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Shriners Children’s aims to reduce children's health care anxieties
Shriners Children’s in Lexington hosted a Teddy Bear Clinic, letting kids practice on stuffed animals to ease fears about hospital and surgery visits.
Shriners Children’s aims to reduce children's health care anxieties
Shriners Children’s in Lexington hosted a Teddy Bear Clinic, letting kids practice on stuffed animals to ease fears about hospital and surgery visits.
Three Weeks After Health Department Closure, UWS Sweetgreen Permanently Closes
The permanently closed Sweetgreen at 311 Amsterdam Avenue. Photo by Gus Saltonstall. By Gus Saltonstall Sweetgreen, the popular fast-casual salad
Travel health insurance
Travel health insurance Do you have a friend or relative traveling to the Dominican Republic? Encourage them to get travel health insurance before they depart the U.S. to avoid possible medical emergencies becoming financial emergencies, too. Many travelers ask, “Why would I need travel health insurance–I have health insurance?” But your domestic U.S. health insurance may not work overseas. Hospitals here in the Dominican Republic often require payment in full prior to the patient being treated or being discharged. Some private U.S. insurance companies pay for overseas medical care, but usually only on a reimbursable basis, meaning you must pay first and request reimbursement later. The U.S. government does not pay for medical care overseas, and Medicare does not cover medical or hospital expenses incurred outside the United States. In addition, if the traveler needs to be medically evacuated for any reason, this is not covered by most U.S insurance and usually costs well over $10,000 USD. Travel medical insurance can alleviate this cost burden. Don’t let unexpected medical costs ruin your vacation! Please review more information here on Travel.State.Gov and on the Embassy website’s page on Medical Emergency – U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic.
How Issues With Your Feet Could Signal Bigger Health Issues
As your body’s foundation, issues with your feet can create a domino effect with the rest of your health. Dr. Ebonie Vincent-Sleet, podiatrists and one of the stars of TLC’s “My Feet Are Killing Me,” joins TODAY to break down remedies for common issues, when you should see a doctor, and the possible warning signs your feet could be giving you about diabetes, heart failure and more.
Health Survey Ends Sept. 30th
Chaffee County Public Health is asking community members to participate in the 2026 Community Health Assessment. Residents are invited to complete a co
The Nurse Is Health Care’s Most Underpriced Founder
They see the problem first, build the fix, and decide whether it is ever adopted. The market has trained them to hide the one credential that de-risks the deal.
Two new books from SPIA faculty tackle the politics behind healthcare and global investment | School of Public and International Affairs
Growing up in Peru, Zoila Ponce de León saw disparities in access to healthcare from a young age. She may not yet have had the language for it, but she was already asking the questions she would spend much of her early career working to answer: Why is it so difficult to access healthcare? And why, when these problems are so widely recognized, won’t politicians do more to change the system?
Two new books from SPIA faculty tackle the politics behind healthcare and global investment | School of Public and International Affairs
Growing up in Peru, Zoila Ponce de León saw disparities in access to healthcare from a young age. She may not yet have had the language for it, but she was already asking the questions she would spend much of her early career working to answer: Why is it so difficult to access healthcare? And why, when these problems are so widely recognized, won’t politicians do more to change the system?
Miami Dolphins Academy Fall Donation Presented by Baptist Health Delivers Equipment to Royal Palm Beach High School Tackle Football Program
This year’s equipment donation included tackle sleds, a tackle wheel, agiles, power drinkers, new cleats, footballs, pads and more to help enhance the tackle football program.
Carrot Top Breathing on His Own as Rep Shares Major Health Update
Scott Thompson, known professionally as Carrot Top, is awake and breathing on his own while he remains hospitalized in Las Vegas. His representative said the comedian continues to receive close medica...
DRC’s Ebola Outbreak: The Vast Mobilisation That Doesn’t Measure Itself (Part II)
The world has ridden fast to rescue DRC from Ebola. But four months on, nobody can say for sure how many agencies are responding, how many people they employ,
HealthTrust Helps Lead Main-Stage Conversation at 2026 Healthcare Sessions
NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 21, 2026--
UVA Health first in world to implant new cardiac mitral valve repair device
The new device adheres more readily to the heart and allows quicker recovery after surgery.
Corridor raises $25M seed to build a health benefits brokerage for SMBs
Corridor focuses on SMBs, which it says traditional brokerages often overlook because small accounts generate lower commissions than larger accounts.
Highlighting Mental Health Disparities in Indigenous Communities Affected by Huntington’s Disease
⏱️12 min read | Unique research highlights an overlooked mental health disparity among Indigenous North American people with HD – and the need for care grounded in trust, community partnership, and cultural understanding.
Seattle’s Talkspace deal for youth therapy falls short
Amid a mental health crisis, Talkspace pledged to expand young people’s access to therapy. Data shows few were served while the tech platform raked in millions.
Mental Health Treatment by Adults in the United States
Some of our adult patients may have a comorbid diagnosis of a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder. Of these patients, some may have sought and/or be undergoing treatment. This may…
Expert Available: How Health Systems Can Help Address America’s Clinical Trial Bottleneck
A recent New York Times opinion essay argues that one of the greatest obstacles to developing new treatments is no longer scientific discovery, but the costly, complex and slow-moving system for testing those discoveries in people. The article also raises concerns that these challenges are driving more clinical research overseas. Adam Samson, president of the Advocate Health National Center for Clinical Trials (NCCT), is available to discuss how large, integrated health systems can help a
Lower blood pressure may boost brain health, UT Health finds
Researchers found that even a small drop in blood pressure can slow a brain disease that is a major cause of strokes, cognitive decline and dementia.
UVA Health warns Cat’s Claw may be disguising Kratom
Kratom can cause opioid symptoms and has addictive properties.
Altru Health System Reports For Decrease In Operating Margins For 2025
(KNOX) -Altru Health System has reported for the 2025 year they had its operating margins decrease by 1.4 perc...
Manchester brain health clinic aims to 'transform' dementia care
The Alzheimer's Society says the clinic in Manchester is the first of its kind in the United Kingdom.
Youth mental health improves, New Hampshire survey reports
Youth mental health has improved since the COVID-19 pandemic, when anxiety and depression spiked for teens, according to the results of a statewide survey. The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services recently released the results of its 2025 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. The anonymous and voluntary survey helps measure health-related behaviors among New […]
Tampa General Hospital Named2026 NRC Health® Best in Brand Winner
The award recognizes how a health system’s reputation resonates in their community. Sept. 2, 2026 — Tampa General Hospital (TGH), Florida’s Premier Academic Health System™, has been named a 2026 NRC Health® Best in Brand Winner — a national distinction awarded to only 10 health systems across the country each year. The award recognizes healthcare organizations […]
Ask The Expert: A modernized health plan: Supporting cost management and the employee experience
See how health care cost transparency can help employees compare care and costs while giving employers a different approach to managing benefits.
Gut health: Why digestive wellness matters more as you age
We are sorting fact from fad when it comes to gut health and exploring why digestive wellness matters more as you age.
Noise pollution is a serious but often forgotten public health problem
Creating a quieter environment can improve your health – but you have to know what you’re listening for.
St. Johns County adds hospital and medical offerings as region continues to grow
UF Health and Baptist Health will open hospitals and medical facilities next week, with more expansion ahead for those systems and other healthcare companies.
Pennsylvania Health Secretary calls on CDC to acknowledge measles deaths
Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen is calling on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to publicly recognize four measles-related deaths connected to the state’s ongoing outbreak. In a letter addressed to CDC Director Dr. Erica Schwartz, Bogen outlined Pennsylvania’s response to the outbreak. “The CDC’s choice
Parental gambling linked to poorer health and educational outcomes for Australian children
New Australian research has found that risky parental gambling is associated with poorer physical health, mental health and educational outcomes among children, highlighting the need to recognize gambling ...
'Other generations just buried it' - Youths share their mental health concerns
The BBC's Catherine Burns spoke to some young mental health ambassadors who called for an increase in mental health support.
Aboard the Lake Guardian, Scientists Search for Clues About the Great Lakes’ Health
One of the longest-running lake monitoring programs provides data critical for researchers and resource managers.
President Trump's newest vaccine 'demands' repeat old misinformation
A day after health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. promised that parents concerned about vaccines had a “friend” in the White House, President Trump said he’ll be “demanding” that drug companies split up their combined vaccines.
Rice to bring brain health conversation to United Nations
Three experts from Rice will attend Brain Week at the United Nations General Assembly Sept. 21-25 to join an international conversation that reaches well beyond neuroscience and medicine.
5 Breakfast Foods Dietitians Recommend for Better Brain Health
Walnuts, blueberries, eggs, mushrooms, and avocado may support memory, focus, and brain health. Dietitians explain their benefits.
The No. 1 Thing to Look for When Buying Peanut Butter, According to a Dietitian
In TODAY.com’s Expert Tip of the Day, a dietitian shares a simple clue to spotting healthy peanut butter.
Business Group on Health taps BioRadar to boost workforce readiness for emerging threats
Biological threat intelligence is increasingly becoming a workforce and business issue, not just a public health concern. | Biological threat intelligence is increasingly becoming a workforce and business issue, not just a public health concern. Emerging threats—infectious disease outbreaks, pandemics and potential bioterrorism events—can cause workforce and operational disruptions.
DOH-Charlotte Hosts Child Safety and Wellness Workshops - Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County
DOH-Charlotte invites residents to attend our free Child Safety and Wellness Workshops starting on October 13.
California is failing on homelessness. This Sacramento woman’s struggles show why
Califia Carlisle almost graduated from college. Now, she lives on the streets. Her plight speaks volumes about the state mental health system.
FINN Partners Calls for Shared Action on Brain Health in New eBook
/PRNewswire/ -- The ability to learn, earn a living and remain independent rests on brain health. Protecting those abilities requires action well beyond the...
Business Group on Health taps BioRadar to boost workforce readiness for emerging threats
Biological threat intelligence is increasingly becoming a workforce and business issue, not just a public health concern. | Biological threat intelligence is increasingly becoming a workforce and business issue, not just a public health concern. Emerging threats—infectious disease outbreaks, pandemics and potential bioterrorism events—can cause workforce and operational disruptions.
Playing Mahjong could improve brain health later in life, health experts say
Inside Presley Gerber’s Battle With Mental Health And Addiction Before Death At 27
Presley Gerber, son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and brother of actress Kaia Gerber, tragically passed away at age 27 in a rehab facility in California. He had been open about his struggles with menta...
Ebola vaccine trial begins in DR Congo
An Ebola vaccine trial is underway in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), involving frontline health workers and others involved in the response.
Northern Light Health Walk for Hope honors loved ones impacted by cancer
Participants of the fundraiser paid tribute to their loved ones through holding signs and sharing stories.
Federal change threatens Medicaid coverage for 25K legal immigrants in NJ
A Medicaid eligibility change could end healthcare coverage for 25K legal immigrants in NJ starting Oct. 1.
Starbucks baristas reel from surges in health insurance costs: ‘I’m considering a second job’
Several workers say they’re opting to go without health coverage due to premium costs soaring this year
Rainwater tanks may be harboring hidden health risks
Rainwater tanks are a popular way for Australians to save water, but new research has found they can also harbor potentially harmful bacteria and metals that could pose health concerns.
Rice County Public Health Urges Motorists to Buckle Up During Statewide Safety Campaign
By Rich Larson Rice County Public Health and the Rice County Safe Roads Coalition are reminding motorists that seat belts and properly installed child safety seats save lives, as Minnesota begins a statewide seat belt and child passenger safety campaign. The campaign runs from September 20th t
Signs of Change: A Kenyan Community Health Worker Learns to Talk to his Deaf Patients
As county governments roll out inclusive healthcare programmes for people with disabilities, Community Health Promoters learn a new lexicon of care. From Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance/VaccinesWork
Katie Porter: Prop 40 won’t help fix our broken healthcare system
OPINION: Progressives who have long fought for “Medicare for All” should resist a billionaires tax that entrenches a troubled for-profit healthcare system, rather than dismantling it.
Patrick Clancy describes Lindsay’s mental health struggles in ’60 Minutes’ interview
Patrick Clancy described the mental health struggles he saw his ex-wife Lindsay Clancy face in an exclusive interview with CBS’ “60 Minutes.”
Patrick Clancy describes Lindsay's mental health struggles in '60 Minutes' interview
Patrick Clancy described the mental health struggles he saw Lindsay face in an exclusive interview with CBS' "60 Minutes."
Presley Gerber dies at 27. What Cindy Crawford's model son said about recovery, medication and feeling 'misunderstood.'
Gerber, the son of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, had spoken publicly about his mental health and experiences with addiction.
Health department investigating after rabid bat found in downtown Minneapolis
Koning Health secures Australian TGA approval for breast CT system
The platform is designed to provide volumetric images to assist clinicians in evaluating breast tissue.
Oklahoma County jail administrator on challenges of mental health care
Health insurance premiums to see 16% spike as PA insurance department release '27 rates
Pennsylvanians who buy health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace will see a noticeable spike in their premiums, according to PID.
Transformative Biological and Environmental Frontiers: Synthesizing the 2026 Tang Prize Science Laureates
The Tang Prize in Sustainable Development and Biopharmaceutical Science honors pivotal scientific advances that improve global health, restore damaged ecosystems, and deliver transformative medical treatments. The 2026 science laureates, Professor Susan Solomon for Sustainable Development, along with Dr. Steven A. Rosenberg, Dr. Michel Sadelain, and Dr. Carl H. June for Biopharmaceutical Science, demonstrate how disciplined
Most Sports Parents Say There's More Good Than Harm In Youth Sports, Survey Finds
By Dennis Thompson HealthDay ReporterMONDAY, Sept. 21, 2026 (HealthDay News) — Sports parents overwhelmingly say the benefits of organized competition outweigh the drawbacks for them and their kids, a new survey has found. Nearly 9 out of 10 sports parents (89%) said the benefits of youth sports ...
As Medicaid cuts near, one free Chicago clinic pushes expansion
Chicago-based Community Health doesn’t take Medicaid, Medicare or other payment, so it is doubling down on a growth strategy to meet the expected influx of newly uninsured patients.
Dr. Jason Diyanni's easyDoc Health aims to make healthcare affordable
COLUMBUS - He looks at healthcare from a much broader perspective.
Dr. Jason Diyanni's easyDoc Health aims to make healthcare affordable
COLUMBUS - He looks at healthcare from a much broader perspective.
An Indiana psychiatric hospital chain promised reform. Allegations of abuse and neglect continued
A psychiatric hospital chain based in Indiana says a 2022 leadership change brought major improvements. But WFYI found allegations of a patient death, abuse and serious safety violations continued — while state oversight agencies rarely acted.
Arkansas health department schedules free flu clinics statewide
The Arkansas Department of Health will host free community flu vaccine clinics across the state beginning Monday.
Allina quietly started, then stopped, saving appointment slots for privately insured patients
Minneapolis-based nonprofit health care provider was courting people with employer coverage. Critics worried about the impact for low-income patients.
Delaware healthcare spending ‘unsustainable,’ health secretary says
Delaware health officials said current spending trends are “unsustainable,” and called for change in how patients and the state pay for care.
Michigan’s two major party candidates for U.S. Senate offer differing ideas for health care
The two U.S. senate candidates from Michigan offer vastly different ideas for health care. As Russ McNamara reports, lowering costs for consumers is the goal for both.
Lubbock Public Health Director gets statewide award for vaccine advocacy
Lubbock's public health director was honored for her leadership during the historic West Texas measles outbreak and her continuing work to protect communities from vaccine-preventable diseases.
The Battle to Turn Consumers Into Effective Health Care Shoppers
A seminar explores government efforts to encourage U.S. consumers to comparison shop for their health care needs
Pandemic Agreement Negotiator Warns Against Losing Momentum
As countries continue negotiating the unfinished WHO Pandemic Agreement, one of the original accord's architects warns that delays could put the process
Trump administration takes on mental health parity
It's steering the issue in a different direction than the Biden administration.
Hudson Regional Health cites community leaders at Secaucus University Hospital’s 50th anniversary event
Hudson Regional Health celebrated the 50th anniversary of Secaucus University Hospital with members of the HRH and local communities.
‘Stunning’ Level of Support for Universal Health Care: Jayapal
Even more people want Medicare for All than did last December, a new poll shows.
Lee Health: The people who make the difference
As I prepare to retire as Lee Health’s president and CEO, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what I’ll remember most from my years serving.
Michigan State football in need of a health check as Big Ten play hits
As Pat Fitzgerald starts his quest to return Michigan State football to the top of the Big Ten, the Spartans enter with some health questions.
Vote for the Houma Today/Daily Comet AOTW, sponsored by Thibodaux Regional Health System
The poll is back open for the Houma Today/Daily Comet Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Thibodaux Regional Health System. Vote now and vote often!
Vote for the Houma Today/Daily Comet AOTW, sponsored by Thibodaux Regional Health System
The poll is back open for the Houma Today/Daily Comet Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Thibodaux Regional Health System. Vote now and vote often!
Retiring Lee Health CEO Antonucci looks back on COVID, Ian, growth
Dr. Larry Antonucci retires as Lee Health CEO after leading the system through COVID-19 and Hurricane Ian.
Through the years: Dr. Larry Antonucci, CEO of Lee Health
CEO of Lee Health retires; dealt with COVID, Hurricane Ian, conversion to nonprofit system, AI and growthLiz
Proposed rate hikes for long-term care plans would double premiums for thousands of seniors
Thousands of Maryland seniors paying for long-term health care could see their annual premiums double, or triple, over the next five years if state officials approve the steep increases requested by four Maryland insurance companies last week.
It’s Hard To Predict Who Will Be Suicidal. It’s Easier To Ensure People Can’t Shoot Themselves.
Some mental health experts favor suicide prevention steps that are applied broadly, with protections that aren’t tied to an individual’s specific risk.
Editorial: Debate over restructuring MUSC is too big for board alone
The coming departure of MUSC's president has raised the question of whether the college’s academic and health care missions should be overseen by different leaders. Lawmakers should make the call.
Rising health care costs are hurting this conservative district. But it may not change any votes.
Even in the conservative district of former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, rising health care costs are turning people against the GOP. But it may not change the outcome of November elections.
Mount Nittany Health Opens Expanded Dermatology Practice
Mount Nittany Health has expanded its dermatology services with a new, larger location designed to improve access to care. The new dermatology practice
Building Michigan’s healthy future requires a different kind of workforce strategy
Wayne State is investing in talent, research and partnerships to strengthen Michigan’s health workforce and improve community health.
Liberian official’s Minnesota group home accused of overbilling Medicaid
A new state investigation found Golden Touch Health Care billed Medicaid for 45 hours of services per day — a number that was mathematically impossible on many days based on its staffing levels.
Five Stamford eateries cited for serious violations in August 2026
Health officials said 93 inspections were conducted in August.
14 Norwalk eateries cited for serious violations in August 2026
Health officials said 48 inspections were conducted in August.
Building Michigan’s healthy future requires a different kind of workforce strategy
Wayne State is investing in talent, research and partnerships to strengthen Michigan’s health workforce and improve community health.
Hoosiers need easy access to qualified health care providers
While physicians discuss the perceived threat of expanding professional roles, Hoosiers face a greater threat: inaccessible, unaffordable healthcare.
NC leaders call Chemours deal historic, but nearby well owners are still skeptical
Residents in Cedar Creek and Gray’s Creek say the $590 million PFAS settlement will matter only if it produces reliable, safe drinking water.
Ask the Pediatrician: How to protect children and teens with chronic health conditions
Influenza (flu) is an infection caused by the influenza virus that infects the respiratory tract inc...
Ask the Pediatrician: How to protect children and teens with chronic health conditions
Influenza (flu) is an infection caused by the influenza virus that infects the respiratory tract inc...
Augusta wings spot raises score 35 points, but still has ants
The following is a list of restaurants in Richmond County that were inspected Sept. 11-18, accompanied by their scores and, in some cases, the health infractions that lowered those scores. Scores below 70 are considered failing.
The Recovery House by Derek Owusu review – a uniquely honest view of mental health
Writing from firsthand experience, the author offers an affecting meditation on art, mental fragility and faith
Whether you like it or not, celebrities have an impact on politics
The global groundswell of support for Macklemore’s pro-Palestinian advocacy serves to remind us that maybe celebrity activism really is that deep after all, writes Cheek’s Varsha Yajman. Subscribe In the last week, publications, podcasts, and influencers that have either rarely or never spoken about Israel’s genocide in Palestine have flooded my social feed. And it was all because singer Ed Sheeran and his team dropped Macklemore as his opener for saying “Free Palestine” on stage. Millions raised, millions speaking up in support of Palestine - all of this confirming my view that, whether I like it or not, celebrities do have an impact on political outcomes. And this is interesting when much of the time celebrity activism can induce an eye roll - I love to see Charli XCX pointing out a Palestinian flag in the crowd, but it’s hardly the bold symbol of allyship that some fans would make it out to be. But there’s a line between healthy scepticism and outright dismissal - and I’d argue that the latter lets the rich and powerful off far too easily. For instance, actress Jennifer Lawrence, once outspoken about her political views, last year told The Times she no longer believes celebrities have a role to play: “Celebrities do not make a difference whatsoever on who people vote for. So then what am I doing? I’m just sharing my opinion on something that’s going to add fuel to a fire that’s ripping the country apart.” While it’s a narrative she might find comfort in, it simply is not true. Grassroots movements often garner worldwide attention when celebrities and other high-profile spokespeople bring a mainstream platform to their causes. And this frustrates me. We have had three years of a live-streamed genocide. Macklemore himself has been calling for a Free Palestine long before he booked the Sheeran concert. Yet it’s the high-profile fallout of the last week that finally seems to have made saying “Free Palestine” socially acceptable in the mainstream. It feels like the collective mood has shifted, where calling out censorship is now the obvious response - not just the business of ‘radical’ activists. To recap, Sheeran’s decision followed an ultimatum from billionaire Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, one of the venues Sheeran was scheduled to perform at: either drop Macklemore as your opener after only two of the eight scheduled shows, or you do not play at any stadiums. Sheeran’s disappointing decision to stand on the side of billionaire-led censorship has ultimately seen a surge in support for Free Palestine. It began when all his openers and his backing band pulled out of Sheeran’s tour, in solidarity with Macklemore and with the Palestinian cause. It was met with an uproar of support from those who had never or barely touched politics before: influencers lip-syncing to Macklemore’s music, singers like Jack Antonoff singing “Free Palestine,” and publications and podcasts standing with Macklemore. And finally, we saw material support: Macklemore donated $1 million in profits from his two nights opening for Sheeran’s tour to several Palestinian aid groups and called for Sheeran and Kraft to match it, which they have since promised to do. We’ve also seen children’s entertainer Ms Rachel follow suit with a $1 million donation to Palestinian aid, and publication PopBase has donated $10,000. Anera, a humanitarian aid group working in Palestine, Lebanon, and Jordan, said donations since Macklemore’s announcement were more than triple this month’s daily average. The group’s Instagram page has also gained 8,000 followers. Macklemore far from the first celebrity to speak and participate in politics in the Western World. In 1924, singer Al Jolson supported Republican candidate Warren G. Harding for president, and decades later, celebrities such as Harry Belafonte, Lena Horne, and Aretha Franklin voiced their public support for the Civil Rights movement. More recently, in the lead-up to the 2024 US election, ‘The Daily Show with Trevor Noah partnered with the organisation Power the Polls to recruit poll workers to address shortages- a problem disproportionately affecting voters of colour. The campaign saw 170,000 new sign-ups - 35,000 of which came directly through the TV show’s link - resulting in the recruitment of 713,000 total poll workers that year, an almost three-fold increase on the organisation’s goal. Alongside recruiting workers, celebrities in the US (where voting in elections is not compulsory) have made a huge difference by calling for people to register to vote. Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Kamala Harris in 2024 saw over 400,000 visitors on the voter registration site within 24 hours of her Instagram post. In 2023, Swift had urged her fans to register, resulting in 35,000 new voter registrations. Similarly, Ariana Grande promoted voter registration in 2019 by setting up booths at concerts on the American leg of her tour, resulting in over 33,000 voters registering. And the same thing is happening closer to home. This year, musician Jack River successfully called for government action to ensure creatives in Australia do not have their work scraped by generative AI companies. Celebrity as the mediator between the punter and the politician Celebrity activism isn’t just a feel-good news story - research tells us it actually makes a difference. By directing attention to issues affecting the average person, like voting inaccessibility or a lack of action on a genocide, researchers Alfred Archer and Amanda Cawston state that “celebrities can play a useful bridging role between political elites and the people they represent”. Alternatively, in a world where talking about politics is “not cool,” or where people lack exposure or knowledge to engage with politics, celebrities can act as an educational resource or an entry point into the political world - when they speak up about an issue, their audience gets exposed to it. Olivia Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Fields festival is a perfect example. Rodrigo partnered with twelve organisations focused on women’s issues, such as reproductive rights. These organisations had stalls at the festival for people to meet them and were also featured heavily on social media, giving their issues global attention and raising $20 million for the organisations. We have also seen celebrities at award shows such as the Emmys wearing F*CK ICE pins, referring to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s treatment and detainment of people - generally people of colour. When celebrities speak up about political issues in public forums, they put the issue at the forefront of mainstream media, rally their supporters, and make it clear that, however much they disagree, the government cannot simply ignore it. Our over-reliance on celebrities versus our politicians As much as I love seeing my favourite celebrity use their platform for a good cause, there is an important question to ask: not whether celebrity activism is good or bad, but whether we should have to rely on celebrities. And the answer would, in an ideal world, be no. In an ideal world, or merely a just world, action on Palestine would’ve happened decades ago, climate change would be taken seriously, and most importantly, people would understand their democratic rights. However, that is not our reality. Only around 28 per cent of Australian Year 10 students reach proficiency in civics and citizenship. In the US, almost two-thirds of people under 30 say high school civics education didn’t prepare them to understand voting deadlines, how to research candidates, or how to vote by mail. When civics education is weak, our trust in these institutions and our understanding of change-making processes also decline. This is where celebrity steps in and becomes our main source of reliance. As Mary R. Connelly notes in _The Tartan, “_Celebrities will always be involved in campaigns in one form or another, but their presence is not what causes people to vote blindly. The lack of political engagement and literacy is what allows celebrities to wield their influence on the political sphere so impactfully.” About the author Varsha Yajman is the Digital Content Producer at Cheek Media. She is a youth advocate and lawyer with a background in climate litigation and is passionate about looking at the intersection between race, climate justice, and mental health. Thanks for reading Cheek Media Co. ! This post is public so feel free to share it. Share