Health Misinformation — Here's How We Fight Back.

70% of Americans have encountered health misinformation online.
Yeah, you read that right. And it’s not just some random "fake news" issue — it’s literally costing lives.

Let's Get Into It:

When COVID-19 hit, misinformation spread faster than the virus. TikTok, WhatsApp groups, barbershop debates — everywhere you turned, somebody had "heard something." And it didn't stop with COVID. From vaccines to mental health to reproductive rights, misinformation is still hustling its way through our communities, unchecked.

Public health misinformation isn't just about "wrong facts." It's about trust. It's about history. It's about centuries of people being lied to, neglected, and disrespected — and then being told, "Just trust us."

So how do we fight back without sounding like we're preaching from some ivory tower?

The Blueprint (Straight from the Community AND the Research):

• Whole-Community Approach:
  No solo heroes here. Fighting misinformation needs everybody: barbers, pastors, coaches, aunties, rappers, activists. When info comes from folks you already trust, it hits different.
• Education That Feels Real:
  Teach media literacy the same way we teach kids to watch out for street scams. Break it down. No PhD language. Just "Here's how you know when someone's trying to play you."
• Proactive Communication:
  Don't wait until a lie goes viral to start talking. Get ahead of it. Share accurate info early and often. Make it fast, make it loud, make it easy to understand.
• Tech Accountability:
  Social media companies have to stop acting brand new. They need policies that actually work to flag and remove dangerous health lies — without silencing real conversations.
• Government Moves:
  Fund real community health work. Support public health agencies. Protect freedom of speech while clamping down on misinformation that's deadly.

Action Steps for YOU:

• Be That Trusted Voice: Share credible health info in your circles. You might be the person someone listens to.
• Push for Health Literacy: Advocate for media and health literacy programs in your schools, churches, and neighborhoods.
• Call Out the BS: When you see misinformation, say something — respectfully but firmly. Lead with facts and empathy.
• Pressure Platforms: Demand better policies from the tech companies you use every day.
• Support Local Leaders: Back the community organizers, educators, and influencers who are already fighting the good fight.

Let's Keep It Moving:

Misinformation isn't just "someone else's problem." It's ours. And we’re not powerless.

Share this newsletter with someone who needs to see it.
Join the conversation.
Stay loud. Stay real. Stay healthy.

Reply and tell us: How have you seen health misinformation show up in your community? What’s working to fight it?