Public Health

Preparation for pandemics and natural disasters updated in bill passed by Senate panel

Legislation would increase accountability, transparency in how federal government helps state, local governments prepare for and respond to public health emergencies.

How a combination of covid lawsuits and media coverage keeps misinformation churning

Even as the covid-19 pandemic wanes, litigation — whether about vaccines, masks, or a range of other public health policies made during the pandemic — isn’t about to end.

Homeland Security law enforcement officers would receive more mental health support, under a bill advancing in the House

Bipartisan legislation reported out of committee earlier this week comes in the wake of an uptick of suicides among border personnel. 

CDC rolls out new COVID-19 website

The reworked COVID-19 website is part of a larger push to make the public health agency’s web presence easier to navigate, with plans to relaunch CDC.gov early next year.

The CDC is getting a new leader as it seeks to remake itself after the pandemic

Dr. Mandy Cohen, former head of North Carolina’s Health and Human Services Department, will be stepping in as the public health agency’s new director in July. 

What’s it really like to be HHS secretary? Three who’ve done it spill the beans

The secretaries past and present discuss their shared understanding of what it means to lead the agency at a time when health is at the front of American minds—and in the crosshairs of American politics.

Wildfire Smoke Can Harm Human Health, Even When the Fire is Hundreds of Miles Away – a Toxicologist Explains Why

Smoke from more than 100 wildfires burning across Canada has been rolling into North American cities far from the flames.

Coronavirus Roundup: The Last One

There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s a list of this week’s news updates and stories you may have missed.

Coronavirus Roundup: The Future of the OSHA Standard to Protect Healthcare Workers from COVID is Unclear

There’s a lot to keep track of. Here’s a list of this week’s news updates and stories you may have missed.

What Public Health Lessons Need to Be Learned from the COVID Crisis?

Dr. Richard Stone joins the podcast to discuss his book and running VHA during the early part of the coronavirus pandemic.

Lawyer Fees Draw Scrutiny as Camp Lejeune Claims Stack Up

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which became law last year, created a pathway for veterans and their families to pursue damage claims against the government for toxic exposure at the military base. Now, advocates and lawmakers worry high lawyer fees could shortchange those injured.

Biden Picks Cancer Center Director to Lead the NIH

Dr. Monica Bertagnolli was the first woman to lead the National Cancer Institute. 

Coronavirus Roundup: The Pandemic Public Health Emergency Is Over

There’s a lot to keep track of. Here’s a list of this week’s news updates and stories you may have missed.

The Public Health Emergency Is Ending… And Taking Maximum Telework With It

Courtney Bublé, Eric Katz and Erich Wagner join the podcast to discuss the ways public servants will feel the expiration of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

It's Official: No More COVID Vaccine Mandate for Federal Workers and Contractors

The move comes just days before the end of the public health emergency for COVID, and had been expected.