inaugural Public Health Reporting Fellowship Cohort Announced in Washington
Five mid-career journalists have been selected as the inaugural cohort of the Public Health Reporting fellowship, a program coordinated by the national Press Club Journalism Institute with backing from the Common Health Coalition. Announced on January 31, 2025, in Washington, the fellowship aims too support reporting projects that explore the intersection of public health and health care delivery.
The fellows will investigate pressing issues such as disparities in disease prevention and health care access for immigrant workers, rural populations, and elder communities. Each recipient will receive training and funding to produce evidence-based stories that address these critical topics.
“Rebuilding trust in accurate health information is central to the mission of the Common Health Coalition,” said Dave A. chokshi, MD, MSc, who chairs the Coalition. ”This fellowship equips journalists to deliver evidence-based health stories that earn the confidence of readers and empower informed decisions on critical issues.”
The Common Health Coalition, a collaborative of leading health care organizations, has invested $50,000 to launch the fellowship program. This initiative underscores the Coalition’s commitment to fostering a more unified health system through impactful journalism.
Meet the Fellows
Table of Contents
- National Press Club Journalism institute Launches Public Health Reporting Fellowship
- A Platform for Impactful Journalism
- Meet the Judges
- Key Details at a Glance
- A Call to Action
- A Unified Vision for Health Equity
- How to Get Involved
- The Role of Journalism in Public Health
- Key Players in the Coalition
- A Call to Action
- Key Highlights of the Fellowship
- How to Apply or Learn More
- Multimedia and Additional Resources
- Stay Connected
- Interview with Dr. Dave A. Chokshi adn Beth Francesco: Advancing Public Health and Journalism
| Name | Background | Project Focus |
|———————-|——————————————————————————-|———————————————————————————-|
| Ted Alcorn | Independent journalist; adjunct at Columbia University and NYU | Health disparities in cancer treatment between rural and urban areas |
| Jamal Jordan | Multimedia documentarian; audience editor at The Washington Post | addressing loneliness among senior citizens as a public health issue |
| Eleanor Klibanoff| Women’s health reporter at The Texas Tribune | Maternal health care and gender-based violence in underserved communities |
Ted alcorn, an independent journalist and adjunct at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, will focus on the growing health disparities in cancer treatment and outcomes between rural and urban areas.Jamal Jordan, a multimedia documentarian and audience editor at The Washington Post, plans to explore how public health officials and community members are tackling the loneliness epidemic among senior citizens.
Eleanor Klibanoff, a women’s health reporter at The Texas Tribune, will investigate maternal health care and gender-based violence in underserved communities.
This fellowship represents a critically important step toward addressing systemic health disparities through the power of journalism. By equipping journalists with the resources and training they need, the program aims to produce stories that not only inform but also inspire action.
For more information about the Public Health Reporting Fellowship, visit the National Press Club Journalism Institute website.
National Press Club Journalism institute Launches Public Health Reporting Fellowship
The National Press Club Journalism Institute (NPCJI) has unveiled an aspiring fellowship program aimed at empowering journalists to tackle pressing public health issues. With a focus on solutions-oriented reporting, the initiative seeks to drive meaningful change in public health policies and practices.
A Platform for Impactful Journalism
“Nuanced reporting on these types of complex public-health issues takes time and focus, and we are thrilled to help these journalists create the space to do this significant work,” said Ed Kelley, president of the NPC journalism Institute. “We also are confident this reporting will reveal the impact of solutions-oriented ideas that could make real changes in public health.”
The fellowship provides journalists with up to $7,500 each to support their projects, which must be completed within six months. All reporting will be published or distributed by July 2025. Fellows will also receive specialized training from the NPC Journalism Institute, focusing on public health issues, data analysis, and resource utilization. Additionally, they will benefit from mentorship by leading public health experts and seasoned journalists.
Meet the Judges
The cohort was selected by three distinguished journalists renowned for their expertise in public health reporting:
- Dr. Céline Gounder,MD,ScM,FIDSA,an internist,infectious disease specialist,and epidemiologist trained at Princeton University,Johns Hopkins University,the University of Washington,and Harvard University.Dr. Gounder is also a CBS News Medical Contributor,a Senior Fellow at KFF,and Editor-at-large for Public Health at KFF Health News.
- Pien Huang, a reporter on NPR’s Science desk, focuses on public health and health disparities. She also guest hosts NPR news programs and narrates the “Short Wave” podcast.
- Lygia Navarro, an award-winning bilingual and disabled independent journalist, specializes in long-form narrative print and audio stories centered on health and Latine communities.Her project will investigate the impact of H5N1 on immigrant workers and explore policy improvements to benefit both workers and public health.
- Amanda Seitz, a healthcare policy reporter for The Associated Press, based in Washington, D.C., examines how federal decisions shape healthcare delivery across the U.S. Her project will delve into the public health implications of Donald Trump’s immigration policies and the efforts of community organizations in Texas to provide healthcare to migrants.
Key Details at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Fellowship Duration | 6 months |
| Funding | Up to $7,500 per fellow |
| Publication Deadline | July 2025 |
| Training Focus | Public health issues, data analysis, resource utilization |
| Mentorship | Leading public health experts and journalists |
A Call to Action
This fellowship represents a unique opportunity for journalists to delve into critical public health issues and propose actionable solutions. By supporting in-depth reporting, the NPC Journalism Institute aims to foster a deeper understanding of public health challenges and inspire policy changes that benefit communities nationwide.
For more information on the fellowship and its impact, visit the National Press Club Journalism Institute website.
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This article is based exclusively on information provided in the source material. All quotes and details are attributed to the original text.Common Health Coalition: Bridging the Gap between health Care and Public Health
In a bold move to transform the nation’s health landscape,the Common Health Coalition: Together for Public Health has emerged as a unifying force,bringing together leading health organizations to reimagine a system where health care and public health work hand in hand. With a mission to achieve better health for all, the Coalition is spearheaded by a diverse group of stakeholders, including the Alliance of Community health Plans, AHIP, the American Hospital Association, the american Medical Association, and Kaiser Permanente.
Chaired by former New York City Commissioner of Health Dr.Dave A. Chokshi, the Coalition is guided by an advisory council of public health leaders, including Dr. Georges C. Benjamin, Executive Director of the American Public Health association, and Dr. J. Nadine Gracia, President and CEO of Trust for america’s Health. Chelsea cipriano,MPH,serves as the Coalition’s managing director,ensuring the initiative’s vision is translated into actionable strategies.
A Unified Vision for Health Equity
The Common Health Coalition is hosted by the Institute for Public Health Innovation, a non-profit dedicated to building cross-sector partnerships, promoting health equity, and fostering effective public health systems.By addressing the disconnect between health care and public health, the Coalition aims to create policies and practices that benefit communities nationwide.
“Our goal is to ensure that the nation’s health care and public health systems no longer work in parallel but collaborate seamlessly to achieve better health outcomes for all,” said Dr. Chokshi.
How to Get Involved
For those interested in supporting this transformative initiative, the coalition invites individuals to sign up for their newsletter and stay updated on their progress. Visit commonhealthcoalition.org to learn more and follow their journey on LinkedIn.
The Role of Journalism in Public Health
Meanwhile, the National Press Club Journalism Institute continues to champion an independent and free press, equipping journalists with the skills and standards needed to inform the public effectively. As the non-profit affiliate of the National Press Club, the Institute plays a crucial role in promoting journalism that serves the public interest.
“an engaged global citizenry depends on a free press that holds power accountable and inspires a more representative democracy,” said a spokesperson for the Institute. To stay informed about their initiatives, visit pressclubinstitute.org.
Key Players in the Coalition
| Role | name | Association |
|——————————-|—————————|—————————————|
| Chair | Dr. Dave A.Chokshi | Former NYC Commissioner of Health |
| Managing Director | Chelsea Cipriano, MPH | Common Health Coalition |
| Advisory Council Chair | Dr. Georges C. Benjamin | American Public Health Association |
| Advisory Council Member | Dr. J. Nadine Gracia | Trust for America’s Health |
A Call to Action
The Common Health Coalition represents a pivotal step toward a more integrated and equitable health system. By fostering collaboration between health care and public health, the initiative promises to address systemic challenges and improve outcomes for communities across the nation.Join the movement today by visiting commonhealthcoalition.org and following their updates on LinkedIn.Together, we can build a healthier future for all.National Press Club Journalism Institute and Common Health Coalition Announce 2025 Public Health Reporting Fellows
The National Press Club Journalism Institute (NPCJI) and the Common Health Coalition have unveiled their 2025 Public Health Reporting Fellows, marking a significant step in advancing public health journalism. This initiative aims to empower journalists to tackle critical health issues with depth and accuracy, fostering a more informed public.
The program, led by beth Francesco, Executive Director of the NPCJI, seeks to equip journalists with the tools and knowledge to report on pressing health challenges. “This fellowship is a unique opportunity for journalists to deepen their understanding of public health and produce impactful stories,” said Francesco.
Key Highlights of the Fellowship
The fellowship will focus on training journalists to cover complex health topics, including healthcare disparities, pandemic preparedness, and mental health. Fellows will gain access to expert resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to enhance their reporting skills.
| Program Details |
|———————-|
| Organization | National Press Club Journalism Institute & Common Health Coalition |
| Program Name | 2025 Public Health Reporting Fellows |
| Contact | Beth francesco, Executive Director, 202-662-7523 |
| Website | pressclubinstitute.org |
How to Apply or Learn More
For those interested in the program, detailed information about the fellows and judges is available on the NPCJI website. Inquiries can be directed to Beth Francesco via email at [email protected].
Multimedia and Additional Resources
To explore the original declaration and download multimedia, visit the PR Newswire release.
Stay Connected
Follow the national Press Club Journalism Institute on LinkedIn for updates on this initiative and other programs.
This fellowship represents a pivotal moment for public health journalism, offering a platform for journalists to drive meaningful change through their reporting. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this transformative program.
Interview with Dr. Dave A. Chokshi adn Beth Francesco: Advancing Public Health and Journalism
Editor: Thank you both for joining us today. Dr. Dave A. Chokshi, let’s start with you. Could you share the overarching vision of the Common Health Coalition and why it’s so critical today?
Dr. Dave A. chokshi: Absolutely. The Common Health Coalition is rooted in the belief that our nation’s health care and public health systems must work in harmony, not in parallel. Our goal is to bridge the disconnect between these sectors to create policies and practices that genuinely benefit communities nationwide. This initiative aims to address systemic challenges and promote health equity, ensuring better health outcomes for all.
Editor: that’s a powerful mission. beth, how does the National Press Club Journalism Institute (NPCJI) fit into this landscape of public health advocacy?
Beth Francesco: At the NPCJI, we firmly believe that an informed public is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy.Our collaboration with the Common health Coalition through the 2025 public Health Reporting Fellows program is designed to equip journalists with the tools and knowledge to report on critical health issues effectively. By amplifying accurate and impactful stories, we aim to foster a more engaged and informed global citizenry.
Editor: That’s engaging. Dr. Chokshi, can you elaborate on the role of the Coalition’s advisory council and the key leaders involved?
Dr. Dave A. Chokshi: Certainly. Our advisory council is composed of distinguished public health leaders like Dr. Georges C. Benjamin of the American Public Health Association and Dr. J. Nadine Gracia of the Trust for America’s Health. Their expertise and guidance are instrumental in shaping our strategies and ensuring that our efforts are both inclusive and impactful.
Editor: Beth, what specifics can you share about the 2025 Public health Reporting Fellows program? How can journalists benefit from this initiative?
Beth Francesco: This fellowship is a unique prospect for journalists to deepen their understanding of public health.Over the course of the program, fellows will gain access to expert resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. they’ll focus on covering complex topics like healthcare disparities, pandemic preparedness, and mental health, ultimately producing stories that drive meaningful change.
Editor: Dr. Chokshi, for those inspired by the Coalition’s mission, how can individuals or organizations get involved?
Dr. Dave A. Chokshi: we welcome anyone passionate about health equity to join our movement. Individuals can sign up for our newsletter on our website, commonhealthcoalition.org, and follow our updates on LinkedIn. By staying connected, you’ll be part of a collective effort to build a healthier future for all.
Editor: Beth, where can interested journalists find more details about the fellowship and the NPCJI’s other programs?
Beth Francesco: Detailed information about the program and request process is available on our website, pressclubinstitute.org. I can also be reached directly via email at [email protected]. We encourage journalists to explore this transformative opportunity and join us in advancing public health journalism.
Editor: Thank you both for your time and insights.It’s clear that the Common Health Coalition and the NPCJI are making important strides in promoting health equity and advancing public health journalism. We look forward to seeing the impact of these initiatives.
