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Walnut Creek street festival implements new entertainment zone
On Wednesday evening, the Locust Street Festival in downtown became the first event to utilize Walnut Creek's new entertainment zone initiative so restaurants and bars can sell alcohol outside for people to enjoy outdoors within the designated festival area.
Court dedicated to behavioral health may be coming to New Haven
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — An initiative is underway to establish a specialized court dedicated to behavioral health in New Haven, according to a Wednesday release by the state’s chief justice…
Secretary Kennedy, Administrator Oz Launch ‘Make Hospital Food Healthier’ Pledge
HHS launched the Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge, a nationwide initiative inviting hospitals to serve healthier, more nutritious meals.
How Spartans and citizen scientists team up to protect Michigan’s natural spaces
Through MSU Extension and community science initiatives, Michiganders across the state are stepping up to contribute directly to scientific research that helps protect Michigan’s lakes, waterways, forests, wildlife and biodiversity.
Overruling the voters before they even vote
By Chris Richardson There is something profoundly wrong with a legislature that sees a citizen-led constitutional amendment gaining momentum and responds not by making its case to the public, but by passing a law designed to neutralize it before voters ever cast a ballot. That is exactly what happened with House Bill 26-1430. Initiative 175 […]
How geospatial science can boost equitable access to healthcare
Nature Health - The World Health Organization should include a wider range of data for their Geolocated Health Facilities Data Initiative, so that the spatial accessibility of healthcare can be...
How geospatial science can boost equitable access to healthcare
Nature Health - The World Health Organization should include a wider range of data for their Geolocated Health Facilities Data Initiative, so that the spatial accessibility of healthcare can be...
State Establishes NC Economic Forecasting Initiative at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School
The North Carolina General Assembly has allocated $3 million to support the North Carolina Economic Forecasting Initiative (NCEFI). These funds, appropriated from the 2026-27 state budget, will establish the state’s... View Article
Palantir has a hand in NIH's most ambitious health initiative
The defense tech firm's work with public health data has largely flown under the radar.
Build EBR launches facade improvement program for Plank Road businesses
Build EBR is introducing a new grant initiative designed to help small businesses and commercial property owners enhance the appearance of properties along the Plank Road corridor. Funded through the JPMorgan Chase AdvancingCities Grant, the Front Door Refresh Facade Improvement Program is the final implementation initiative tied to the Reimagine Plank Road Master Plan and […]
Ongoing Maternity Care Innovations in California: California Rural Health Transformation (CalRHT) Program
This blog post is part of an NHeLP series about current initiatives to improve maternity care in California. The first blog post is on the California Department of Health Care Services Birthing Care Pathway. The second blog post is on California’s Transforming Maternal Health Model. This, the third and final blog post, is on the California Rural Health Transformation Program. […]
Ongoing Maternity Care Innovations in California: Birthing Care Pathway
This blog post is part of an NHeLP series about current initiatives to improve maternity care in California. This blog post, the first, is on the California Department of Health Care Services Birthing Care Pathway. The second blog post is on California’s Transforming Maternal Health Model. The third and final blog post is on the California Rural Health Transformation Program. […]
10-Minute Survey: How Is Childcare Affecting Your Business?
The NJ Business Council for Childcare, a business-led initiative that includes NJBIA and other business and nonprofit groups, is asking business leaders
Digital Health Tools and Technologies: An Overview of CMS’ Recent Efforts to Expand Their Use in Medicare
As an increasing share of older adults have adopted digital health technologies over the past several years, and with most expressing interest in using them to manage their health care, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has introduced several initiatives to expand the use of digital health technologies in Medicare. This brief summarizes these initiatives and draws on data from various surveys, including KFF Tracking Polls from September 2025 and March 2026, to highlight facts about recent experiences with and use of digital health tools among Medicare beneficiaries and older adults more generally.
de Beaumont and UW-Madison Announce Transition of New to Public Health Program
The New to Public Health residency program, an innovative initiative supporting early-career public health professionals in their roles.
New York Life Foundation Partners with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to Expand Youth Sports Access Nationwide
$3.2M “Coaching the Future” initiative strengthens coaching, expands access and builds lasting community infrastructure
Make the Business Case for Your Sustainability Initiative
Sustainability proposals often stall not because they lack merit, but because they are framed in a language that does not match how senior leaders allocate capital. While CSOs tend to emphasize impact, materiality, and disclosure, CFOs and CEOs need to understand cash flow, risk, and return. External reporting frameworks are useful for accountability, but they are poorly suited to internal investment decisions, which require project-level comparisons rather than aggregated enterprise metrics. Sustainability investments should therefore be evaluated like any other investment: by showing how they reduce current costs, avoid future costs, generate new revenue, or protect existing revenue. Strong cases begin with a clear business story that links the proposed action to a specific business impact and cash-flow outcome, then quantify what can credibly be quantified while treating harder-to-measure benefits as either upside or an explicit strategic bet.
RADPAC launches new subcommittee dedicated to teleradiology advocacy
Kimberly Beavers, MD, a clinical assistant professor and remote breast radiologist with NYU Langone Health, will serve as inaugural chair of the initiative.
FSU great Myron Rolle now NFLPA adviser on brain health, preventive care
Former Florida State Seminoles football star and Rhodes Scholar Myron Rolle joins the NFLPA to lead player health and safety initiatives.
Newly Launched Initiative Strengthens Delaware’s Health Information Technology Infrastructure
The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) and the Delaware Health Care Commission today announced a new Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) initiative that will support real-time insurance verification and prior authorization across the state.
She quit Google and spent a year traveling; changed her view of success
Sara Wilczynska tried everything before leaving Google. She trained in sound healing, led diversity initiatives, and even cut her hours — but it wasn't enough.
Pro-ballot initiative group submits 108,837 signatures
Backers of a proposed Arkansas constitutional amendment that would make citizen-proposed laws and constitutional amendments a fundamental right submitted 108,837 petition signatures Friday (July 3), the deadline for turning in...
Dr. Oz on Medicare covering weight loss drugs, America's health innovation
Dr. Mehmet Oz discusses health innovation for America's 250th birthday, highlighting a new initiative where Medicare will cover GLP-1 weight loss medications for $50 a month, aiming to reduce health complications.
National Science Foundation's X-Labs initiative draws fire as 'terrible idea'
Criticism comes from former presidential science adviser and NSF director Neal Lane
Maine group revives push for universal health care ballot initiative
Advocates are hoping to gather enough signatures to get a question about publicly funded health care on the November 2027 ballot.
Bridging Science and Statecraft: The Raisina Science and Diplomacy Initiative 2026
A report on science diplomacy, technology governance, strategic autonomy, and global collaboration from the Raisina Science and Diplomacy Initiative.
VivoPower Reinforces Focus on AI Data Center Business and Provides Update on Non-Core Businesses
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, July 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VivoPower PLC (NASDAQ: VIVO) (“VivoPower” or the “Company”), a B Corp-certified global developer and owner of powered land and data center infrastructure for AI compute applications, today provides the following update in respect of its strategic direction and the previously announced separation initiatives relating to its subsidiaries Tembo e-LV B.V. (“Tembo”) and Caret Digital (“Caret Digital”). Following a strategic review, the Board o
EMA steps up efforts on medicines for women’s health
Initiatives to map gaps, challenges and prioritise further actions
Applications Opened July 1 for Wyoming's Rural Health Transformation Funding
CHEYENNE, WY – Today, the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) announced the opening of Requests for Applications (RFAs) for Wyoming’s Rural Health Transformation Program, a major initiative designed to strengthen healthcare access, improve health outcomes, and support innovative solutions for rural communities across the state. The funding opportunity represents an important step in implementing […]
CHAMP Initiative Combines Climate Science and Storytelling to Address Urban Heat
As summer temperatures climb, so does the risk of extreme heat—now recognized by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States. In cities such as Camden, where buildings, pavement, and other infrastructure trap heat and create higher temperatures than surrounding areas, understanding the impacts of urban […]
Kalamazoo residents submit signatures to put Healthcare Action Plan on November ballot
Kalamazoo residents submitted enough signatures to the Kalamazoo City Clerk Wednesday morning to put an initiative on the November ballot for a local healthcare
Register to attend Rural Health Initiative series on substance use
Experts from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and WVU School of Public Health will discuss their experiences working with patients who use substances in rural areas and potential areas for future research projects from noon to 1 p.m. July 16 on Zoom.
Newsom Vowed To Transform Kids’ Mental Health. Many California Schools Are Still Waiting.
Gov. Gavin Newsom launched an ambitious initiative to make public schools the epicenter of mental health services for young people. Five years after he promised transformation, many schools have struggled to get the program up and running, and hundreds more have yet to try.
Initiatives To Bridge The Digital Divide For Small Business
Nourish + Bloom Market exemplifies the way small businesses can harness technology to address community needs, and how industry partners such as AT&T can support them.
Maine high court to hear appeal ballot initiative case
Oral arguments are set for 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Capital Judicial Center in Augusta.
Denmark’s New Government – Initiatives on Business and the Labor Market
After 70 days of negotiations, four parties presented the agenda for Denmark’s new government on June 2, 2026. The four parties are the Social Democrats, the Socialist People’s Party, the Social Liberal Party, and the Moderates. The government is anchored in the center‑left.
Colorado court rejects November ballot initiatives aimed at redrawing congressional districts
Colorado voters won’t get to decide this November on whether to change the state’s congressional districts to favor Democrats
RWJBarnabas Health Invests $1.7 Million to Support Community Health Initiatives in Hudson County
On June 16, 2026, RWJBarnabas Health announced a combined $1.7 million investment to support local organizations working to address barriers to care, food insecurity, and economic stability among underserved communities in Jersey City and Hudson County.
Cornell Yang Center for Wildlife Health awards seed funding to five conservation efforts around the globe
The CCF provides catalytic seed funding to spark pioneering applied research to advance wildlife conservation solutions. The fund prioritizes initiatives that improve the health of free-ranging wildlife and/or solve environmental problems via a One Health lens.
NFL players come together to shine light on men's mental health in Kensington
The initiative brings together athletes, mental health professionals, and community leaders to raise awareness about challenges like depression and anxiety.
Maine targets three initiatives for initial use of federal rural health funds
The Mills administration says it's decided how it will spend nearly half of the $190 million it's received this year through the federal Rural Health Transformation Fund.
Strike out the Stigma initiative partners with teams for veteran mental health
A North Dakota insurance company is stepping up to the plate to promote mental health.
Four participants join Coalition for Support of Ukrainian Science at URC 2026
Four participants—Estonia, Switzerland, the Swiss National Science Foundation, and the SaveScienceUA initiative—joined the International Coalition to Support Science, Research, and Innovation in Ukraine during the URC-2026 Conference in Gdańsk. — Ukrinform.
Sweden and WHO launch new long-term initiative to transform Ukraine’s health system
WHO and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) have launched a new multi-year cooperation project to support the long-term recovery and transformation of Ukraine’s health system. The new project, “Ukraine’s Health System Transformation Initiative: Strengthening Health Governance, Health Financing and Service Delivery for Long-Term Recovery”, was launched at the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2026 in Gdansk, Poland on 26 June, and will run from June 2026 to 2029. Sweden will contribute approximately US$ 26 million (240 million Swedish krona) to support this project. This contribution forms part of Sweden’s broader support to Ukraine through the Team Europe approach, which brings together the European Union, its Member States, and key partners such as the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood and Enabel, and WHO as lead health agency, to support Ukraine’s recovery, reform agenda and European integration.“Ukraine’s health recovery cannot be measured only by what is rebuilt, but by whether people can count on the health system when they need it most. The scale of the task is immense, with health reconstruction and modernization needs estimated at US$ 19.4 billion over the next decade. Sweden’s US$ 26 million contribution to Ukraine’s Health System Transformation Initiative is a timely investment in the institutions, financing and services that will support Ukraine’s long-term recovery and European integration. WHO remains a trusted partner of the Government of Ukraine in advancing this process. I am deeply grateful to Sweden for its consistent support and partnership,” said Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe. More than 4 years of war have placed unprecedented pressure on Ukraine’s health system, creating 3 interconnected challenges. The first is responding to the immediate consequences of the war and the urgent health needs of the population. The second is recovering and modernizing health services today. The third is continuing reforms and aligning the health system with European standards in the context of Ukraine’s future accession to the European Union. The war has led to large-scale population displacement, an increasing need for trauma care and rehabilitation, and shortages of health workers. High out-of-pocket payments in Ukraine make access to health services more difficult. Around 46% of total health expenditure is paid directly by individuals, placing a significant financial burden on many households and underscoring the need for reforms in health financing. Older people, persons with disabilities, women, children and veterans continue to face the greatest difficulties in accessing health services. “Ukraine is demonstrating that health system transformation can continue even during war. Ukraine is also continuing to align its health system with European norms and standards. WHO is committed to supporting Ukraine on this journey. We provide technical support, help coordinate partners’ efforts and support the institutional changes needed to strengthen the system. We are grateful to Sweden for its support. Through this partnership, we can help Ukraine build a more resilient, accessible and people-centred health system,” said Dr Jarno Habicht, WHO Representative in Ukraine. About the Health System Transformation InitiativeThe new initiative will support Ukraine through 3 interconnected areas: strengthening governance and coordination of health sector reforms through more inclusive coordination platforms and structured policy dialogue; transforming service delivery by reinforcing a primary health care-centred model that integrates family medicine, nursing and midwifery; and improving financial sustainability by supporting reforms that ensure the long-term viability of the national health system and reduce out-of-pocket payments for households. Overall, these reforms are expected to make the health system more coherent and easier to navigate, improve the quality and continuity of care, and ensure more equitable access to services, particularly for those who need them most. They will also support Ukraine’s progress towards a more modern health system aligned with European standards. “We are convinced that long-term recovery is not possible without strong, high-quality, person-centred health services that are accessible to everyone. Our partnership with WHO is designed to support deep and lasting systemic changes. Investments in human capital especially autonomous midwives, whose role for maternal, newborn and adolescent sexual and reproductive health cannot be understated, stronger governance, digital transformation and the financial sustainability of the health system are investments in Ukraine’s future. We are proud to support this process,” said Malin Perhult, the Head of the Ukraine Unit at Sida. Focus throughout implementation will be given to the most vulnerable population groups, including older people, women and children, and persons with disabilities, who have been affected by the war and face greater health-care needs. The initiative will be implemented in close cooperation with the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, the National Health Service of Ukraine, the Public Health Centre of Ukraine, regional authorities and international partners. This project will help Ukraine move towards a system where everyone can access the health care they need. It will strengthen primary care, make the health finance system more stable and predictable, and reduce the out-of-pocket costs that Ukrainians face when using health services. As a result, the Ukrainian health system will become more aligned with European standards and more sustainable in the long run.
Massachusetts marijuana legalization repeal question battle heats up
Cannabis industry leaders are urging businesses to take the initiative seriously after many previously dismissed its chances.
‘It’s necessary, we need it’: Business owner welcomes increased Petersburg police presence after Father’s Day mass shooting
Petersburg police have announced a new public safety initiative to curb gun violence after several recent shootings, including a Father’s Day mass shooting in Old Towne that left five people injure…
After wins by democratic socialists, centrist Democrats unite to push back
Thirteen Democratic House members and candidates announced their support for an initiative that commits them to centrist principles.
New program aims to bring more business to downtown Buffalo
The initiative will provide grant money to allow local groups and businesses to host community focused events in the downtown area.
Yes/Boston Announces Inaugural Cohort of 12 Innovators Advancing Food and Health Solutions
/PRNewswire/ -- Yes/Boston, an initiative intended to accelerate innovation at the intersection of food systems and health, today announced its inaugural...
Vermont maps out youth mental health peer support initiative
Vermont is preparing to join the Youth Mental Health Corps, a nationwide initiative aimed at tackling the youth mental health crisis.
New Enhanced Services Pilot Brings Home Health Aides to New Yorkers in Their New Homes
New York, NY – NYC Health + Hospitals’ Housing for Health initiative today announced Bridge to Care, a pilot program funded by The Leona M. and Harry B.
UT San Antonio College of Sciences invests in new multidisciplinary research through inaugural Seed Grant Initiative
Three research projects were selected to receive up to $50,000 in seed funding.
MentalHood Cultural Initiative improving men's mental health
The MentalHood Cultural Initiative is improving men's mental health, hosting the masculine male brunch and podcast premiere on Saturday in Chicago.
Governor Morrisey Announces $2.4 Million Investment to Expand Worksite Clinics Across West Virginia
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Governor Patrick Morrisey today announced a $2.4 million investment to expand access to worksite-based healthcare services across West Virginia. Through the state's Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), the funding will expand employer-based health services and strengthen workforce participation as part of the Health to Prosperity (HTP) initiative. With this announcement, total funding opportunities and implementation initiatives under RHTP now exceed $88.5 million.
Megan McKnight named director of Health Promotion and Wellness at Penn State
Megan McKnight brings extensive experience in health promotion, prevention education and student well-being initiatives to her new role as director of Health Promotion and Wellness at Penn State, effective June 29.
Penn LDI and Monogram Health Announce Second Research Partnership
The University of Pennsylvania’s Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics and Monogram Health have launched a second research initiative, backed by a $600,000 gift, to improve care for patients…
Road-funding initiative in Colorado qualifies for November ballot
A measure that would dedicate all transportation-related revenue to Colorado’s roads and bridges has officially qualified for the November ballot after it cleared the state’s signature threshold, according to election officials. Backed by the coalition Restore Our Roads, Initiative No. 175 would require that all transportation-related revenue be used exclusively for building and repairing roads […]
Road-funding initiative clears signature threshold, qualifies for November ballot
A measure that would dedicate all transportation-related revenue to Colorado’s roads and bridges has officially qualified for the November ballot after Initiative No. 175 cleared the state’s signature threshold, according to the Secretary of State’s Office. Backed by the coalition Restore Our Roads, Initiative 175 would require that all transportation-related revenue be used exclusively for […]
Project ASCENT at ILL selected for EU funding under "Choose Europe for Science"
The Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) will lead the ASCENT project, funded at 1.4 M€ by the European Commission as part of the initiative "Choose Europe for Science 2025". The goal is to train the next generation of researchers and sustain Europe’s leadership in neutron science. ASCENT is one of 16 projects (three of them in France) funded under the pilot call of a programme that aims to enhance the attractiveness of research careers in Europe and address the challenge of scientific talent retention. It is also the only project led by a large-scale infrastructure.
Lead Maine petitions DHHS to adopt new Medicaid rules
Libby emphasized that neither initiative would cut benefits or eligibility for MaineCare, the state’s Medicaid program that spends more than $1.4 billion a year and serves 400,000 Mainers.
Chicago Bears open applications for 2026 Small Business All-Pros presented by PNC
The Chicago Bears on Tuesday announced the return of Small Business All-Pros presented by PNC, a signature community initiative that recognizes local entrepreneurs whose businesses help drive economic growth, create opportunity and strengthen neighborhood
Health officials launch clinical trial reforms to counter China threat
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Monday launched a new initiative to speed up early-stage clinical trials as part of an effort to reduce development timelines and reverse a growing trend o…
Meta AI training data leak exposed employee activity across company
Meta's AI Model Capability Initiative faces scrutiny after a data leak exposes internal security risks, sparking employee concerns.
Keep up congressional pushback against Trump’s anti-science agenda
Congress appears to have successfully forced the Trump administration to dismantle the Ocean Observatories Initiative. It must keep fighting for science.
UWF professor secures $825,000 grant to support cancer survivors - University of West Florida Newsroom
University of West Florida Assistant Professor of Public Health Dr. Karishma Chhabria Unrue has been awarded a nearly $825,000 grant through the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund to lead a statewide initiative focused on improving the health and well-being of breast and prostate cancer survivors. The award represents one of the largest externally funded research grants […]
Monthly BAT Days Initiative Connects Residents to Free Health, Recovery and Support Services
On the second Wednesday of each month, these organizations come together at the Centers for Addiction and Mental Health Programs (CAMP) on Orange Blossom Trail to provide HIV and Hepatitis-C testing, connections to affordable or free primary care providers, mental health resources and case management services.
Honorees brought science-based blood pressure care home to communities in need
Organizers of “Team Up to Take Down High Blood Pressure” in Philadelphia say collaboration has been crucial to the initiative’s success.
CIBC US Faces of Impact Chicago Affordable Housing
Since 2014, CIBC has been financing affordable housing initiatives in Chicago to strengthen neighborhoods and make a difference in communities that need it the most. As of publication, more than 50 structures have been completed from West Ridge to Calumet Heights, each with a unique story. Faces of Impact highlights three of those stories, and the people behind them driving safe and accessible housing.
SAFES grants to address Critical Issues Initiatives in College of Ag Sciences
Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, through its Institute for Sustainable Agricultural, Food and Environmental Science, known as SAFES, recently announced its latest awards to accelerate the advancement of its Critical Issues Initiatives.
'Busting stereotypes': How metal music could help mental health
The initiative sets out to challenge stigma and outdated stereotypes associated with heavy metal.
Department of Health launches rural health initiative to modernize patient scheduling
West Virginia’s Department of Health has issued an RFP for a statewide patient scheduling platform to modernize how residents find and book care.
Tybout House owner highlights local business at Council
Victoria Boehmer, owner of Tybout House on Market Street and a leader in several local community initiatives, shared the story behind her business and its growing impact on the region during Monday night’s Warren City Council meeting. Boehmer described Tybout House as much more than a traditional yarn store. The business works closely with local […]
Adler Planetarium's Zooniverse people-powered research initiative is set to hit milestone
Success via SNF mental health assistants: How one provider slashed antipsychotics use, bad behavior and hospitalizations
One of the nation’s largest nursing homes is expanding its behavioral health initiatives, offering important insights for caregiving as providers nationwide admit more patients than ever with serious mental illness or other complex diagnoses.
District leaders celebrate strides in local and minority business contracting
Through the D.C. Community Anchor Partnership, 17 major institutions have spent more than $1.5 billion with D.C.-based businesses, including nearly $1 billion with minority-owned firms. The initiative’s leaders say it is reshaping how large institutions approach contracting by connecting them with local businesses and building capacity for long-term growth.
U.S. scientific instruments in oceans off Alaska and elsewhere to remain in place
After a public outcry and a unanimous Senate vote, the National Science Foundation dropped plans to remove parts of the Ocean Observatories Initiative system.
Trump Policies Could Strip Health Coverage From 3 Million Age 50-64
Trump’s biggest health care initiatives, rolling back the 2010 Affordable Care Act and cutting Medicaid, could strip insurance from up to 3 million people aged 50-64.
Blueprint Capital Advisors CEO Jacob Walthour Featured on The New Jersey Business Media Podcast Discusses Access, Capital, and Opportunity for Entrepreneurs
/PRNewswire/ -- Jacob Walthour, founder and CEO of Blueprint Capital Advisors and creator of the Power 100 initiative, appears as a featured guest on The New...
HHS announces over $700M in grants for mental health initiatives, addiction treatment and housing programs
The money includes $238.6 million to improve suicide crisis hotlines and $223.1 million to expand community behavioral health clinics. Dozens of programs all over the country are set to receive the funding.
Elizabeth Greenhall obituary
Other lives: Doctor who specialised in public health initiatives, especially family planning
Battle ramps up over WA ballot measure to bar transgender students from girls’ sports
Opponents of conservative-backed initiatives officially launched their campaign to defeat the Washington ballot measures this week.
Downtown Lansing launches new initiative to boost evening business
Thursday marked the first Downtown After 5 night of the summer in Lansing. Some businesses have extended hours, new specials, and live music for their customers.
RWJBarnabas Health Invests $1.5 Million to Support Local Community Health Initiatives in New Brunswick, Middlesex County
RWJBarnabas Health today announced a combined $1.5 million investment to support local organizations working to address barriers to care, food insecurity and economic stability among underserved communities in New Brunswick and Middlesex County.
VA to eliminate DEI and gender identity programs, according to memo
The VA is ordering health facilities to end DEI programs and gender identity initiatives to comply with new orders. What to know.
HRSA grants supporting maternal and child health available
The Health Resources and Services Administration Maternal and Child Health Bureau has announced grant opportunities available supporting maternal and child health initiatives.
Bronco Women’s Sports Programs Gifted $30K from Maddyn Homes Matching Gift Initiative
Bronco Women's Sports Gifted $30K from Maddyn Homes Matching Gift Initiative EmpowHER Play fuels the future of female athletes at Boise State and beyond
Mamdani launches media and entertainment workforce development initiative at CUNY colleges, including Queensborough Community College
Mayor Zohran Mamdani and NYC Small Business Services (SBS) have announced a new workforce development initiative at CUNY colleges across the city that aims to
New Plan Scales Back C.D.C.’s Work on Diseases Abroad
The State Department is taking over much of the control of global health initiatives, for which critics say the department does not have the expertise.
RWJBarnabas Health Invests $1.7 Million to Support Local Community Health Initiatives in Jersey City, Hudson County
RWJBarnabas Health today announced a combined $1.7 million investment to support local organizations working to address barriers to care, food insecurity, and economic stability among underserved communities in Jersey City and Hudson County.
Pelic named interim executive director of Student Health Services
He steps into role leading student health initiatives Pelic most recently served as executive director of psychiatric, counseling and well-being services
HHS announces over $700 million to fund behavioral health, other initiatives
The Department of Health and Human Services June 17 announced it will provide more than $700 million in funding for initiatives on mental illness, addiction and homelessness.
Why is Trump’s threat to the Ocean Observatories Initiative so monumental to scientists?
Researchers warn that shuttering a key network of research equipment and analysis will make the country less prepared for climate crises
Deion Sanders' Son Ready To Get His Health Checked After Cancer Survivor Father's New Initiative
Deion Sanders’ health scare began with a routine scan, the kind that most men would rather delay. Fortunately, it caught his bladder cancer early, and now the Colorado head coach is trying to push that lesson onto other men, starting with his eldest son.
Butte County Public Health launches surveys in part of 'Rural Water Safety Project'
Butte County Public Health has announced the "Rural Water Safety Project," a comprehensive two-year initiative aimed at reviewing and updating the county's wate
Latvia pilots citizen engagement in research grant evaluations
Latvia has introduced an element of citizen engagement to the evaluation of nationally funded research grants. The aim is to both create more connections between science and society, and to improve the quality of its evaluations. The move comes as research funders across Europe are experimenting with ways to improve evaluation processes in the face of a sharpened focus on science’s impact on society. Evaluators of grant applications submitted to Latvia’s Fundamental and Applied Research Programme (FLPP), the country’s main research funder, will this year have the option of consulting citizen feedback on challenges the public thinks science should focus on to inform their decisions. “In recent years, both public discussions and policy-level debates in Latvia have highlighted the importance of demonstrating how publicly funded research contributes to society, the economy and the resolution of real-world challenges,” said a source at the Latvian Council of Science (LCS), which manages the FLPP. “At the same time, research institutions themselves expressed interest in improving the project evaluation framework while continuing to ensure that funding is awarded to the highest-quality projects,” the source added. The citizen input comes from a survey that was conducted between 25 February and 16 March 2025, to which 1,737 people responded. It gathered information on what the public views as problem areas for Latvia, and the role of science and technology in providing solutions to these problems. A summary of these responses has been included as an annex to the FLPP 2026 call for proposals that evaluators can refer to, purely in an advisory manner, when judging proposals. Results from the survey show that the main problem areas identified by the public were in healthcare and public health, followed by the development of new treatment methods and medicines, and then digital technology, data security and cyber security. At the bottom of the list was research aimed at acquiring new knowledge about the universe, matter and the laws of nature. Further analysis looked at the public view of the possible role of science in solving these problems. The survey charted 4,167 individual responses based on open-ended questions that were derived from the participants’ answers. The analysis again found that medical and health sciences topped the scoring, with 788 responses referring to the field. Humanities and the arts were bottom of the list, with 625. Digging further into the details, the survey suggests citizens are aware of and concerned about a number of research areas. This includes technologies and innovation to improve the environment or reduce pollution, the development of modern military technologies and cybersecurity tools, and the development and application of artificial intelligence, among others. “We hope this initiative will help strengthen public trust in science and create a more meaningful dialogue between researchers and society,” the LCS source said, adding that it offers benefits to researchers, evaluators and to the general public. More space for citizen engagement in evaluationsThere is a gradual but increasing use of citizen engagement in research evaluation processes around Europe, especially in healthcare, but it remains relatively rare, said Henry Sauermann, a professor at the European School of Management and Technology in Berlin and an expert in citizen science.“Given that we are at a point where citizen involvement is extremely limited, there is presumably space for more, but it's not that we should do it just because we want to do it,” he told Science|Business. He said some research lends itself better to having citizen input, and this usually tends to be on the applied end of the science spectrum where the public can offer useful feedback based on their experiences. He added that advising scientists on certain topics to study is also a useful approach, in the way that Latvia is doing. “The public does fund a lot of science, there's a lot of tax money going into this. We of course do want to preserve academic freedom, but it's also not unreasonable to incorporate more feedback or input from citizens where possible,” he said. Related articlesCitizen science: where, when, and how to let the public contribute to researchHow can Europe cope with a flood of AI-assisted research grant proposals?Data Corner: Horizon Europe’s AI, digital and data call success rate is 5.2%There are several ways of involving citizens in science funding. The most minimal way is having a few representatives on a panel, such as members of a patient group or union. The most direct way is crowdsourcing funding for specific projects. There is an increasing number of online platforms that allow the public to chip in to support scientific proposals.Sauermann studied this in a recent paper and found that it can have its uses, but it still is not clear if there are benefits to it. There are various assumptions linked to citizen engagement, for example that it increases public trust in science, or that it provides a representative view of what the public thinks about science. These are not necessarily true, Sauermann found. People who participate in engagement activities tend to already be very trusting of science, and, on the whole, it is generally the well-off and well educated who contribute, giving a narrow view of public opinion. On whether citizen input can help manage the increasing number of proposals that are being submitted due to assistance from AI, Sauermann is more sceptical. “The obvious answer to the flood of AI-written proposals is AI-driven evaluation,” he said, adding that it doesn’t mean citizen engagement shouldn’t be a part of evaluations in a well thought-out manner. Southern Denmark’s successful approachOne successful example of citizen engagement in science evaluations was implemented in southern Denmark. Between 2019 and 2025, citizens in the region were invited to vote to fund one of five pre-selected projects in the field of healthcare. The project, called A Healthier Southern Denmark, was a collaboration between regional authorities, the University of Southern Denmark, and two media partners. Over the seven years, there were 75,000 votes and significant public engagement online and on social media. “It was a bit of a wild project, we’d never done something like that before and we were a bit nervous about what would be said in the media about it. But actually, people were very positive,” said Anne Kathrine Overgaard, one of the main organisers of the project from the University of Southern Denmark. The university and its researchers have learned a lot from the experience, particularly about engaging with society and shaping their research to match real-world needs. This is important with Europe’s increasing focus on competitiveness and bringing innovations to market faster, Overgaard said. She hopes to see more citizen engagement in evaluation processes and in science more broadly. “For many years, citizen engagement has been a bit of an add-on to proposals, just to check a box. But I think things are changing,” she said. It’s less about citizens just gathering data and more “about the dialogue between the public and the scientists,” she said. The initiative ended last year as the team wanted to regroup to find fresh momentum. The development of AI and AI-written proposals has made Overgaard reflect on how the project could be reworked to help evaluators. She hopes to bring it back in the future. “It could be a good idea to try this initiative again in a slightly re-worked format,” she said.
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