Blogs - This Week In Public Health

Commentary

Destined to Suffer. How Prosperity Theology Is Shaping U.S. Health Policy

What if your health wasn’t just a matter of biology or economics, but of divine judgment? For centuries, American culture has been shaped by an unspoken theology: that the healthy are favored, and the sick are suspect. Today, as proposed cuts to Medicaid target the most vulnerable, it is worth asking. Are we still living […]

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Mental health

Rising Cases of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Youths: A Growing Public Health Concern

In recent years, there has been a troubling increase in reports of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms among young people, particularly those aged 16-24. A recent BBC analysis indicates that cases have tripled in the past decade. This surge raises significant public health concerns and highlights the need for early intervention strategies. The rise in OCD […]

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Workforce

Public Health Degrees at Risk Under New Federal Loan Rules

The U.S. Department of Education is moving toward a new definition of “professional degree programs” under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), and public health programs appear to be left out. This proposed classification will determine which graduate degrees qualify for the highest federal loan limits, giving students access to up to $200,000 in […]

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Communication

Misinformation as a Social Determinant of Health

We spent a while recounting APHA last week. However, there’s a specific trend we wanted to explore in more depth: misinformation. Misinformation has become a fundamental force that directly impacts health outcomes. Traditionally, social determinants of health (SDOH) focus on people’s living, working, and aging conditions, but emerging research, including new findings presented at the […]

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Global

Global Water Crisis and Public Health: Urgent Need for Action

As our planet continues to grapple with the multifaceted impacts of climate change, one issue that stands out due to its profound impact on public health is the escalating global water crisis. Access to clean water is a fundamental human right, yet millions worldwide are facing severe shortages exacerbated by environmental shifts and inadequate infrastructure. […]

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News

Next Week in Public Health, November 13, 2025

After a record-breaking 43-day shutdown, the federal government has finally reopened following President Trump’s signature on a long-delayed funding package. While political leaders traded blame, the public health consequences were immediate and far-reaching. Food assistance for more than 40 million Americans stalled, and some families ran out of resources entirely. Meanwhile, federal workers across essential […]

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Wellbeing

Vaccine Hesitancy Interventions for Older Adults: A Simple Guide

Vaccine hesitancy among older adults is a serious challenge. When seniors delay or refuse vaccines, it can lead to more illness and hospital visits. In this blog post, we will explain what vaccine hesitancy means, why it matters, and share some interventions that can help improve vaccine uptake in older adults. What Is Vaccine Hesitancy? […]

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Mental health

Managing the Vagus Nerve: A Key to Improved Mental Health in Public Health

Stress appears to be an ever-present factor that influences our lives, affecting both our mental and physical well-being. Recent insights into the vagus nerve present promising opportunities for managing stress and improving mental health, aligning with sentiments expressed in public health narratives. BBC News highlights that training this vital nerve might provide individuals with a […]

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Funding

Why Relationships, Not RFPs, Still Decide Who Gets Funded

Every year, thousands of nonprofits pour their hearts into crafting proposals, often investing hundreds of hours per application, in the hope of securing the lifeline of a major grant. Yet behind the polished language of Request for Proposals (RFPs) and the rhetoric of equity, the playing field is far from level. Our large-scale analysis of […]

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Mental health

How Trauma-Informed Care Can Transform Homeless Services

On a cold Ottawa morning, a peer support worker named Jen sits across from a man at a drop-in center. He’s wary—one eye on the door, one hand on his coffee. She doesn’t start with a checklist or clipboard. She starts with a question: “How are you sleeping?” It’s not small talk. It’s a lifeline. […]

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