National Public Health Information Coalition

04/23/2026

Strengthening oversight or straining systems?

New federal actions are pushing states to revalidate Medicaid providers as part of a broader effort to combat fraud in public health programs. 🏥

The Trump administration is requiring all 50 states to explain their plans to revalidate some Medicaid providers. Dr.

04/20/2026

Your smartwatch may track your health—but it’s context, not just data, that drives better outcomes. ⌚

As wearable tech becomes more common, patients and providers have an opportunity to turn patterns into actionable insights—from early detection of conditions to more personalized care.

The American Academy of Neurology issued guidance on using wearable data devices, like smartwatches or an Oura Ring, to track key health metrics that can help flag serious conditions.

04/17/2026

A new director nomination for the CDC brings experienced public health leadership—and the future of vaccine policy—into sharp focus 🧭

The nomination comes after months of interim leadership at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

04/16/2026

Drug-resistant infections are eroding one of public health’s most basic defenses, and Shigella is a growing example. 🦠

With cases rising and no approved oral treatments for some strains, how can public health systems strengthen prevention before treatment options run out?

Officials called the increase "a public health threat," especially since shigella is spread easily from person to person.

04/13/2026

📉 The U.S. fertility rate has fallen to a new record low, highlighting major shifts in reproductive trends and the broader social and economic factors shaping family planning.

What does a sustained decline in births mean for the future of population health, workforce planning, and community systems?

The U.S. fertility rate continued its slide to historic levels, due to plunging teen pregnancies and far more women delaying motherhood into their 30s and 40s.

04/12/2026

Why was a long-standing m**hod for measuring vaccine effectiveness put on hold?

The CDC delayed a COVID-19 report over m**hodology concerns—raising questions about how public health evidence is evaluated. 🧪

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reportedly delayed the publication of its report detailing the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine at the behest of its acting director. Acting CDC…

04/08/2026

A newly detected COVID-19 variant is a reminder that awareness still matters🧬

The CDC has identified the “ ” variant in multiple states, with early detection through travel and wastewater surveillance.

Reported symptoms include:
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Cough
• Changes in smell or taste

The variant has been detected in 25 states and 23 countries so far.

04/06/2026

Looking for ways to engage during National Public Health Week?

The American Public Health Association has created a ready-to-use social media toolkit and is hosting a coordinated “Flood the Feed” activation on Wednesday, April 8.

Join others across the country in posting at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. ET to highlight the theme: Ready. Set. Action!

Explore the resources and sign up to participate.

https://www.apha.org/initiatives/national-public-health-week/tools-and-tips/flood-the-feed

# PublicHealth

04/02/2026

FYI for public health professionals: The CDC has temporarily paused diagnostic testing for rabies and pox viruses. 🧪

These tests often support state and local labs without in-house capacity, making this a notable shift for national testing and surveillance efforts.

When medical misinformation wins, testing an antidepressant for m**h use, and other health news

03/31/2026

NPHIC members—your voice matters as we plan for the year. ✨

We’re inviting you to take a quick, 3-minute survey to share how you prefer to receive updates and what support would be most valuable in the year ahead.

Your feedback will help shape communications, engagement opportunities, and member offerings across the network.

Take the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CBCY2BG

03/30/2026

📝 Public health professionals, your voice matters! Health Affairs is calling for stories, experiences, and creative work showing how communities are adapting to changes in public health.

How has your work or community innovated to protect health? Share your story for the January 2027 special issue.

Now accepting submissions! We want to hear from people who are:

➡️ Affected by changes to public health funding, policies, and infrastructure
➡️ Innovating and adapting to provide public health services in their communities

Anyone can apply, as a research background is not required. Categories include personal essay or commentary, interview, poetry, and visual art.

Submit by May 11: https://healthaffairs.submittable.com/submit/730fb802-3c84-4ddc-906b-dfe4acd6d535/public-health-through-community-voices
Register for the info session on Apr 8: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SAavNdygRDOl1pAYB0Br_w #/registration

03/27/2026

📊 A proposed diagnostic code for COVID-19 vaccine-related adverse events highlights the role of public health systems in tracking, studying, and responding to emerging conditions.

What level of evidence should guide when a new condition is formally defined and coded?

Increasing documentation of a loosely defined condition could help lay the groundwork for future lawsuits.