COVID-19 communication
The CDC Foundation launched the Community COVID Coalition in September to support state communication efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. The coalition will work to educate communities about curbing the spread of COVID-19. For more information, visit https://www.cdcfoundation.org.
Obesity
Trust for America’s Health published “The State of Obesity 2020: Better Policies for a Healthier America,” its 17th annual report on the issue, in September. In 2019, the U.S. adult obesity rate topped 40%, which is the highest ever recorded for the nation. For more information, visit https://www.tfah.org.
LGBT health
PM Press published “Bodies and Barriers: Queer Activists on Health,” in March. Edited by APHA member Adrian Shanker, executive director of Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center in Pennsylvania, the book is an anthology of consumer stories about the experiences of LGBT people receiving care. For more information, visit https://www.pmpress.org.
Security risks
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the revised HHS Security Risk Assessment Tool in September. The updated tool helps health care organizations assess protected health information and maintain compliance with privacy guidelines. For more information, visit https://www.healthit.gov.
COVID-19 resources
The Infectious Diseases Society of America launched the COVID-19 Real-Time Learning Network website in September. Designed as a resource for front-line clinicians, the site serves as a repository of clinical guidance, institutional protocol and data on the disease and outbreak. For more information, visit https://www.idsociety.org.
Mental health
A new guided imagery app from the University of Arizona is designed to reduce stress and anxiety and help boost mental health. Recordings in the See Me Serene app describe relaxing outdoor and nature experiences. For more information, visit https://www.nursing.arizona.edu/see-me-serene.
Artificial intelligence
In July, Brookings Institution Press published “Turning Point: Policymaking in the Era of Artificial Intelligence,” by Darrell West and John Allen. The book discusses artificial intelligence in healthcare and the opportunities and dangers it poses. For more information, visit https://www.brookings.edu/bipress/.
Auto safety
In August, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched SaferCar, a smartphone app that aims to keep drivers safe and informed. The app sends safety recall notifications and features online tools, such as a car seat inspection locator. For more information, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov.
Housing
In September, the U.S. Census Bureau and Department of Housing and Urban Development released new housing data from the 2019 American Housing Survey through the AHS Table Creator. The interactive data tool gives users the ability to create custom tables of housing and demographic estimates and compare data from past years. For more information, visit https://www.census.gov.
- Copyright The Nation’s Health, American Public Health Association
