the closure of hospitals and outpatient care facilities across more than 3,000 U.S. counties from 2000 to 2014…

Recent changes to COVID-19 vaccine recommendations are raising alarms among public health experts. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s decision to remove COVID vaccines from the CDC’s list for pregnant women and children bypassed the CDC’s advisory committee and lacked public explanation or supporting data. Experts, including Dr. Richard Besser, stress that vaccination…

A new CDC report highlights the public health risks of improper nasal irrigation, following the tragic death of a 71-year-old woman from a rare brain infection after using tap water in a neti pot. The woman contracted primary amebic meningoencephalitis, a typically fatal infection caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba, after using an RV water system at a Texas campground. The FDA and CDC str…