Association of Health Care Journalists

07/21/2025

The U.S. spends double on health care but ranks last in key outcomes like life expectancy and maternal mortality—high costs don’t equal better health.

At HJ25, speakers discussed how health care organizations often aim to grow and generate more revenue rather than prioritize patient outcomes.

07/21/2025

A Toledo Blade reporter’s independent water testing found levels of radioactivity up to 1,731 times higher than normal background levels.

A Toledo Blade reporter's independent water testing found levels of radioactivity up to 1,731 times higher than normal background levels.

07/21/2025

Independent health journalists can take advantage of AHCJ’s Slack community, monthly Zoom meetups, freelance directory and more.

Independent health journalists can take advantage of AHCJ’s Slack community, monthly Zoom meetups, freelance directory and more.

07/18/2025

Bird flu is spreading beyond birds—to cows, cats & more. Reporters: cover the ecological risks behind the virus’s evolution. 🌍🦠

Bird flu coverage shouldn't be limited to what’s happening in birds, cows and humans — make sure to look at local environmental factors.

07/18/2025

New study shows Alzheimer’s blood biomarker tests are less accurate for Black patients—up to 20% lower sensitivity and more false positives—underscoring the need for cautious use and more equitable validation.

Recent research revealed that blood biomarker tests for Alzheimer’s disease are less reliable for Black patients than for other groups.

07/18/2025

Journalists📸: Want better photos? Try these 5 quick tips from pro David Poller — position with intention ("time warp"), move closer, use open shade, shoot from weird angles, and own your story. No fakery—just honest visuals.

David Poller, who has worked for three decades as a photographer and newspaper photo editor, gave advice for taking better photos at HJ25.

07/17/2025

The New York Times began a series on March 25 that celebrates environmental progress in each state.

The New York Times began a climate series on March 25 that celebrates environmental progress in each state.

07/17/2025

Journalists: Cover addiction & homelessness with empathy. Use person-first language, avoid stereotypes, and reflect the full story.

At HJ25, panelists spoke about fostering empathy and nuance in stories about people living with addiction and homelessness.

07/17/2025

Rural health reporters: Get the tools you need to cover hospital closures, transit gaps, broadband issues and more.
📍 Atlanta | Aug. 21
🎟️ Reserve your spot now: https://healthjournalism.org/event/rural-health-journalism-workshop-4

07/17/2025

Hospital mergers may boost profits but often hurt communities—leading to higher costs, reduced services, and less local access to care. 📉🏥

At HJ25, panelists discussed how hospital mergers have caused health care prices to increase 20% to 30% with little change in care quality.

07/16/2025

The ISS is opening new doors for stem cell research—microgravity helps grow 3D organoids, advancing medicine back on Earth.

At HJ25, stem cell biologist Arun Sharma, Ph.D., spoke about how his team's research into manufacturing heart "organoids" in space.

07/16/2025

Medical studies need sharper coverage. Journalists should dig into study design, funding, and biases to give readers accurate, trustworthy health info.

At HJ25, panelists spoke about reporting on medical studies and the crucial role DEI plays in health research.