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Topic: Health
Article

How a Freelancer Pitched a Story on a Controversial Condition to Undark

"Jyoti Madhusoodanan, a freelance science and health journalist in Portland, Ore., had been curious about Morgellon’s disease ever since coming across it while studying microbiology in graduate school. The condition — which causes intensely uncomfortable sensations like crawling, burning or stinging under the skin, leading to scratching and sores — is controversial among clinicians and researchers, who disagree about its roots. ... Here, Madhusoodanan shares the pitch that landed the assignment, and more about the story behind the story. Check out the highlighted sections of her pitch, too, for some of my takeaways on what else freelancers can learn."
Article

Trump’s 2027 Budget Proposes Deep Cuts to Science Programs

C&EN analyzes the proposal for multiple science agencies, which "would face $73 billion in cuts, including reduced funding for scientific research and health and environmental programs." The article includes many handy outbound links for reference.
Fellowships & Grants

Solutions Visuals – CBNI

Solutions Journalism Network

"The Solutions Visuals program, part of SJN’s Climate Beacon Newsroom Initiative, is SJN’s first dedicated visuals program, created to train newsrooms in producing solutions-focused photos, videos and multimedia stories. ... The program works with U.S.-based newsrooms to expand, experiment with and refine their visual coverage of the responses to climate change and how those solutions intersect with issues like health, economics and civic life. Throughout 12 months of training and mentorship, newsrooms learn how to move beyond images of disaster and devastation and develop the visual storytelling skills needed to capture evidence-based climate solutions in action. ... This year, six newsrooms will be selected to receive $10,000 each along with a year of coaching and support from SJN staff and partners, including award-winning photographers and visual storytellers." Deadline: April 24, 2026.
Events

Outrider Science Media Forum

"Outrider’s Science Media Forum connects journalists with NASA’s latest technology to help them cover local science stories. This free, one-day event shows media professionals how to use NASA research and resources in their reporting on health and the environment. ... We offer travel grants to U.S. reporters to cover the cost of lodging and travel to Madison, Wisconsin."
  • When: May 14, 2026 (apply by April 15)
  • Where: The Pyle Center, Madison, Wisconsin
Fellowships & Grants

Stanford Health Media Fellowship

Stanford School of Medicine

This fellowship is a "paid, graduate-level training opportunity to help fill gaps in solutions-driven health reporting across the United States. Starting with an in-person fall bootcamp, fellows are introduced to a wide scope of health topics, while also taking a deep dive into cross-platform media production. Over the course of six months, fellows engage in mentorship opportunities while producing stories that deepen our understanding of health challenges and disparities — while also featuring the innovative searches for solutions that are targeting these issues head-on." Open to applicants with a traditional media background, as well as those in health care or research. Deadline: April 30, 2026.
Article

How To Cover Science at Risk – Lessons From Ukraine

The Association of British Science Writers "partnered with Science at Risk, a digital platform and community of Ukrainian scientists affected by Russia’s war, and Olesia Pavlyshyn, a science journalist and Editor-in-Chief of the Ukrainian popular science media 'Kunsht', to prepare some guidelines on what and how to report about science during wartime. The article ... discusses Ukrainian examples, but these can also be applied in other conflict situations."  
Fellowships & Grants

IRE Fellowships & Scholarships

Investigative Reporters & Editors

"IRE offers numerous fellowships and scholarships each year, thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and donors. Assistance typically includes a one-year IRE membership/renewal and the program registration fee." Options include but are not limited to:    
Video

Data Journalism: Reporting Where Climate and Health Meet

"In this webinar, Climate Central and SciLine walked journalists through the tools and skills needed to report accurately and confidently when climate and health overlap. Journalists learned how to find climate and health data, key terminology, where to find the right experts, and how to tell familiar stories in a way that centers the communities most affected by climate change and its health impacts. We also looked at real newsroom examples of health reporting built on these tools and skills, so you can see firsthand what kinds of questions the data can help answer and how it fits into timely storytelling. You’ll walk away from this session with story ideas, paired with graphics, toolkits, and expert resources to support your reporting."
  • When: April 7, 2026 @ 1-2 p.m. ET
Resource Database / Guide

Covering Drugs: A Media Resource Guide

This guide includes research, surveys, data, and other helpful information for journalists covering substance use, addiction, overdose, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery."
Events

The Hidden Toll: Reporting on Youth Autism and Mental Health in the Misinformation Age

Center for Health Journalism, USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism

"Autism is in the national spotlight. Diagnoses have risen steadily in recent decades, and the appointment of RFK Jr. as health secretary ushered in fresh scrutiny and misinformation on the condition at the highest levels of government. Amidst all the debates, the reality of what it means to be an autistic child or adolescent is often overlooked. In this [USC Annenberg/Center for Health Journalism] webinar, we’ll delve into new in-depth reporting that is bringing fresh attention to the mental health challenges of growing up with autism, discuss ways to counter growing misinformation about the disorder, and provide reporting guidelines that will help journalists rigorously evaluate the evidence behind new claims and treatments."
  • When: April 15, 2026 @ 1-2 p.m. ET
Video

Understanding ChatGPT Health: How Large Language Models Are Being Used To Triage Care

"Earlier this year, OpenAI launched ChatGPT Health, a feature allowing users to incorporate data from their medical records and wellness apps to ask questions about their health and test results, and understand potential treatment options. In this webinar, panelists covered how it works, the potential benefits and cautions for this and other ChatGPT platforms, how patients and physicians are using large language models in health care now, and what journalists and consumers need to know."
Awards

NPF Easterseals Award for Excellence in Coverage of Disabilities

National Press Foundation (NPF)

"NPF has established a new annual journalism award sponsored by Easterseals, a national disability services nonprofit, to promote outstanding journalism that expands the public’s understanding of issues impacting people with disabilities. The Easterseals Award for Excellence in Coverage of Disabilities, which carries a $10,000 prize, will recognize exemplary reporting on the wide-ranging topics affecting more than 70 million Americans with a disability today. The award will recognize reporting that deepens the public’s understanding of the challenges and successes experienced by people with disabilities."
Training program

Covering Workplace Mental Health Fellowship

National Press Foundation (NPF)

"From AI chatbot therapists to return-to-office orders, the fluctuating gig economy and generational differences – the workplace is rife with mental health issues for journalists to cover. To encourage accurate, nuanced and in-depth reporting on mental health issues, treatments and advances at work, the National Press Foundation will hold a two-day training fellowship in Washington, D.C., May 13-14, 2026. Apply by April 7. Selected business and health journalists will have the opportunity to question expert speakers in organizational psychology and human resources, as well as get the story behind the story from the winner of the Carolyn C. Mattingly Award for Mental Health Reporting. NPF offers this professional development opportunity for journalists to enhance skills, increase knowledge and recharge their reporting. The foundation will cover airfare, hotel costs and some meals. Open only to journalists based in the U.S."
Resource Database / Guide

Visualizing Climate Litigation

Climate Visuals

"Limited to familiar photographs of people on court steps, or stock images of corporate offices, the visual language of climate litigation is often restricted to depicting a technical process or functioning as surface-level illustration alongside text. But what about the realities of the human and environmental stories being fought in court? Photography can bring those realities into sharp focus for audiences, connecting technical details and context with relatable, engaging, human stories. ... This resource, informed by conversations across the litigation, photography, journalism and NGO sectors, aims to provide practical guidance for making and distributing engaging visual storytelling of climate litigation, making the most of the opportunities that effective photography offers, and helping to get the right images into the right hands and in front of audiences."
Video

Media Briefing: Maternal Health in Rural America

"The number of rural hospitals providing obstetric care is declining, and rural residents are at greater risk of pregnancy-related death and adverse health outcomes. SciLine’s media briefing covered how living in a rural community shapes pregnancy and childbirth, the impact of hospital maternity-unit closures on care access and insurance coverage, and the long-term health consequences of limited access to maternal health care for both birthing parents and infants. Three scientific experts participated in a moderated conversation and then took reporter questions on the record."
Fellowships & Grants

McCloy Fellowships on Global Trends

"In an era of rapid change and global interconnection, understanding and addressing the challenges of tomorrow has never been more urgent. The McCloy Fellowships on Global Trends are designed to empower young American and German professionals to dive deep into the critical issues that shape our world today – issues like national security, demographic changes, urbanization, energy and the environment, sustainability, technological innovation, public health, and global economic concerns such as inflation, trade, and supply chains. Fellows have the freedom to design their research programs, choose where to go and identify whom to engage with, allowing for an enriching experience that fosters cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration. Fellows receive a $7,000 stipend covering travel expenses (including transatlantic airfare and domestic travel) and room and board for at least 21 days. American Fellows travel to Germany, and German Fellows travel to the United States." Deadline: April 24, 2026.
Fellowships & Grants

McGraw Fellowship for Business Journalism

"The McGraw Fellowships, an initiative of the Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY, provide experienced journalists with a grant up to $15,000 and the editorial support needed to produce deeply reported enterprise and investigative stories that delve into critical issues related to the global economy, business or finance. Given the enormous changes in federal spending and policy priorities now taking place in Washington DC, we are particularly interested in story proposals that examine the impact of these changes. Both freelance and staff journalists in all forms of media with at least five years’ professional experience are eligible. Journalists from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Previous McGraw Fellows have explored a wide variety of topics -- and you don't need to be a business reporter to apply. Many have been generalists, or cover beats such as the environment, health care, education. Others focus on inequality or corporate accountability." Deadlines:
  • April 13, 2026 for the Spring 2026 fellowships
  • October 12, 2026 for the Fall 2026 fellowships
Article

The Regulation Gap: How To Cover Toxic Chemicals in U.S. Products

"Scientists and public health advocates increasingly document links between everyday chemical exposures and serious health outcomes, yet, in many cases, those chemicals remain legal and widely used. As health journalists, we have to grapple ... with the science and the social, regulatory, and political realities that allow hazardous chemicals to persist on shelves and in the food supply long after data suggest they might harm people. Covering toxic chemicals is about examining the systems and choices that shape what’s in Americans’ bodies, why scientific knowledge doesn’t always translate into regulation, and who is disproportionately affected by the risks."
Conference

2026 Outrider Science Media Forum

"In collaboration with NASA’s Health and Applied Sciences Team (HAQAST), the Outrider Science Media Forum is a platform for journalists, digital creators, and scientists to learn about and discuss the latest tools and trends in science reporting. This free, one-day conference and training focuses on how media makers can integrate NASA research and resources into their human health and environmental reporting. Applications are open on our conference website through April 15, 2026. Space is limited. Event registration includes all conference sessions and networking events, including the welcome reception and meals, as well as access to post-conference video recordings. We offer travel grants to U.S. reporters to cover the cost of lodging and travel to Madison, Wisconsin."
Video

Vaccine Trends and Misinformation Among Older Adults

"Vaccine uptake for influenza, COVID-19, RSV and shingles among adults over age 60 remains low, according to data from the University of Michigan and the CDC. Older adults with multiple chronic conditions are especially vulnerable to these diseases. Meanwhile, emergency department visits and hospitalizations for some of these viruses are increasing, CDC tracking data points to high respiratory virus activity in Alabama and trending upwards in the Pacific Northwest, California, and parts of the south, including Florida, Louisiana and Arkansas. Misinformation, cost and fear of side effects are just a few of the rationales given for not staying up-to-date on these important preventive measures. In this webinar, experts in epidemiology and infectious disease will review the latest data and immunization trends. We’ll also discuss how these vaccines may provide additional protective benefits beyond preventing severe disease and how journalists can help counter misinformation."
Resource Database / Guide

Rare Disease Reporting Guide

National Press Foundation (NPF)

"Rare disease researchers, patients and caregivers alike often welcome news media coverage to bring awareness to conditions that, despite the term 'rare,' collectively impact more than 300 million people worldwide. However, journalists should take special considerations in both the newsgathering and reporting process to treat subjects ethically and best serve audiences. "
Fellowships & Grants

Solutions Journalism Student Media Challenge

"The Solutions Journalism Network is building a cohort of student news outlets at colleges and universities for the 2026-27 academic year that will do solutions reporting on the urgent topic of youth mental health. The classes/newsrooms selected will receive $7,500 to pursue their reporting, along with deep training, cohort learning and more support." Deadline: March 20. Questions? Attend one of two online info sessions:
Training program

The Mental Health Reporting Project

"Poynter’s Mental Health Reporting Project equips journalists with specialized tools to cover sensitive topics ethically across all beats. Through five expert-led sessions, journalists learn accountable approaches to trauma, suicide, addiction, and mental health disparities that traditional training often overlooks. Developed in partnership with The Carter Center, this self-paced program delivers practical insights to minimize harm while creating impactful stories. Participants gain essential skills that protect their own mental health while producing nuanced coverage that engages audiences and serves vulnerable communities."
Fellowships & Grants

ABSW Media Fellowship for Researchers in Healthcare, Engineering or Science

The Association of British Science Writers is offering a Media Fellowship for researchers in the East of England to spend two to six weeks, paid, at a media outlet during summer. Receive mentoring from professional journalists to learn how to “engage with the media, tackle issues of mistrust and misrepresentation and give journalists access to new scientific expertise.” Deadline: February 11, 2026.
Fellowships & Grants

Food Systems and Public Health Fellowship for Journalists

Johns Hopkins University Center for a Livable Future

"CLF established the Food Systems and Public Health fellowship for Journalists in 2024 with the goal of helping early-to-mid career journalists learn about and navigate the complexity of issues at the intersection of public health and food systems, with a special focus on issues associated with food animal production. The fellowship aims to cultivate a supportive network for journalists who are striving to report on under-communicated stories that reflect the interrelationship of food production, the public’s health, and the promise of healthy, just, equitable, and sustainable food systems. Preference will be given to journalists with seven or fewer years of experience on the food systems beat, and staff and freelance journalists across all media platforms are eligible to apply. Fellows are also eligible to apply for a reporting grant. The 2026-2027 cohort will begin in Baltimore, Maryland, with an in-person event from June 2 to 5, 2026. The fellows’ costs for travel to Baltimore, lodging, and meals will be covered." Deadline: March 1, 2026.