May 2026

Simmons MPH Monthly

Welcome to the May 2026

Simmons MPH Monthly

In the Simmons MPH Monthly, we share news, media, and other highlights important for public health and health equity. We aim to amplify voices and perspectives from the Simmons community and beyond.

In The News

A few things we want to be sure you don't miss.

At the 79th World Health Assembly, global leaders pushed for stronger climate-health action plans as rising temperatures continue to worsen food insecurity, displacement, and infectious disease outbreaks worldwide. Discussions focused on helping health systems become more climate-resilient while protecting vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by environmental changes.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first blood test designed to help detect Alzheimer’s disease in adults showing signs of cognitive decline. Public health experts say the test could improve access to earlier diagnosis, especially in communities where specialized neurological testing is difficult to access, while also raising new conversations around aging, equity, and healthcare infrastructure.
Recent Ebola outbreak concerns in Africa prompted renewed discussions at WHA79 around global preparedness, rapid-response infrastructure, and equitable vaccine distribution. WHO officials stressed that lessons learned from past outbreaks must translate into faster international coordination and stronger surveillance systems before future health emergencies escalate.
The AFL-CIO’s 35th annual Death on the Job report found that workplace hazards continue to kill an estimated 140,000 workers in the U.S. each year, more than 380 people every day. The report also highlighted major safety disparities, showing Latino workers face significantly higher rates of fatal workplace injuries, while OSHA staffing has fallen to its lowest level in decades.

Media Corner

Some of our favorite articles, podcasts, and videos.

FDA Commissioner Dr. Martin Makary resigned this month after just over a year in the role, adding to ongoing instability at the agency following major staff layoffs. In a recent episode of Democracy Now!, Dr. Aaron Kesselheim of Harvard Medical School discussed what the leadership changes could mean for drug safety, food regulation, and public trust in the nation’s public health system.
Recent episodes of the Tradeoffs podcast, created with American Public Media’s Call to Mind, explored how Durham, North Carolina, redesigned its mental health crisis response system by sending out clinicians and community responders...and how they got police on board with the program. On another episode Harvard economist David Cutler discusses his recent research investigating why healthcare spending has slowed nationally while many Americans still struggle to afford care.
NPR’s Life Kit released a helpful episode on PFAS, or “forever chemicals," which are now found in the bodies of nearly all Americans. The episode breaks down the health concerns linked to PFAS, including cancer and thyroid disease, while also offering practical ways people can reduce exposure in everyday life.
The May 14 episode of What the Health? from KFF Health News explored the growing debate over access to the abortion pill mifepristone through telehealth. The episode also examined concerns about political influence at the FDA and what these leadership changes could mean for reproductive health policy and drug regulation moving forward.

Congratulations 2025-2026 Graduates

Congratulations to each one of our graduates! The Simmons University's 121st Commencement was on May 15 in Boston. We were excited to celebrate this great achievement with students and their families and look forward to seeing the impact you make for public health and health equity.

On Our Radar

Events focused on health, wellness, equity and education.

June 8–11 (Baltimore, MD) – GIH Annual Conference on Health Philanthropy

The largest gathering of health funders in the country, the Grantmakers In Health Annual Conference brings together leaders, decision-makers, and innovators in health philanthropy at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor. This year's sessions explore how funders can effectively partner across sectors, elevate community voice, and advance health and equity amid cuts to critical public health programs.

June 9–11 (Arlington, VA & Online) – APHA Policy Action Institute

APHA's Policy Action Institute convenes public health professionals for two days of panels, hands-on workshops, and networking with top policymakers — with an optional Capitol Hill Day on June 11 for in-person attendees. This year's agenda focuses on navigating funding cuts, understanding the public health implications of the midterm elections, and finding strategies to protect critical resources. Both in-person and digital options are available.

June 11–14 (New Orleans, LA & Online) – Health Meets Food: The Culinary Medicine Conference

This four-day conference brings together clinicians, registered dietitians, nurses, educators, and chefs to explore the science and practice of culinary medicine using food and nutrition as tools to prevent and treat chronic disease. A virtual streaming option is available for those who can't make it to New Orleans.

June 23–26 (Phoenix, AZ) – Society for Epidemiologic Research Annual Meeting

SER's annual gathering brings together epidemiologists from around the world for four days of workshops, keynote lectures, breakout sessions, and poster presentations at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown. The meeting covers a wide range of topic areas from chronic and infectious disease to social determinants of health and health equity, and includes mentorship events, a student recruitment fair, and affinity group meetups. A strong choice for researchers, practitioners, and students looking to stay at the forefront of the field.

June 24–25 (Virtual) – Safe States Annual Injury and Violence Prevention Conference: "The Path Forward"

The Safe States Alliance's annual conference brings together hundreds of professionals and advocates from state, local, and tribal health departments, hospitals, research and academia, community-based organizations, and the federal government to share best practices, discuss emerging issues and new research, and strengthen competencies in injury and violence prevention.

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