Big Cities Health Coalition

11/24/2025

We could all use a dopamine boost this week. How about some truly inspiring stories from your friends in big city public health?

Despite all the serious challenges thrown at them this year, they have continued to do incredible, life-saving work. They need our support now more than ever.

💡 How has Chicago brought down overdose deaths by 37%?
💡 How has Columbus improved grades and lowered disciplinary referrals in three city high schools?
💡 What does a work day like for a NYC food inspector?
💡 Why does it matter so much that Detroit has provided more than 10,000 free rides to pregnant people and caregivers?

Get the answers to these questions and find many more public health success stories at the link in the comments.

11/21/2025

Families deserve health support rooted in facts, not outdated claims.

We joined public health, autism, and medical leaders in urging a renewed focus on the real needs of children with autism – and on maintaining trust in routine childhood vaccines.

See the full statement at the link in the comments.

11/19/2025

In a new editorial, Dr. Claude Jacob, who leads the City of San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, highlights why investing in our workforce and engaging communities are the keys to resilience for public health.

📗 https://doi.org/10.1097/PHH.0000000000002232

11/18/2025

Investments in public health infrastructure are making a difference!

Big city health departments report improved recruitment, retention, and job satisfaction.

Learn more in our new article with the de Beaumont Foundation - link is in the comments.

11/11/2025

If you didn't get to attend this insightful session at APHA, here's your chance to get a reprise!

Federal priorities, funding structures, and new technologies are reshaping the public health landscape. Leaders across the field are exploring how to adapt — and how to strengthen public health infrastructure for the future.

ASTHO Chief Medical Officer Susan Kansagra will join Lori Freeman [National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO)] and Chrissie Juliano (Big Cities Health Coalition) for the next Rollins School of Public Health HPM Scholars Policy & Practice Forum on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 12–1 p.m. ET.

Moderated by Karen Hacker, the conversation will explore how agencies are navigating shifts in funding, workforce capacity, Medicaid, and technology — including AI — and developing strategies for a more resilient public health system.

🔗 Register to join the virtual event: https://discover.astho.org/4oI06LR.

10/24/2025

In the fight against the ongoing overdose crisis, the Chicago Department of Public Health is showing what’s possible. The city cut overdose deaths by a whopping 37% since the peak.

Key moves:
• using high-tech drug-checking tools to detect new synthetic threats
• offering free naloxone and test strips (and education on how to use them) in libraries and other community venues
• using ambulance data and other surveillance to target resources where they’re needed most

When local health departments have strong systems + smart partnerships + data in hand, they can turn the tide. Let’s keep building this model.

Learn more about how they did it at the link in the comments.

10/21/2025

The Big Cities Health Coalition is the latest group to take a strong public stand in support of vaccination as a direct response to concerns that the federal government is limiting access and raising doubts.

10/21/2025

Our country’s public health system is undergoing major change, and local and state health departments are feeling the impact.

In a new article in the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, our executive director, Chrissie Juliano, joins Karen Hacker, Susan Kansagra, and Lori Freeman to explore how the field can adapt and thrive amid funding cuts, agency reorganizations, and shifting priorities.

Read “Where Do We Go From Here? The Way Forward for State and Local Public Health” (open access): https://journals.lww.com/jphmp/fulltext/2025/11000/where_do_we_go_from_here__the_way_forward_for.26.aspx

JPHMP Direct

10/20/2025

City health officials serving nearly 50 million people across the U.S. have come together around one message: Get vaccinated.

In a new joint statement, 24 members of the Big Cities Health Coalition urge Americans to protect themselves and their loved ones — and express concern that misinformation and recent federal decisions are making that harder.

Learn more at the link in the comments.

10/14/2025

Even in challenging times, public health continues to attract leaders who show what commitment and creativity look like.

We’re proud to celebrate five BCHC member staff named to de Beaumont Foundation’s 2025 in Public Health:

⭐ Tala Mansi & Rishi Sood – NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
⭐ John Sunil Kaleekal – SF Public Health
⭐ Rachel Gunsalus – Public Health - Seattle & King Countyunty
⭐ Mervin Dino – Chicago Department of Public Health

Their work – spanning data innovation, community partnerships, and health equity – shows how local public health keeps our communities safe and thriving.

Congratulations to all 40 honorees! Learn more about them:
🔗 https://debeaumont.org/news/2025/40-under-40-2025/

10/10/2025

09/23/2025

How will cuts to funding and workforce at public health agencies within the federal government affect your communities’ health and emergency preparedness?

A new report from Trust for America's Health breaks down the full impact budget and staff reductions and agency reorganizations will have on mental health services, infectious and chronic disease programs, and emergency and disaster readiness across the country.

📗 Get the full report: https://www.tfah.org/report-details/funding-report-2025