iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 23/09/2026

“Health care works best when it is accessible, trusted and responsive to the realities of people’s lives.” —Heidi Ritchie, Minneapolis Interim Health Commissioner. See how the health dept's mobile unit links people who use drugs with health care and treatment. www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...

mprnews.org

Minneapolis' mobile medical unit is on the move

In its first year of operation, Minneapolis Mobile Medical Unit staff engaged with over 4,000 community members. Established in response to the opioid crisis, the unit prioritizes outreach to communit...

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Reposted by Big Cities Health Coalition

ASTHO @asthonews.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

A Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) is a framework for turning shared priorities into action. Discover CHIP implementation strategies for sustained success in a new resource from ASTHO and @bigcitieshealth.org: discover.astho.org/4rjtPwW. @phaboard.bsky.social

Decorative banner for community health improvement plan resource.

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Reposted by Big Cities Health Coalition

Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security @centerforhealthsecurity.org · 15/09/2026

The Center and biosecurity partners are calling on Congress to reauthorize the #PAHPA. Passing this legislation is essential for effectively safeguarding our nation from health security threats. 📝Read the full letter centerforhealthsecurity.org/2026/biosecu...

centerforhealthsecurity.org

Biosecurity Partners Co-Sign Letter Urging Congress to Fully Reauthorize PAHPA | Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security

The Center for Health Security, with biosecurity partners and various groups, sent a letter to congressional leaders urging full reauthorization of the PAHPA.

Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 03/09/2026

Overdose death rates are dropping across the US, including in big cities. Thousands of family members and friends are still with us today, thanks in part to tireless work by health depts and their community partners. www.bigcitieshealth.org/overdose-dea... #EndOverdose

What's working: big city health departments and the drop in overdose deaths - Big Cities Health Coalition

Overdose rates are starting to come down, thanks in large part to the work of health departments and their community partners.

Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 14/08/2026

"A cure doesn't help anyone if it never reaches them." — Dr. Atul Gawande As a member of the Common Health Coalition, we're proud to support their $100M Breakthroughs to Follow-Through initiative, using AI to get hepatitis C cures to the patients who need them. www.commonhealthcoalition.org/b2f

Graphic showing the local sectors this initiative will bring together to double hep C cure rates: nonprofits, public health, community organizations, data & tech, health systems, and clinicians.

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Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 10/08/2026

Cleveland has escaped major outbreaks, but nearly 1000 of its kindergarteners are unprotected. In USA Today, @davemargo.bsky.social, the city's health director & BCHC chair-elect, explains why cities can't rebuild vaccine confidence alone @clepublichealth.bsky.social www.usatoday.com/story/opinio...

Infographic with photo of Dr. Margolius and a quote from his op ed: "Luck is not a strategy."

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Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 30/07/2026

Cleveland's health dept is ensuring residents can get healthy, affordable food close to home. With CDC #PHIG funding, they are reviving community gardens, backing a neighborhood farm stop & getting local food into schools @cityofcleveland.bsky.social www.bigcitieshealth.org/phig-clevela...

Collage showing Zainab Pixler of the CLE health department, Cleveland mayor Justin Bibb, and members of the Central Kinsman Wellness Collective

Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 01/07/2026

BCHC members lead the health departments serving 62M Americans; that's about 1 in 5 of us. It's been a very tough year, but big city public health professionals kept showing up every day in a big way for their communities. See how in our 2025 annual report www.bigcitieshealth.org/2025-annual-...

Collage of images of BCHC members and staff from 2025

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Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 28/05/2026

Big city health depts are prepared for routine & potential emergency health events that might arise from the World Cup, starting in 2 weeks. Whether it's the possibility of a disease outbreak, extreme heat, or food safety, the 9 US cities hosting games have it covered. www.cnn.com/2026/05/27/h...

"We provide an “invisible shield around communities every day. It is the bread and butter, so we feel prepared, but having the resources to do so is very important." — MONIKA ROY, MD, MSDEPUTY HEALTH OFFICER,COUNTY OF SANTA CLARA PUBLIC HEALTH

Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 26/05/2026

Join our team! We're #hiring a Program Assistant to support our project and program activities. Our diverse program portfolio includes work on substance use, violence prevention, life expectancy, climate, data infrastructure, and more #PublicHealthJobs www.bigcitieshealth.org/bchc-is-hiri...

Graphic showing BCHC staff working at conferences and meetings. Text reads: "We are hiring: Program Assistant"

Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 15/05/2026

Join us at #SafeStates26 to explore tools and resources shaping the future of injury and violence prevention. Proud to be an exhibitor at this year’s virtual event! 🔗 Register today, and we hope you stop by! www.safestates.org/AnnualConfer...

Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 11/05/2026

17 cities – 14 of them BCHC members – lead the nation in gun violence declines. Check out this report from @americanprogress.bsky.social to learn what’s working for these cities. www.americanprogress.org/shareable/17...

americanprogress.org

17 cities lead the nation in gun violence declines

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Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 07/05/2026

New from @tfah.bsky.social: The 2026 #ReadyorNot report evaluates public health emergency preparedness across 10 indicators and warns that federal workforce and funding instability could weaken readiness nationwide. See the findings and recommendations: www.tfah.org/report-detai...

Photo of flooded neighborhood. Text includes report title and other info that's repeated in the post.

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Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 04/05/2026

CitiesLEAD Phase 1 is underway. 17 health departments, 30M+ residents, and a shared commitment to closing life expectancy gaps that can span 30+ years within the same city. @publichealth.boston.gov @vcusoph.bsky.social www.bigcitieshealth.org/citieslead-p...

Boy wearing sunglasses and smiling at camera - about to have dental work done in a library

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Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 04/05/2026

"Just start!" — Austin Public Health's Lauren Marsh on tackling a years-long policy overhaul. With Public Health Infrastructure Grant support, APH turned a slow, broken process into a clear, agency-wide system. @asthonews.bsky.social www.astho.org/communicatio...

astho.org

Leveraging PHIG to Advance Policy Infrastructure at Austin Public Health

Learn how Austin's health department used PHIG funding and assistance from ASTHO to improve their processes in this blog.

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Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 15/04/2026

The Kansas City Health Department is offering free doula services because their support saves lives and gets new parents and babies off on the right track 🧑‍🍼 www.axios.com/local/kansas...

axios.com

KC is offering free doula services — here's how to apply

The program covers up to $6,000 in doula services for expecting parents.

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Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 08/04/2026

ACTION. Big city health depts study how to protect our health, who needs those solutions most – & then take action. Dive into the intriguing story of what happened when the Milwaukee Health Dept learned children were being exposed to lead in schools #NPHW www.bigcitieshealth.org/milwaukee-le...

Public health worker preparing to do a lead blood test with a child in Milwaukee

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Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 08/04/2026

SET. Public health works best when communities, organizations and leaders come together to support health for all. Our newest project, CitiesLEAD, helps large U.S. cities access life expectancy data AND transform those data into action #NPHW www.bigcitieshealth.org/citieslead-l...

People enjoying outdoor Zumba class in Boston

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Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 08/04/2026

Happy #NPHW to our public health lab partners! We couldn't do it without you.

Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 08/04/2026

READY. Strong policies help communities stay healthy by creating conditions that make it easier for all of us to stay well. Check out the local tobacco policies big city health depts have helped put in place that literally help residents breathe easier #NPHW www.bigcitieshealth.org/big-city-tob...

Bus stop in Cleveland showing campaign against tobacco ads that target kids

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Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 30/03/2026

If you're one of the many local leaders across the U.S. charged with stewarding #OpioidSettlement dollars, be sure to check out the resource page we built with Prevention Institute. It's a one-stop shop for guidance on how to spend these funds effectively. www.bigcitieshealth.org/opioid-settl...

Supporting local decision makers managing opioid settlement funds: A public health approach - Big Cities Health Coalition

A list of resources for governmental health departments as they make decisions about how to spend opioid settlement funds.

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Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 17/03/2026

Big city health departments scored big tobacco policy wins in 2025: from flavor restrictions to stronger smoke-free laws and retail policies that protect youth. Policy change works at a community level, improving health for thousands at a time www.bigcitieshealth.org/big-city-tob...

Car driving by a Cleveland bus stop that has a poster reading "Big tobacco is targeting our kids."

Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 04/03/2026

After a Milwaukee student was poisoned by lead paint at school, the response expanded across the district. The health department and its partners ultimately stabilized hazards in 99 elementary schools. Learn what happened behind the scenes: www.bigcitieshealth.org/milwaukee-le...

When public health infrastructure is tested: Milwaukee’s lead response - Big Cities Health Coalition

The story of the Milwaukee Health Department's response to lead in schools teaches us a lot about the importance of consistent support for public health infrastructure.

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Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 03/03/2026

Dallas Co. Health Director Phil Huang puts it plainly in today’s WaPo: “Without data, we are blind.” When CDC data systems pause & fed funds are abruptly pulled, local health depts lose lab capacity, measles response support & more. National infrastructure matters at the local level wapo.st/4d4dFCa

wapo.st

Opinion | The CDC is in chaos. But here’s where it’s devastating.

Confusion at the federal level and funding cuts are hurting local health departments.

Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 18/02/2026

Alzheimer's is a complex disease that requires much more than medical intervention. We're delighted to see that the Alzheimer's Assn chose 4 of our member depts to help lead a public health response. @publichealthac.bsky.social @multcohealth.bsky.social

Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 12/02/2026

HHS is rescinding hundreds of millions of dollars from health depts in CA, MN, CO, IL. We're once again left to wonder why the Admin targets critically important work that saves lives & protects people’s health. HHS should reverse this decision immediately. www.bigcitieshealth.org/statement-cd...

Infographic that pulls a quote from the statement: "We have received formal notification from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that it is rescinding hundreds of millions of dollars from our departments." —7 US city health officials serving ~18 million Americans

"We are once again left to wonder why the Administration so frequently targets critically important work that saves lives and protects people’s health. HHS should reverse this decision immediately.

"Canceling this funding makes it harder for our departments to prepare for and respond to natural disasters; prevent and manage disease outbreaks like measles; address HIV and other sexually transmitted infections; and reduce the burden of chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension."

"With sufficient funding and support from policymakers at all levels, we can accomplish so much together. We urge the Administration to treat public health as an ally, not an adversary."

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Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 02/02/2026

How are big city health departments supporting young people right now? A new guest post on our site shares findings from a national landscape analysis led by @publichealth.boston.gov – highlighting innovative local approaches to adolescent health. www.bigcitieshealth.org/big-city-hea...

How big city health departments support young people - Big Cities Health Coalition

Boston Public Health Commission partnered with other BCHC members to conduct a national landscape analysis that highlighted effective and innovative city and county-led programs to improve adolescent ...

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Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 26/01/2026

NEW RESOURCE from us & Prevention Institute! How we talk about community safety matters. Well-chosen narratives help us keep the focus on what's true and what we need to do to make our communities safe for everyone. Get links to webinars, toolkits & more: www.bigcitieshealth.org/violence-and...

Reframing violence and community safety: Resources for narrative change - Big Cities Health Coalition

A list of resources for health departments and community advocates to support narrative change around community safety

Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 05/01/2026

The Big Cities Health Coalition is profoundly concerned by HHS' decision to overhaul the recommended childhood vaccination schedule. Get the full statement: www.bigcitieshealth.org/bchc-respons...

Public health worker standing outside NYC health department mobile vaccine bus. Text on top of image reads: "BCHC Statement"

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Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 17/12/2025

Federal investment in programs that support community-level health is in decline. See how states can step up to support local public health in this new report from Trust for America’s Health. www.tfah.org/report-detai...

Graphic that reads: "Policies that promote good health are at risk. School meals for all students is one example. These programs have gained momentum because they reduce nutrition insecurity and promote academic achievement, but they're at risk due to budget cuts. States and cross-sector partners can work together to save important programs."

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Reposted by Big Cities Health Coalition

Boston Public Health Commission @publichealth.boston.gov · 16/12/2025

We’re partnering with @bigcitieshealth.org and Virginia Commonwealth University’s Center on Society and Health to help major cities across the U.S. transform life expectancy data into action. No matter your zip code, you deserve to live long and well.

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Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 15/12/2025

The Kansas City Health Dept is rethinking violence prevention. In its 1st year, their Y Chat text line has helped >120 young people. The program has evolved to address related needs like mental health & housing, not just violence. That's community-informed public health. www.kshb.com/news/local-n...

KC Health Department director Marvia Jones at a podium at a press conference about Y Chat. Behind her stand other health department employees and community members."

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Reposted by Big Cities Health Coalition

Boston Public Health Commission @publichealth.boston.gov · 09/12/2025

Boston is leading on addressing life expectancy gaps facing our residents. Now we're partnering @bigcitieshealth.org to make life expectancy data available to cities across the U.S. and help them transform those data into action. No matter your zip code, everyone deserves to live long and well.

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Reposted by Big Cities Health Coalition

Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 08/12/2025

🎉 Announcing CitiesLEAD, a new national network that helps cities turn life-expectancy data into action. Thanks to a $1.5M investment from @rwjf.org, cities will get tools + training to help close health gaps across neighborhoods. www.bigcitieshealth.org/citieslead-l... @publichealth.boston.gov

Infographic including photo of people enjoying a Zumba class and the words "CitiesLEAD: Increasing life expectancy through collective action and data"

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Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 08/12/2025

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Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 03/12/2025

With risky fed vaccine policy changes on the table this week, our members are speaking out. Health officials from Chicago, Dallas Co., & Mecklenburg Co. warn that weakening vaccination recommendations could undo decades of progress. Learn more: www.usatoday.com/story/news/h...

"These changes specifically related to the hepatitis B birth dose could result in families not having access to a critical vaccine at the very moment newborns are most vulnerable. That ultimately will cost all of us — not just the families impacted. It will cost our community in infections, in hospitalizations, and, most importantly, in the impact these decisions will have on people’s and children’s lives." —— DR. RAYNARD WASHINGTON, DIRECTOR, MECKLENBURG CO. PUBLIC HEALTH

"People want to know where they can get vaccinated, where they can get information, and who to trust. But they’re confused — someone is telling them these vaccines are not safe. The question we’re hearing from families is: ‘Do the people saying this have our best interests at heart?’ That confusion makes the federal government’s retreat from consistent, science-based messaging even more dangerous." —— DR. SIMBO IGE,
CHICAGO HEALTH COMMISSIONER

"Compared to last year, [in Dallas County, Texas] we’ve seen almost a 50% reduction in the number of people showing up for vaccines. That is really concerning, because these are diseases we know how to prevent – but prevention only works if people can actually get vaccinated." —— DR. PHIL HUANG, DALLAS CO. HEALTH DIRECTOR

Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 24/11/2025

Need a boost this week? Big-city health departments are delivering real wins: from Chicago cutting overdose deaths 37% to Columbus improving school outcomes and Detroit providing 10k+ free rides for pregnant people and caregivers. www.bigcitieshealth.org/hopeful-publ...

Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 21/11/2025

Autistic individuals and their families deserve investments in services and supports, not a return to disproven claims. We joined a broad coalition led by @ameracadpeds.bsky.social to reaffirm the evidence and keep attention on what truly benefits our communities.

Graphic that reads "public health partners call for removal of false rumors about autism from CDC website"

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Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 19/11/2025

In a new editorial, Dr. Claude Jacob, who leads San Antonio Metro Health District, highlights why investing in our workforce and engaging communities are the keys to resilience for public health. #PHWINS 📗 doi.org/10.1097/PHH....

Promo graphic for article showing journal cover and article title: "Dramatic Changes in Public Health Require a Stronger Focus on Engaging Workforce and Communities"

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Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 18/11/2025

Investments in public health infrastructure are paying off: better recruitment, retention, and satisfaction. That means healthier communities. Learn more in our new article in collaboration with @debeaumontfndtn.bsky.social doi.org/10.1097/PHH.... #PublicHealthFunding #PHWINS

Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 17/11/2025

A new Shelby Co. Health Dept program lets anyone 14+ in the Memphis area order a free, at-home #HIV test kit – delivered to their door with plain packaging & simple instructions. Removing barriers like transportation, stigma, & privacy concerns – that's a win for everyone. wreg.com/news/local/f...

wreg.com

Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 20/10/2025

24 local health officials serving America’s largest cities are urging everyone to get vaccinated to protect families, schools, and communities as respiratory virus season begins. Read their joint statement and CNN’s coverage: www.cnn.com/2025/10/20/h...

Statement excerpt: "Vaccines have eradicated devastating diseases and saved millions of lives. They keep classrooms safe and schools open. They allow children to spend time with friends and enjoy their favorite activities. They help parents and caregivers work to support their families."

Statement excerpt: "Despite this extraordinary success, vaccination rates are declining in many parts of the United States, and deadly outbreaks of diseases like measles and polio are becoming more frequent. We are deeply troubled by the repeated false claims about vaccines from too many federal officials, which have contributed directly to these trends."

Statement excerpt: "With respiratory virus season rapidly approaching, we strongly encourage all Americans to tune out the political noise about vaccines. Instead, talk with your doctor and other trusted health care providers or public health officials about which vaccines are right foryou and your loved ones."

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Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 23/09/2025

NEW report from @tfah.bsky.social gives a clear-eyed breakdown of the impact of recent and proposed cuts to federal public health programs: www.tfah.org/report-detai...

Graphic reads: The CDC faces a 53% funding cut if the administration's budget plan is adopted. Cuts to CDC funding mean cuts to state and local public health programs, putting Americans' health at risk.

Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 11/09/2025

New data. Proven messages. Practical takeaways. Learn how to move the “moveable middle” on overdose prevention. Our Sept. 10 webinar is now available to watch online. 🎥 youtu.be/ZQ9lrGuyo6o

youtu.be

Webinar: Strengthening Support for Overdose Prevention: What the Public Thinks and How to Move Them

YouTube video by Big Cities Health Coalition

Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · 03/09/2025

How do city residents really feel about #OverdosePrevention, and what helps move them from “maybe” to “yes”? Join us next week to hear what the latest polling says about support for public health overdose prevention strategies. Sept. 10, 2pm ET. 🗓 Register now! us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

Closeup of hand re-stocking a public health vending machine with naloxone; text on top reads “Big Cities Health Coalition Messaging Webinar”