The Nation's Health recent issues

Caregiving stresses families as aging population grow

Nicolaus, T. — 2026-05-01T03:30:20-07:00

On most days, Tara James begins her morning balancing two demanding roles: one as an employee and another as a caregiver to her 75-year-old mother, who recently suffered another stroke.

Public health podcasts building trust, relationships with listeners

Meador, S. — 2026-05-01T03:30:20-07:00

For virologist Maggie Bartlett, PhD, a concern was keeping her up at night. Just a few years after the COVID-19 pandemic began, she worried the next global outbreak could already be taking shape — and that too few people were paying attention.

States partnering with insurance companies on 'public option

Barna, M. — 2026-05-01T03:30:20-07:00

Despite decades of federal reform, tens of millions of Americans continue to go without health insurance coverage. Many of those who do have it have trouble paying expenses, leading them to skip preventive care, prescriptions and needed medical treatment. Some states are now working to create their own solutions.

APHA Advocates

Barna, M. — 2026-05-01T03:30:20-07:00

APHA: EPA fluoride research too narrow

Adding fluoride to drinking water is important to public health and must not be ended, APHA told the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this winter.

Correction

2026-05-01T03:30:20-07:00

Nick Seaver is the senior vice president at Burness. His name was incorrect in the February/March issue of The Nation's Health.

To have an impact on communities, we must also sustain ourselves

2026-05-01T03:30:20-07:00

This journey through life has its ups and downs. In one moment, we can experience unexplainable joy — the kind that makes you feel the warmth of the sun like a comforting hug. In the next moment, grief can hold you so tightly that you lose your breath and feel completely helpless.

Journal Watch

Barna, M. — 2026-05-01T03:30:20-07:00

Abortion restrictions raise hospitalizations

State laws restricting abortions increase maternal hospitalizations, with low-income people impacted the most, a study in the March issue of APHA's American Journal of Public Health shows.

Newsmakers: May 2026

Asamnew, Y. — 2026-05-01T03:30:20-07:00

Abazeed named officer

APHA member Ali Abazeed, MPH, MPP, was appointed chief public health officer for the city of Detroit in March. Abazeed previously served as chief public health officer for the Dearborn Department of Public Health in Michigan, where he was the department's founding director.

Ongoing APHA-Kaiser Permanente fellowship sets up career success

Meador, S. — 2026-05-01T03:30:20-07:00

Starting a career in public health can be challenging. But for early-career professionals who come from marginalized communities, that path can come with additional barriers.

APHA Policy Action Institute sets the stage for advocacy

Meador, S. — 2026-05-01T03:30:20-07:00

For public health professionals who want to make healthy changes in their communities, APHA's Policy Action Institute is a must-attend event.

Americans support eliminating health inequities for everyone

McGill, N. — 2026-05-01T03:30:20-07:00

Americans are more united than divided about wanting a country that makes health equity a priority, a recent survey finds.

APHA lawsuit halts vaccine schedule changes, advisory panel meeting

Barna, M. — 2026-05-01T03:30:20-07:00

In a major win for U.S. public health and science, a federal judge blocked the Trump administration's truncated child vaccine schedule, citing a lack of scientific review.

Nation in Brief

McGill, N. — 2026-05-01T03:30:20-07:00

E-cigarette child poisonings rise

Nicotine poisonings from electronic cigarettes are on the rise among young children, a new study finds.

'Fun to Catch, Toxic to Eat campaign steers residents toward safer fishing choices

McGill, N. — 2026-05-01T03:30:20-07:00

Edwin Caceres knows there are plenty of fish to catch in Seattle's Duwamish River. He also knows it is so polluted that only salmon are safe to eat.

States in Brief

Meador, S. — 2026-05-01T03:30:20-07:00

Michigan helmet law repeal costly

The repeal of a Michigan motorcycle helmet law has translated to higher hospital costs, a recent study finds.

Children often become victims in war, global findings show

Barna, M. — 2026-05-01T03:30:20-07:00

On Feb. 28, the first day of the U.S.-Israel war with Iran, massive bombing devastated a school for girls in the southern part of Iran, killing as many as 170 children. The action was condemned by humanitarian and public health leaders as unconscionable.

Globe in Brief

McGill, N. — 2026-05-01T03:30:20-07:00

Global breast cancer cases to increase

The number of new breast cancer cases diagnosed each year around the world is expected to increase sharply, a new study released in March finds.

Health Findings

McGill, N. — 2026-05-01T03:30:20-07:00

Brain injury risk high in youth football

Nearly 20% of sports-related brain injuries among young athletes occur in football, new findings shows.

Managing your anger is good for your health

Nicolaus, T. — 2026-05-01T03:30:20-07:00

Your face feels warm. Your chest tightens. Your thoughts start speeding up. That's anger, and it's a normal human emotion built into your body to help you respond when something feels wrong, unfair or threatening. It can push you to act, solve problems or stand up for yourself. But when anger shows up too often or gets too intense, it can start to harm your health and your relationships.

Coverage gaps for behavioral care persist as federal parity rules lag

Barna, M. — 2026-04-01T03:30:17-07:00

Obtaining treatment for depression or substance use should be as easy as getting care for a back injury or a broken leg. But many U.S. health insurance providers see it differently, denying far more behavioral health care claims than medical ones and introducing additional barriers.

Improving health, well-being can be as simple as giving people cash

Nicolaus, T. — 2026-04-01T03:30:17-07:00

Lights stay on. Cars get repaired. Evictions are avoided and refrigerators restocked. For the women who receive monthly cash payments through Magnolia Mother's Trust in Jackson, Mississippi, the impact is often seen in crises that never happen.

Immigration policies threaten US health workforce supply

Meador, S. — 2026-04-01T03:30:17-07:00

From nursing assistants and home health aides to primary care doctors and surgeons, people born beyond the borders of the U.S. form a critical backbone of the nation's health workforce. But with tighter immigration restrictions at the federal level, the stability of the workforce could be at risk.

Vending machines dispensing public health to communities

McGill, N. — 2026-04-01T03:30:17-07:00

Vending machines have long been used to offer refreshments and serve people on the go. But for Rhode Island public health workers tackling opioid abuse, the technology is helping to save lives.

APHA Advocates

Barna, M. — 2026-04-01T03:30:17-07:00

APHA calls for humane ICE tactics

It is past time for Congress to ensure that federal immigration officers treat all people in the U.S. humanely, APHA members told legislators this winter.

Newsmakers: April 2026

Meador, S. — 2026-04-01T03:30:17-07:00

Alvey named director

Stephanie Alvey, MBA, was named director of the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District in Texas in February. Alvey had served as the county's interim public health director since December 2024.

Celebrating the people, policies and programs that protect us

2026-04-01T03:30:17-07:00

April is a month of reflection, renewal and celebration. While I have personal reasons to appreciate this month, what makes April especially meaningful is the opportunity to honor public health, and to celebrate you: the people, partnerships and policies that protect and strengthen our communities.

APHA LEAD a hub for connecting, networking

Meador, S. — 2026-04-01T03:30:17-07:00

Whether it is connecting with colleagues, keeping up with upcoming public health events or networking with fellow members, APHA LEAD brings it all together in one place.

National Public Health Week 2026 is ready, set for action

Barna, M. — 2026-04-01T03:30:17-07:00

APHA's National Public Health Week, which will be celebrated across the nation this month, is slated to be a celebration of the public health workforce and its commitment to improving the health and well-being of all people.

Journal Watch

Barna, M. — 2026-04-01T03:30:17-07:00

Political redistricting hurts public health

Gerrymandering weakens civic engagement and health care access for Americans, especially vulnerable populations, a new study in the February issue of APHA's American Journal of Public Health finds.

Nation in Brief

McGill, N. — 2026-04-01T03:30:17-07:00

US extreme weather disasters increasing

As the U.S. climate continues to change, billion-dollar disasters are rising nationwide.

Student loan debt high for public health workers, survey shows

Barna, M. — 2026-04-01T03:30:17-07:00

Student loan debt is common among the nation's state and local public health workforce, with more than 40% of workers still paying off loans, a new study in APHA's American Journal of Public Health finds.

On the Job in Brief

McGill, N. — 2026-04-01T03:30:17-07:00

Higher diabetes risk for night shift nurses

Rotating night shifts raises risks for Type 2 diabetes for women nurses, a new study finds.

Q&A with NAACP: Addressing the growing environmental harms of AI data centers

Asamnew, Y. — 2026-04-01T03:30:17-07:00

The NAACP has long been on the front lines of environmental justice, and is addressing new threats as they arise. One is AI data centers, massive campuses of warehouse-like buildings that are being used to house and cool the computer equipment that supports the nation's growing use of AI technology.

Columbia builds community for graduate students of color

Meador, S. — 2026-04-01T03:30:17-07:00

When Goleen Samari PhD, MPH, MA, joined Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health as faculty in 2018, she quickly encountered an unexpected challenge.

Students gain skills, broaden network as campus liaisons

Meador, S. — 2026-04-01T03:30:17-07:00

APHA's campus liaison program is expanding the Association's footprint across colleges and universities while providing students with valuable professional experience.

Health Findings

McGill, N. — 2026-04-01T03:30:17-07:00

Wildfire smoke fuels thousands of deaths

Climate change-fueled U.S. wildfires contribute to tens of thousands of deaths annually, a new study finds.

In memoriam

Late, M. — 2026-04-01T03:30:17-07:00

Foege, strategist on smallpox eradication

Former APHA President William Foege, MD, MPH, a physician and epidemiologist whose "ring vaccination" strategy helped lead to the global eradication of smallpox, died Jan. 24 in Atlanta. He was 89.

What you really need to know about protein

Nicolaus, T. — 2026-04-01T03:30:17-07:00

Protein powders. Protein bars. Pasta with added protein. Even protein water and protein-enriched ice cream.

Public health instructors, students creating AI-ready workforce

Nicolaus, T. — 2026-02-13T21:05:18-08:00

Across the U.S., AI is moving from theory to practice in public health classrooms, reshaping how the future workforce is trained.

Vaccine schedule changes will worsen inequities, experts warn

Barna, M. — 2026-02-13T21:05:18-08:00

In 2024, federal researchers reported alarming news. Looking back over the past few years, they found immunization coverage for U.S. children was falling.

Transgender patients forgo health care as attacks on rights intensify

Meador, S. — 2026-02-13T21:05:18-08:00

For Finch, a transgender man in his mid 20s, going to the doctor can be summed up in one word: humiliating.

Medical debt harming health, futures of millions of Americans

McGill, N. — 2026-02-13T21:05:18-08:00

Even with health insurance and a steady job, medical debt followed Marsha Hall for nearly two decades.

Newsmakers: February/March 2026

Meador, S. — 2026-02-13T21:05:18-08:00

Arteaga Landaverde appointed deputy

Helen Arteaga Landaverde, PhD, MPH, was appointed New York City deputy mayor of health and human services in January. Arteaga Landaverde previously served as CEO of NYC Health and Hospitals-Elmhurst, a role she held since 2021.

APHA Advocates

Barna, M. — 2026-02-13T21:05:18-08:00

APHA: Child vaccine policies harmful

Trump administration measures on vaccine science are putting the health and safety of American children at risk and must be overturned, according to APHA.

Public health progress begins with your engagement in APHA

2026-02-13T21:05:18-08:00

For many people, APHA membership is synonymous with the Association's Annual Meeting, when experts, students and the larger public health community come together to participate in an exchange that is both fulfilling and reinvigorating. But if the desire to be an APHA member begins and ends there, we are missing the mark on our collective impact in the field, the nation and the world.

APHA's Keep It Moving Challenges inspires activity

Barna, M. — 2026-02-13T21:05:18-08:00

Staying motivated at physical activity can be a challenge for many people — which is where APHA's Keep It Moving Challenge comes in.

Public health continues DEI work, despite federal intrusion

Stortstrom, M. — 2026-02-13T21:05:18-08:00

Despite repeated attempts to erase it, work on diversity, equity and inclusion remains an important part of public health, a recent APHA survey shows.

APHA in Brief

Late, M. — 2026-02-13T21:05:18-08:00

APHA 2026 abstracts close March 31

Time is almost up for public health professionals to submit their abstracts for APHA's 2026 Annual Meeting and Expo.

Journal Watch

Barna, M. — 2026-02-13T21:05:18-08:00

Developing lots lowers violent crime

Developing vacant lots into spaces for housing or businesses lowers crime rates in the vicinity, a study in the January issue of APHA's American Journal of Public Health finds.

Words, tone matters in messaging on public health funding

Meador, S. — 2026-02-13T21:05:18-08:00

New research shows there is a winning message that can grow support for public health investments.

States, cities adopt rent control to improve community health

Meador, S. — 2026-02-13T21:05:18-08:00

Nearly half of U.S. renters are cost-burdened by housing, spending more than a third of their income on rent and utilities. While science consistently shows that stable, affordable housing improves health and well-being, rising costs are pushing millions of renters out of their homes each year.

Nation in Brief

McGill, N. — 2026-02-13T21:05:18-08:00

NAACP urges equity in AI approach

Equity must be a priority when using artificial intelligence in health care, according to new recommendations from NAACP.

Michigan Rx Kids cash program boosts maternal, child health

Nicolaus, T. — 2026-02-13T21:05:18-08:00

Michigan resident Celeste Lord-Timlin was midway through a demanding graduate program when she learned she was pregnant.

California's 'health in all policies advances health in communities

Barna, M. — 2026-02-13T21:05:18-08:00

Taking health into account before taking action has paid off for California leaders and residents, who are celebrating more than a dozen years of embracing the concept together this year.

States in Brief

Late, M. — 2026-02-13T21:05:18-08:00

Chicago supports post carceral health

People returning to the community after spending time in the carceral system should be able to find help for that transition in Chicago, thanks to new support from the city.

2025 APHA annual congressional record

2026-02-13T21:05:18-08:00

As part of the Association's continuing effort to inform its members on the nation's public health policies, APHA annually publishes a record of how members of Congress voted on particular issues of importance to public health.

Health Findings

McGill, N. — 2026-02-13T21:05:18-08:00

Gambling habit raises suicide risk

Gambling can increase suicide risks in younger adults, a new study in Addiction finds.

Staying up on recalls can help protect you from harm

Nicolaus, T. — 2026-02-13T21:05:18-08:00

From baby equipment to ground beef to cars and everything in between, when you buy a product, you expect it to be safe and work the way it should.

Erosion at US agencies hinders flow of crucial health data

Meador, S. — 2026-01-05T03:30:21-08:00

The National Center for Health Statistics is the nation's leading source of health data on everything from environmental exposures to vaccination status to heart disease mortality. But firings and confusion under the Trump administration threaten to hamstring its work and cut off the flow of data, harming the nation's ability to understand its own health.

Loan caps, cuts put the squeeze on public health students

McGill, N. — 2026-01-05T03:30:21-08:00

Without a federal loan, graduating with a Master of Science in Public Health in 2024 would not have been possible for Veena Thamilselvan. But recent changes in federal aid threaten to pull up the ladder for her and thousands of future students.

Universal child care boosts family, community health

Nicolaus, T. — 2026-01-05T03:30:21-08:00

As a former kindergarten teacher, Casey Peeks could spot it the moment her students walked into the classroom each fall.

Save the date: National Public Health Week will be April 6-12

Barna, M. — 2026-01-05T03:30:21-08:00

Formulas for improving public health do not amount to much unless action is also part of the equation. APHA's National Public Health Week, to be observed April 6-12, encourages supporters to turn aspirations into reality through its theme of "Ready. Set. Action!"

Abstract submissions open online Jan. 5 for APHA 2026

Late, M. — 2026-01-05T03:30:21-08:00

Public health professionals who hope to step up to the lectern at this year's premier public health event should circle the first Monday of the year on their calendars: Abstract submissions for APHA's 2026 Annual Meeting and Expo open Jan. 5.

We were created for a time such as this, newest APHA president says

2026-01-05T03:30:21-08:00

Public health family, it is truly an honor to serve as your new APHA president. While I have been a long-standing member and charted my own path, my father also had a rich history with the organization. My dad was the late Adewale Troutman, MD, MPH, MA, an educator, director and trailblazer who served as APHA president in 2013. As the youngest and first "legacy" president on record, I am grateful for the trust you have placed in me for this important role during these challenging times.

APHA rally energizes public health supporters

Barna, M. — 2026-01-05T03:30:21-08:00

Chants of "power to the people" reverberated across the National Mall in Washington, D.C., as a cheering crowd celebrated health, fairness and equality. But this was no 1960s civil rights rally — it was APHA's Rally for the Public's Health.

APHA 2025 in Washington, D.C., serves as call to action on nation's health

Barna, M. — 2026-01-05T03:30:21-08:00

APHA 2025 lifted the hearts and filled the minds of public health supporters in November, offering education, inspiration and networking opportunities at a time when the nation's health is in crisis.

APHA in Brief

Late, M. — 2026-01-05T03:30:21-08:00

New APHA policy brief addresses hate

As hate-motivated actions continue to damage lives and communities across the U.S., APHA has a new policy brief on the books addressing the issue, thanks to the work of its members.

APHA members choose Alperin as Association's next president

Late, M. — 2026-01-05T03:30:21-08:00

APHA's next president will be Moose Alperin, EdD, MPH, MCHES, members decided in November.

APHA honors public health excellence with annual awards

Barna, M. — 2026-01-05T03:30:21-08:00

Despite funding cuts, firings and reorganizations, former and current staff at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have continued to stand up for public health and science that benefits the well-being of Americans. In honor of their work and dedication, CDC staff were named recipients of APHA's Executive Director's Citation Award this fall as part of the Association's annual awards program.

Newsmakers: January 2026

Meador, S. — 2026-01-05T03:30:21-08:00

APHA Press racism book recognized

"Racism: Science and Tools for the Public Health Professional, 2nd edition," published by APHA Press, was named an outstanding academic title in December. Choice Magazine, the review publication of the American Library Association, included the book on its 2025 Choice Outstanding Academic Titles list.

Poetry expresses heart, humanity of public health

Stortstrom, M. — 2026-01-05T03:30:21-08:00

History has shown how art can help bring about societal changes. Novels, essays, poetry, fine art, architecture and music have all brought about change and influenced lives.

Cuts to social programs harm health of older Americans

Meador, S. — 2026-01-05T03:30:21-08:00

Public assistance programs serve as a vital lifeline for many older Americans, and they may also help protect their mental health.

North Carolina association named APHA Affiliate of year

Meador, S. — 2026-01-05T03:30:21-08:00

When Hurricane Helene tore through North Carolina in September 2024, it left more than 100 people dead and caused over $59 billion in damage.

Affiliate leaders cited for their outstanding contributions

Meador, S. — 2026-01-05T03:30:21-08:00

APHA's affiliated state and regional public health associations were recognized for their dedication to improving health in their communities this fall.

South Carolina, Tennessee groups honored by APHA for climate work

Stortstrom, M. — 2026-01-05T03:30:21-08:00

Two of APHA's affiliated public health associations were honored in November for their outstanding work to lessen the health impacts of climate change.

Meeting Findings

Barna, M. — 2026-01-05T03:30:21-08:00

Food as medicine benefits pregnancy

Ensuring that pregnant people can get healthy food as part of their regular care can lead to better health, according to new research shared at APHA's 2025 Annual Meeting and Expo.

Public health advocates fighting hunger in D.C. on several fronts

Meador, S. — 2026-01-05T03:30:21-08:00

Food insecurity affects 1 in 7 children in Washington, D.C. In the city of nearly 700,000, that translates to about 17,000 children who are unable to get enough nutritious food on a regular basis, many of whom are children of color.

Member groups honor public health leaders with awards at APHA 2025

Meador, S. — 2026-01-05T03:30:21-08:00

Aging and Public Health Section

Aetna Award for Excellence in Research on Older Women in Public Health: Susanna Gunamany, PhD, MPH Betty J. Cleckley Minority Issues Research Award: Wenjie Sun, PhD Erickson Foundation Award for Excellence in Research, Positive Aging: Emma Uridge, MPH James G. Zimmer New Investigator Award: Jun Chu, PhD Honorable Mention: Lauren Quintero, PhD Laurence G. Branch Doctoral Student Research Award: Ruqoyat Abdulsalam Nobuo Maeda International Aging and Public Health Research Award: Xiang-Xiang Jiang Honorable Mention: Dahye Hong Philip G. Weiler Award for Leadership in Aging and Public Health: Annie Nguyen, PhD RRF Foundation for Aging Master's Student Research Award: Lauren Vuong Honorable Mention: Wuraola Awosan Rural and Environmental Research Award: Grace Karikari, PhD Steve Wallace Emerging Advocate Award: Freda Hucek, MPH

State, local programs tackling food insecurity among residents

Barna, M. — 2026-01-05T03:30:21-08:00

When the U.S. government shutdown in fall paused funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, it put the health of tens of millions of vulnerable Americans at risk.

Improving male health at all ages can close longevity gender gap

Barna, M. — 2026-01-05T03:30:21-08:00

Women tend to have longer lifespans then men, with women in the U.S. living about six more years. APHA's Men's Health Caucus is exploring ways to improve male health outcomes for all age groups and extend longevity.

RSV is everywhere. Here's how to protect the people you love

Nicolaus, T. — 2026-01-05T03:30:21-08:00

If you've visited a drug store or paid attention to advertising lately, you've probably encountered a message telling you to consider getting an RSV vaccine. You might have wondered what it's all about.