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Building Trust in Science Through Effective Communication

When was the last time you questioned a headline about scientific research or hesitated to follow public health advice? For many Americans, trust in science has become a complex terrain, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. While 76% of Americans express a fair or great deal of confidence in scientists to act in […]

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Health equity

Why Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Pose Long-Term Risks for Adults Over 50

Vaccines have long been heralded for their role in preventing immediate illness. But what if their benefits extended far beyond that, influencing long-term health in profound ways? For adults over 50, particularly those hospitalized with vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) like flu, pneumonia, and shingles, the story doesn’t end after the acute infection subsides. Emerging research reveals […]

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Workforce

Why Staffing Adequacy in Healthcare Is More Than Just Numbers

Staffing is the backbone of healthcare systems. Without the right number of people—or the right people for the job—hospital performance and patient outcomes can quickly decline. A recent study conducted in China sheds new light on the intricate dynamics of staffing adequacy and its effects on team performance in hospitals. It highlights an often-overlooked fact: […]

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Communication

Health Literacy for Today’s Adolescents

Adolescents today face a unique health landscape. With access to more information than ever, teens must learn how to navigate the flood of health messages and identify what’s credible. Health literacy – the ability to understand, assess, and use health information – is a skill that can set them on a path to better choices […]

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Collaboration

Can Co-Creation be a Tool for Lasting Impact?

When tackling the big issues in public health, like unhealthy food environments or access to mental health care, traditional approaches often fall short. These challenges require more than just data and policy—solutions need to be grounded in the experiences and insights of those affected. This is where co-creation comes in. Through co-creation, researchers, public health […]

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Research

Reaction to RFK nomination: Not Good!

President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) to head the $1.7 trillion Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has sparked widespread alarm among public health experts. Kennedy, known for his promotion of debunked anti-vaccine claims and skepticism of scientific institutions like the CDC, FDA, and NIH, is being described as […]

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Policy

Measles Vaccination Efforts at Risk of Stalling

In “honor” of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the recent nominee to HHS, let’s take a look at this recent MMWR report. Measles, a disease once a harbinger of widespread illness and death, has met its match in vaccination programs, saving an astounding 60 million lives between 2000 and 2023. Put that number in your head. […]

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Health equity

How Racial Bias in Lab Testing Impacts AI in Healthcare

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare, but what happens when the data feeding these powerful tools carries the weight of systemic inequities? A recent study highlights how racial disparities in emergency department (ED) laboratory testing could reinforce biases in AI models, potentially widening the health equity gap. If you’re working to make healthcare more just, […]

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Health equity

Making Nutritious Diets Affordable for All

For many people across the globe, eating a nutritious diet isn’t as simple as just making better food choices. The cost of these healthy diets and household income constraints create significant barriers, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This reality is illuminated by a comprehensive dataset from the World Food Programme‘s (WFP) “Fill the Nutrient […]

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