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World Health Network
@thewhn.bsky.social
11K followers 3 following 790 posts
Bringing people, science, and compassion together to solve world problems and protect health. Let's #EndThisPandemic together.
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We’re five years into the pandemic, and the science is telling a very different story than “just a cold.” COVID affects blood vessels, organs, metabolism, and cognition — and the impacts compound with each infection.
WHN graphic with a pale, enlarged illustration of a SARS-CoV-2 particle in the background and the whn.global logo at the top left. A teal line reads: “This is the first of a series of posts on Long COVID by David Brasure.” Big headline in black: “COVID isn’t a cold. It’s cigarettes all over again.” Footer line: “The World Health Network is a network devoted to global compassion—working together to inspire collective action through science for a safer, healthier world.” WHN graphic on a light background with whn.global logo top left and teal line: “This is the first of a series of posts on Long COVID by David Brasure.” Large headline: “People feel ‘fine’ … until they’re not. Every infection leaves a physiological footprint.” Body text: “Research continues to show that COVID can cause inflammation, microclotting, and tissue injury across multiple organs — even after ‘mild’ or asymptomatic cases. Like smoking in the mid-century, the harm isn’t always immediate. People lived their lives normally until, suddenly, they couldn’t. Your body is keeping score.” Footer line with WHN mission: “The World Health Network is a network devoted to global compassion—working together to inspire collective action through science for a safer, healthier world.”
November 14, 2025 at 7:38 PM
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“Isn’t the pandemic over?” “Aren’t you done with masks yet?” “But you’re not high-risk!”

This Q&A provides evidence-based responses to these and other common objections, offering insight into why we still mask, filter the air and open windows—knowledge we’ve gained and continue to put into practice
WHN graphic with a light background and faint photo of a white respirator. whn.global logo at top left. Pink subtitle: “Yes, We Continue Wearing Masks — Here’s Why: Common Questions Answered.” Large headline: “If you’re wearing a mask, why should I?” Body text: “Two-way masking protects everyone better than one-way masking for one simple reason: source control. Your mask reduces what you exhale (source control) and what you inhale (personal protection). Because many infections spread silently and not everyone can mask all the time, masking together sharply lowers risk, for you and for the people around you.” Footer line: “The World Health Network is a network devoted to global compassion—working together to inspire collective action through science for a safer, healthier world.” Same WHN layout and respirator background. Pink subtitle: “Yes, We Continue Wearing Masks — Here’s Why: Common Questions Answered.” Large headline: “Won’t constant masking weaken your immunity?” Answer in bold text: “No. Masks don’t block all microbes, and our immune systems still get plenty of stimulation from daily life.” Footer with WHN mission sentence. Same WHN layout and respirator background. Pink subtitle: “Yes, We Continue Wearing Masks — Here’s Why: Common Questions Answered.” Large headline: “I thought masks don’t work?” Body text: “They do, but only when used correctly, and not all ‘masks’ are created equal. The physics is clear: well-fitted respirators (N95/FFP2 or better) cut what you breathe out and what you breathe in. Confusion often comes from studies that used loose surgical/medical masks, allowed people to take masks off while exposed, or mixed very different mask types and fits, conditions that blur the true benefit.” Footer with WHN mission sentence. Same WHN layout and respirator background. Pink subtitle: “Yes, We Continue Wearing Masks — Here’s Why: Common Questions Answered.” Large headline: “I think kids need to ‘train’ their immune systems. Aren’t you preventing that?” Body text: “A child’s immune system doesn’t need to encounter dangerous pathogens to develop. Everyday exposure to common microbes in the environment is enough ‘training.’” Footer with WHN mission sentence.
November 13, 2025 at 8:30 PM
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We asked people why they mask. Here’s what they said. Why do you mask?

#MaskUp #COVID19 #COVID #PublicHealth #InfectionPrevention
WHN graphic on a dark gray background with the whn.global logo at top left. Large white headline: “I mask because…” Footer line: “The World Health Network is a network devoted to global compassion—working together to inspire collective action through science for a safer, healthier world.” WHN graphic on dark gray with the whn.global logo. Big white quote text: “The overwhelming evidence is that COVID can cause major health impacts including on our cognitive function. I value my life and the lives of others.” Footer: “The World Health Network is a network devoted to global compassion—working together to inspire collective action through science for a safer, healthier world.” WHN graphic on dark gray with the whn.global logo. Large white quote text: “I am immune suppressed. Indoor air is full of pathogens other people have breathed out. I don’t want to breathe in those pathogens.” Footer repeats: “The World Health Network is a network devoted to global compassion—working together to inspire collective action through science for a safer, healthier world.” WHN graphic on dark gray with the whn.global logo. Large white quote text: “Because COVID is still here, floating trapped in enclosed spaces and I have no intention of allowing its destructive forces into my body.” Footer: “The World Health Network is a network devoted to global compassion—working together to inspire collective action through science for a safer, healthier world.”
November 12, 2025 at 10:44 PM
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Tell us your reason for masking in the comments.

#PublicHealth #COVID #COVID19 #LongCOVID #DisabilityAwareness #MaskUp #Masking #N95 #InfectionPrevention
WHN graphic with a dark blue background and the whn.global logo at the top. Large white headline asks: “Why do you mask?” Below, smaller text reads: “We all have a reason — to protect someone we love, to stay healthy for work or school, to keep our communities safer, to show care for others. What’s your reason?” At the bottom, a footer says: “The World Health Network is a network devoted to global compassion—working together to inspire collective action through science for a safer, healthier world.”
November 10, 2025 at 11:13 PM
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COVID spreads fast in shared indoor air — any season, any time.

Let’s build healthy habits that protect us year-round: masks, ventilation, and testing when sick.

#PublicHealth #CleanAir #COVID #COVID19 #InfectionPrevention
WHN graphic with a dark background and the whn.global logo at top left. Large headline: “COVID isn’t seasonal — it’s opportunistic.” Subtext: “It spreads fast, especially indoors with poor air. But healthy routines like masking, clean air, and testing when sick can help keep us healthier all year.” Footer line: “The World Health Network is a network devoted to global compassion—working together to inspire collective action through science for a safer, healthier world.”
November 7, 2025 at 5:10 PM
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Reminder: Sign by November 10th

The open letter to the World Health Organization urging them to recommend true respiratory protection (N95/FFP2–3) for all healthcare workers is still accepting signatures until November 10th.
WHN graphic on a white background with the whn.global logo at top left. A bordered banner reads “DEADLINE TO SIGN: NOV. 10TH.” Large orange headline: “Tell the WHO that healthcare workers deserve real respiratory protection.” Supporting text: “Sign the petition by November 10th urging universal use of N95/FFP2-3 respirators in healthcare.” Footer note: “LINK TO PETITION IN CAPTION.”
November 7, 2025 at 4:18 AM
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”It pretty much works all the time.”

Tom Hanks gets that masking keeps him safe and healthy. Read more about it → whn.global/youve-got-a-...

#PublicHealth #MaskUp #COVID19 #InfectionPrevention #LongCOVID
Photo of Tom Hanks sitting on public transit wearing a dark beanie, scarf, backpack, and a black respirator mask; the whn.global logo appears at top right. Overlaid quote in large white text reads: “I’m doing a play right now, so I cannot get sick… I’ve had COVID enough in my life, I don’t need to do that again… I’m wearing this for health reasons.” — Tom Hanks, on wearing a mask.
November 6, 2025 at 3:51 PM
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The November Kids’ Zone is now available! Science features, activities, and public health resources for kids. Download free here: whn.global/kidszone.

#COVIDConscious #COVID19 #COVID #PublicHealth
WHN graphic announcing World Health Network Kids’ Zone — COVID-Conscious Magazine, Issue 16 (November 2025) on a dark red background. The cover illustration shows colorful virus icons, a large red umbrella, two masked healthcare workers in scrubs (one holding a “VACCINE” cooler), and a white HEPA air purifier. A white circle badge says: “JUST RELEASED! DOWNLOAD TODAY.” Center banner: “THANKFUL FOR SCIENCE EDITION.” Feature list on the cover: Vaccine Vocabulary The Science of Vaccination Vaccine Resources for Kids A Midnight Conference … and more inside! Right column: “Check us out online at: WHN.global/KidsZone.” Bottom shows the Kids’ Zone + World Health Network logo with the tagline “EXPLORE | SHARE | CONNECT.” The whn.global wordmark sits at the top right with multicolor dots at the top left.
November 5, 2025 at 5:18 PM
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The World Health Network (WHN) is gathering stories to raise awareness about Long COVID. We want to hear from those with lived experience — patients, caregivers, clinicians, and advocates — so we can share your stories and help others understand the impact of Long COVID.
WHN graphic on a teal background with faint virus illustrations and the whn.global logo at top. Large white headline: “Tell your Long COVID story.” Supporting text: “We want to hear from people with lived experience — patients, caregivers, clinicians, and advocates. Share your story and help us raise awareness by taking our Long COVID survey.” Footer note: “LINK TO SURVEY IN CAPTION.”
November 4, 2025 at 3:57 PM
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WHN's Health Department Outreach Campaign now has participation across seven states and four countries (US, Canada, Germany, Ghana). Reach out to your local health department requesting improved and more frequent public health messaging and (...)
WHN graphic with a faint U.S. map covered in red location pins. At top left is the whn.global logo; a red pill button says “TAKE ACTION.” Main headline in bold black and red text: “WHN’s Health Department Outreach Campaign now has participation across seven states and four countries (US, Canada, Germany, Ghana).” Supporting text: “Put your local health department on the map today. Email them with WHN’s templates to call for stronger infection-prevention messaging.” Footer link: whn.global/health-department-outreach-campaign.
October 31, 2025 at 6:07 PM
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#MaskUp #Respirator #CleanAir #LongCOVID #BrainHealth #TheLion
Promotional graphic from whn.global showing a majestic lion in grayscale wearing a white N95 respirator mask. The background is dark, emphasizing the lion’s mane and the mask. Text reads: “The lion does not concern himself with cognitive decline. He wears a respirator.” The whn.global logo appears in the upper left corner.
October 30, 2025 at 4:41 PM
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A group of global experts in medicine, public health, law, and industrial hygiene have come together to urge the World Health Organization to finally recognize and recommend true respiratory protection — N95/FFP2-3 respirators — for all healthcare settings.

Surgical masks are not PPE.
WHN graphic with a solid rust-orange background and the whn.global logo at top left. Large bold white headline reads: “Tell the WHO — healthcare workers deserve real respiratory protection.” Subtext: “Sign the petition by October 31st urging universal use of N95/FFP2-3 respirators in healthcare.” A small footer note says: “LINK TO PETITION IN CAPTION.”
October 29, 2025 at 4:07 PM
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Medical masks were never designed to protect the wearer — and leading safety authorities are finally saying so. Only respirators (like N95s) qualify as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Read more: whn.global/whn-joins-in....

#PublicHealth #N95 #MaskUp #Masking
White WHN graphic with headline in bold black and red: “MEDICAL MASKS ARE NOT PPE.” Center shows a blue surgical/medical mask inside a red “no” symbol (circle with a diagonal slash). Body text below: “New statements from leading safety authorities confirm what experts have said all along — only respirators protect against airborne infection. Medical masks are not PPE.” Footer displays the link: “whn.global/whn-joins-in-the-chorus-medical-masks-are-not-ppe.” Small whn.global logo at the top. Clean white WHN slide. Large heading: “Why this matters.” Paragraph: “Throughout the pandemic, confusion over mask types led to unsafe guidance for both the public and healthcare workers. Even today, many hospitals still rely on surgical masks for ‘protection’ — when in fact, they are not PPE at all.” Subheading: “Experts are setting the record straight.” Bulleted list: • British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS): It’s a breach of health and safety law to claim surgical masks protect against inhaled hazards. • Canadian Standards Association (CSA): Only respirators (N95, KN95, FFP2, etc.) qualify as PPE. • FDA & CDC: Medical masks are for source control — not personal protection. Small whn.global logo at the top.
October 28, 2025 at 2:32 PM
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A new review article examines whether calling COVID-19 “Airborne AIDS” is an oversimplification—or a necessary warning about immune dysfunction and long-term risk. It doesn’t equate the two diseases—it compares shared outcomes (immune exhaustion, tissue persistence, neurocognitive effects) and (...)
Dark gray WHN graphic with large headline: “IS COVID-19 ‘AIRBORNE AIDS’?” Subtext: “New review article asks: provocative oversimplification, emerging science, or something in between?” Footer: World Health Network (WHN) • Open-access review (Oct 13, 2025). Light-gray WHN slide with bold heading “What the paper is (and isn’t).” Body text: It is a scientific comparison of immune dysfunction in HIV and SARS-CoV-2 — looking at shared and distinct mechanisms. It isn’t claiming that COVID = HIV/AIDS. Boxed callout: Key point: HIV integrates into DNA and destroys CD4 T-cells over years. SARS-CoV-2 causes broader immune and vascular disruption — without DNA integration. Footer: World Health Network (WHN) • Open-access review (Oct 13, 2025). Light-gray WHN slide titled “Parallels & Differences.” Subhead Parallels with bullets: • Chronic immune exhaustion and inflammation • Tissue persistence signals • Neurocognitive impacts (HAND vs. SAND) • Accelerated biological aging • Vulnerability to infections, including opportunistic Subhead Differences with bullets: • HIV: long-term immune collapse without treatment • SARS-CoV-2: vascular + multisystem effects, cumulative damage through reinfections • Over 40 years of data (AIDS) vs. 5 years of data known (COVID) • Availability of specific treatments (only for HIV) Footer: World Health Network (WHN) • Open-access review (Oct 13, 2025). Clean, light-gray WHN graphic with large headline “What this means.” Bullet points read: • Prevention works: condoms reduce HIV; clean air & respirators reduce SARS-CoV-2. • Both pandemics expose global inequities and stigma — but also show what community action can achieve. • Read the open-access review (Oct 13, 2025) and share evidence-based prevention. Footer: World Health Network (WHN) • Link in bio/comments.
October 23, 2025 at 1:34 AM
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At WHN, we believe community health includes mental and emotional well-being. Take time to reset with our Guided Meditation, Wednesdays at 2 PM ET in #general-meditations on Slack. A calmer mind supports better decisions, stronger relationships, and healthier communities.
Promotional graphic from whn.global with a muted green-gray textured background and minimalist design featuring a small illustration of stacked stones in orange, green, pink, and peach colors in the lower right corner. Main heading in large white text: “Guided Meditation.” Supporting text: “We believe community health includes mental and emotional well-being. From the safety of our home, we can take time to reset and care for ourselves together.” Event details: “Join our virtual Guided Meditation every Wednesday at 2 PM ET in #general-meditations on Slack.” Smaller text at the bottom reads: “See caption for more information on how to join.” The whn.global logo appears at the top left, with a row of colorful dots in the top right corner.
October 22, 2025 at 4:05 PM
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#MaskUp #Respirator #CleanAir #LongCOVID #BrainHealth #TheLion
Promotional graphic from whn.global showing a majestic lion in grayscale wearing a white N95 respirator mask. The background is dark, emphasizing the lion’s mane and the mask. Text reads: “The lion does not concern himself with cognitive decline. He wears a respirator.” The whn.global logo appears in the upper left corner.
October 21, 2025 at 8:25 PM
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Join us for WHN’s Virtual Halloween Party on Oct 31 at 1 PM ET! 🎃 Enjoy games, trivia, an open mic, and a Best Costume Award—a fun way to connect and celebrate with the WHN community.

Register here: necsi-edu.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Promotional graphic from whn.global with a black background and a white skeleton dancing on the right side. Bright orange scribbles decorate the top left corner, adding a festive Halloween touch. Main text in bold white letters reads: “Virtual Halloween Party.” Below it, orange and white text highlights the event details: “Oct. 31 | 1 PM ET” (circled in orange). Additional text below: “Games + Trivia Open Mic Best Costume Award.” At the bottom in orange text: “See caption to register.”
October 21, 2025 at 3:31 AM
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Most of what affects our health is invisible—viruses, pollutants, wildfire smoke—all travel through the air we share. Clean air protects us from what we can’t see and is essential for every community’s health and safety. Learn more at whn.global.

#CleanAir #InfectionPrevention #PublicHealth
Promotional graphic from whn.global with a light gray background and stylized cloud-like shapes symbolizing air and particles. Main text reads in bold black and gray letters: “Most of what affects our health is invisible.” Supporting text below: “Viruses, pollutants, wildfire smoke — all travel through air. Clean air protects us from what we can’t see.” At the bottom, smaller text says: “WHN is a network devoted to global compassion — working together to inspire collective action through science for a safer, healthier world. Get involved at whn.global.”
October 20, 2025 at 3:23 PM
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Here are 7 things you should know about Long COVID.
White background with large bold black and teal text reading: “7 Things Everyone Should Know About Long COVID.” The words “Long COVID” are highlighted in teal. The bottom right corner includes the logo “whn.global.”
October 18, 2025 at 2:58 AM
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Pull up a chair and say hello! The WHN Café is our virtual open space to meet fellow WHN members, welcome newcomers, and connect across teams. Join us Mondays and Thursdays at 1 PM ET in #1-general-dailycall on Slack. Community care starts with conversation.
Promotional graphic from whn.global titled “WHN Cafe.” The design features a bright pink line drawing of a small café storefront with a striped awning, two chairs, and a round table outside. Text reads: “Every Monday & Thursday @ 1 PM ET” “On Slack in #1-general-dailycall.” Below that, smaller text says: “Meet fellow WHN members, meet and greet new members, casually connect over tea or coffee!” The WHN logo and colorful dots appear at the top.
October 18, 2025 at 2:55 AM
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What does the latest data show about the current COVID surge — and how do new CDC vaccine recommendations affect you? In our newest WHN broadcast, host Ben Calderwood speaks with Dr. Joe Eastman and Becky Robertson about fall 2025 COVID trends, wastewater data, recombinant variants, and (...)
October 17, 2025 at 2:41 AM
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Marisa Swanson shares how one infection changed the course of her life — from one COVID infection to years of chronic symptoms, disability, and resilience. Her words echo the reality for millions still navigating Long COVID without answers, treatment, or recognition.
Promotional graphic from whn.global with a dark blue background and a small white button labeled “WHN Voices.” Main quote in large white text reads: “December 30th, 2020: the day I first tested positive for COVID-19. I didn’t know it at the time, but my life would never be the same.” Below the quote, smaller text says: “Marisa’s story begins like so many others — someone whose ‘mild’ case turned into months of exhaustion, brain fog, and pain. She survived the acute illness, but the aftermath became something else entirely: Long COVID.” At the bottom: whn.global/my-long-covid-story-an-introduction Promotional graphic from whn.global with a dark blue background and a white “WHN Voices” label at the top. Main quote in large white text reads: “All of my health problems got worse, and new ones appeared. I was just trying to stay alive and keep up with graduate school.” Below, smaller text explains: “Each reinfection brought new complications — thyroid disease, mast cell activation, gastroparesis, fatigue so deep it left her bedridden. She’s had COVID-19 eight times. Despite everything, she kept going — pursuing her Master of Public Health while navigating disability, medical uncertainty, and stigma.” At the bottom: whn.global/my-long-covid-story-an-introduction Promotional graphic from whn.global with a dark blue background and a white “WHN Voices” label at the top. Main quote in large white text reads: “The pandemic has been a mass disabling event, and we need to stop neglecting Long COVID.” Supporting text below says: “Marisa’s experience mirrors that of millions worldwide. Long COVID remains poorly understood, with no FDA-approved treatments and few specialists trained to help. This isn’t just one person’s story — it’s a global public-health crisis that demands awareness, funding, and compassion.” At the bottom: whn.global/my-long-covid-story-an-introduction Promotional graphic from whn.global with a dark blue background and a white “WHN Voices” label at the top. Main headline reads: “Marisa shares her story to raise awareness and push for change.” Below, smaller text says: “Want to make an impact too? Share your perspective, research, or lived experience to contribute to WHN’s Voices — a space for thoughtful, science-grounded contributions from our global community.” In red text: “See caption for more information.” At the bottom: whn.global/my-long-covid-story-an-introduction
October 16, 2025 at 12:14 AM
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Change starts local. When national health guidance falls short, our cities, counties, and states can step up. That’s where you come in.

We’re proud to announce our Health Department Outreach Campaign — a collective effort to rebuild trust and strengthen infection-prevention (...)
Promotional graphic from whn.global with a dark blue background. Main text in large white letters reads: “In 3 steps, you can help shape public health messaging where you live.” Below that: “WHN invites everyone to contact their local health departments and advocate for stronger public health messaging.” A white-outlined button in the center says: “Here’s how you can get started →” At the bottom, in white and yellow text: “whn.global/health-department-outreach-campaign.” Promotional graphic from whn.global with a dark blue background. At the top, a white-outlined button says: “Step 1.” Main text: “Contact your local health department.” Supporting text below reads: “Acknowledge the good work they’re already doing, then encourage them to go further by strengthening science-based messaging on Long COVID, clean air, masking, testing, and more. (Use our email templates to make it easy).” At the bottom, in white and yellow text: “whn.global/health-department-outreach-campaign.” Promotional graphic from whn.global with a dark blue background. At the top, a white-outlined button says: “Step 2.” Main text: “Fill out our campaign form.” Supporting text: “Once you’ve contacted your health department, complete the short form. You’ll add a pin to our global map — showing where voices for public health are taking action.” At the bottom, in white and yellow text: “whn.global/health-department-outreach-campaign.” Promotional graphic from whn.global with a dark blue background. At the top, a white-outlined button says: “Step 3.” Main text: “Spread the word.” Supporting text: “Invite others to take part — every voice adds strength to the message for healthier, safer communities. When you add your outreach to our map, you help amplify the movement and build momentum for stronger public health.” At the bottom, in white and yellow text: “whn.global/health-department-outreach-campaign.”
October 12, 2025 at 1:08 PM
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WHN is hosting a Clean Air Panel Discussion tomorrow (10am–12pm EDT | 4pm–6pm CET)!

Join leading experts Dr. William Bahnfleth, Jim Rosenthal, Dr. Joe Vipond, and Aaron Collins for an engaging conversation on the importance of clean air, its role in protecting communities, (...)
Promotional graphic from whn.global announcing a “Clean Air Panel Discussion.” The background shows a blue sky with light clouds. Text at the top inside a green and blue gradient box: “Oct 8th | 10AM – Noon ET | 4PM – 6PM CET.” Main description text: “Discover the fundamentals of clean air and why it is essential for a safe and healthy future.” Section header: “Featuring leading experts:” Below are four circular headshots with names underneath: Dr. William Bahnfleth Jim Rosenthal Dr. Joe Vipond Aaron Collins (wearing a mask) At the bottom inside a bordered box: “Join us for insights + live Q&A.”
October 7, 2025 at 12:57 PM
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Cozy Up with the Mental Health Edition of Kids'Zone Magazine! Explore the impact of COVID on mental health, thoughts from a COVID-Conscious therapist, communities that care, and more!

Download here: whn.global/kidszone/

#COVIDConscious #PublicHealth
Promotional graphic from whn.global announcing the release of the World Health Network Kids’ Zone COVID-Conscious Magazine, Issue 15 (October 2025). The magazine cover is illustrated with warm orange tones and shows a cozy armchair with a book and a sleeping cat beside it. A window with autumn leaves is in the background. Text highlights include: Main theme: “Cozying up with the Mental Health Edition.” Topics listed: “Halloween costumes to wear with your mask” “COVID and mental health” “Therapist spotlight” “Short stories from our readers” “… and more inside!” On the right, a large white circle contains orange text: “JUST RELEASED! DOWNLOAD TODAY.” At the bottom right, there is the Kids’ Zone and World Health Network logo with the words: “Explore | Share | Connect.” Text also says: “Check us out online at: WHN.global/KidsZone.”
October 6, 2025 at 8:21 PM