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bigcitieshealth.org
Big Cities Health Coalition
@bigcitieshealth.org
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in kids and #fluoride is one of our best tools to prevent it. That's why we've urged @fda.gov to affirm the science: fluoride is safe and essential for children’s oral health. www.bigcitieshealth.org/bchc-comment...
Child running a tap. Photo courtesy of CDC.
July 24, 2025 at 5:04 PM
bigcitieshealth.org
One of our favorite findings from @debeaumontfndtn.bsky.social's latest public health workforce survey: that more and more governmental public health workers want to get trained in policy and strategy. This is how we make long-term change for whole communities.
Infographic that says "Workers want to become more effective in responding to the needs of today's communities. Regardless of their current skill level, employees consistently rank policy engagement in their top 5 interest areas for training."
July 17, 2025 at 6:36 PM
bigcitieshealth.org
3,200+ families served. Zero maternal deaths.

NYC's Citywide Doula Initiative is delivering real equity in maternal care – improving outcomes and supporting families in the neighborhoods that need it most. Kudos to @nychealthy.bsky.social and their community partners. www.nyc.gov/office-of-th...
Mom holding infant in swaddle on her chest
July 9, 2025 at 5:59 PM
bigcitieshealth.org
Through its Rides to Care program, the Detroit Health Department has given >10,000 rides to pregnant people and caregivers, removing a key barrier to health care for parents and babies in the city 🎉 www.fox2detroit.com/news/detroit...
Screenshot from news story, showing a mom who received rides through this program, holding her infant and talking to the reporter
July 8, 2025 at 3:47 PM
bigcitieshealth.org
TOMORROW! Join us & our partners for a conversation on supporting local decision-makers using opioid settlement funds. We'll cover policy, partnerships, & how to center lived experience. 🔗 Register now: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
@rti.bsky.social @changelabsolutions.bsky.social
Promo graphic for webinar – details are repeated in text of post
June 23, 2025 at 3:28 PM
bigcitieshealth.org
The Keep America Safe Coalition is mobilizing to protect the CDC Injury Center and preserve programs that reduce overdose deaths, suicide, and injuries. Join this webinar to get local tools for congressional outreach. 📆 Register now: keepamericasafe.info/events
Webinar promo graphic. Date is May 6, 1-2 pm ET. Other details are in text of post.
April 21, 2025 at 3:41 PM
bigcitieshealth.org
How can public health experts make their best case for how opioid settlement funds should be spent? Join our 5/1 webinar for strategies for effectively communicating with decision- & policy-makers and shifting the narrative around opioid misuse/overdose. Register now: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Promo graphic for webinar
April 21, 2025 at 2:41 PM
bigcitieshealth.org
In the midst of a measles outbreak in TX, Dallas Co. had to cancel 50 vaccine events because of fed funding cuts. Dallas Co. HHS director & our executive director spoke with Tradeoffs about the effects already being felt from $11.5B in cuts to fed health funding. 🎧 tradeoffs.org/2025/04/10/h...
April 10, 2025 at 3:51 PM
bigcitieshealth.org
How are cuts to federal funding & staff affecting local public health?

Two of our board leaders, @raynardwashington.bsky.social & Dr. Michelle Taylor, appeared on @statnews.com's First Opinion podcast this week to discuss this issue.

🎧 www.statnews.com/2025/04/09/c...
April 9, 2025 at 7:18 PM
bigcitieshealth.org
We're honored to announce our 2025-26 Board of Directors.

Each of them brings many years of experience of leadership in urban public health departments across the U.S., and their collective voice matters now more than ever. www.bigcitieshealth.org/2025-26-boar...
headshots of the 12 board members
April 1, 2025 at 2:23 PM
bigcitieshealth.org
What's at stake if this administration shuts down CDC's Division of HIV Prevention?

In today's STAT, two of our board members explain the devastating impact this move would have in our communities – and how it doesn’t have to be this way.

🔗 www.statnews.com/2025/03/26/c...
Quote from op ed: “American leadership has made incredible strides in the fight against HIV, and ending the epidemic by 2030 remains an achievable goal. To get there, we urge the administration to strengthen CDC’s Division of HIV Prevention, not abandon it.”
March 26, 2025 at 3:46 PM