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bigcitieshealth.org
Big Cities Health Coalition
@bigcitieshealth.org
440 followers 570 following 92 posts
The Big Cities Health Coalition (BCHC) is a forum for the leaders of America’s largest metropolitan health departments to exchange strategies and jointly address issues to promote and protect the health and safety of the 61 million people they serve.
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bigcitieshealth.org
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
www.bigcitieshealth.org
January 26, 2026 at 7:55 PM
bigcitieshealth.org
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"
January 5, 2026 at 10:53 PM
bigcitieshealth.org
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."
December 17, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Reposted by Big Cities Health Coalition
publichealth.boston.gov
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.
December 16, 2025 at 11:11 PM
bigcitieshealth.org
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."
December 15, 2025 at 7:32 PM
Reposted by Big Cities Health Coalition
publichealth.boston.gov
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.
bigcitieshealth.org Big Cities Health Coalition @bigcitieshealth.org · Dec 8
🎉 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"
December 9, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Reposted by Big Cities Health Coalition
bigcitieshealth.org
🎉 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"
December 8, 2025 at 8:30 PM
bigcitieshealth.org
🎉 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"
December 8, 2025 at 8:30 PM
bigcitieshealth.org
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
December 3, 2025 at 8:59 PM
bigcitieshealth.org
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...
Woman holding swaddled infant
November 24, 2025 at 7:58 PM
bigcitieshealth.org
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"
November 21, 2025 at 6:34 PM
bigcitieshealth.org
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"
November 19, 2025 at 3:46 PM
bigcitieshealth.org
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
November 18, 2025 at 9:38 PM
bigcitieshealth.org
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
November 17, 2025 at 6:50 PM
bigcitieshealth.org
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."
October 20, 2025 at 8:04 PM
bigcitieshealth.org
Congrats to the 5 BCHC member staff honored in @debeaumontfndtn.bsky.social’s #40Under40!
Tala Mansi & Rishi Sood, @nychealthy.bsky.social
John Sunil Kaleekal, @sfpublichealth.bsky.social
Rachel Gunsalus, Public Health–Seattle & King Co.
Mervin Dino, @cdph.bsky.social
debeaumont.org/news/2025/40...
New Class of 40 Under 40 in Public Health Reflects a Dedicated and Compassionate Workforce
Class of 2025 honorees include leaders in state and local health departments, universities, nonprofits, and the private sector.
debeaumont.org
October 14, 2025 at 5:24 PM
bigcitieshealth.org
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.
September 23, 2025 at 2:43 PM
bigcitieshealth.org
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
Webinar: Strengthening Support for Overdose Prevention: What the Public Thinks and How to Move Them
YouTube video by Big Cities Health Coalition
youtu.be
September 11, 2025 at 6:39 PM
bigcitieshealth.org
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”
September 3, 2025 at 2:54 PM
bigcitieshealth.org
This Public Health Lab Appreciation Month we honor the lab at @nychealthy.bsky.social, which recently traced a deadly Legionnaires’ outbreak to its source, stopping further spread. Labs like this protect us by detecting threats & guiding rapid response. #ThanksPHLabs www.politico.com/news/2025/08...
City assumes central role in Legionnaires’ outbreak as Adams vies for another term
Health Department inspectors traced a deadly cluster of Legionnaires' disease in Harlem back to two city sites, including a hospital.
www.politico.com
September 2, 2025 at 7:27 PM
bigcitieshealth.org
NEW MESSAGING RESEARCH: Support for public health #OverdosePrevention is strong—and it could be stronger. Our new playbook delivers original polling research, message testing, & strategies you need to solidify support for solutions we already know work www.bigcitieshealth.org/overdose-pre...
Graphic that shows middle-aged man looking solemnly upward. Text says "New Messaging Guide: 'At every point in our survey, voters find the lives saved via public health approaches to overdose credible and compelling. This impact should be the centerpiece of all communications.'"
August 20, 2025 at 5:35 PM
bigcitieshealth.org
Want a simple way to support #PublicHealth today? Fill out a short form from our partners at @nacchoalerts.bsky.social to tell Congress you want them to release important funding for public health that's being blocked by the Office of Management and Budget. www.naccho.org/advocacy/tak...
Graphic with U.S. Congress building in background and the words "Support Public Health" and BCHC logo superimposed on top
August 19, 2025 at 2:24 PM
bigcitieshealth.org
We stand with our CDC colleagues after last week’s shooting. The public health workforce deserves safety, respect, and unwavering support. www.bigcitieshealth.org/bchc-stateme... @tfah.bsky.social
BCHC joins statement in response to the attack on CDC - Big Cities Health Coalition
BCHC and other public health partners show solidarity and support for CDC colleagues after a targeted attack on August 8, 2025.
www.bigcitieshealth.org
August 15, 2025 at 2:08 PM
bigcitieshealth.org
Vaccine hesitancy isn’t the root problem; systemic failures are.
Phil Huang, director of Dallas Co. HHS, tells @cnn.com the bigger threats: disinfo, funding cuts, mixed messages from HHS leaders, politicizing vaccines, & looser exemptions. Solutions must start at the top www.cnn.com/audio/podcas...
How Vaccine Opt-Outs Could Put Classrooms at Risk - CNN One Thing - Podcast on CNN Podcasts
As schools start to reopen across the country, new CDC data shows that a record share of US kindergartners missed required vaccinations last school year. It comes as Health and Human Services Secretar...
www.cnn.com
August 11, 2025 at 6:47 PM
bigcitieshealth.org
Austin Public Health built a tool that models #measles outbreaks *before* they happen, all thanks to federal funding. The simulator helps cities & schools across the US act early. Without continued federal investment, tools like this could disappear. www.bigcitieshealth.org/austin-measl...
Preventing the next outbreak: inside Austin’s measles readiness model - Big Cities Health Coalition
When measles reemerged in the U.S. earlier this year, public health leaders in Austin didn’t wait for it to knock on their door. Instead, they asked: What if it happened here? And more importantly, ho...
www.bigcitieshealth.org
August 7, 2025 at 6:55 PM