#United States #Washington #Journalism Institute #Public Health Fellowship #Common Health Coalition

National Press Club Journalism Institute Announces 2026 Public Health Reporting Fellowship

The National Press Club Journalism Institute, in collaboration with the Common Health Coalition, has unveiled the 2026 Public Health Reporting Fellowship. This initiative provides a six-month, fully remote opportunity for seasoned journalists to confront urgent public health issues with the necessary resources and expert support.

The fellowship is open to journalists in the U.S. with at least a decade of professional experience. It aims to support comprehensive reporting on critical public health challenges affecting communities. With the demand for trustworthy journalism at an all-time high, this program reflects a commitment to serious investigative work at a moment when accurate information is essential.

Up to five mid-career journalists will be chosen for fellowship awards of up to $7,500 each, designed to fund substantial reporting projects in various formats. This includes print, digital, audio, visual, and broadcast media.

Application Process

The deadline for applications is set for February 16, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST. All fellowship projects must be completed by September 2026. Interested candidates can apply through the provided link on the National Press Club Journalism Institute's website.

“Highlighting the lived experiences of patients and communities enhances understanding among health leaders, influences policy, and fosters change nationwide,” stated Chelsea Cipriano, MPH, managing director of the Common Health Coalition. “Public health reporting holds immense importance right now, and we are excited to partner with the National Press Club Journalism Institute again this year to support journalists in telling these crucial stories.”

In addition to financial support, fellows will partake in an intensive professional development program, which includes monthly training sessions and mentorship tailored to each individual project. They will also have access to prominent public health experts, providing invaluable guidance and insight.

Beth Francesco, executive director of the National Press Club Journalism Institute, emphasized the significance of public health journalism, stating, “It is vital for this field to effectively connect scientific understanding and policy with the experiences of everyday individuals. Getting it right has real implications for communities.” She continued, “This fellowship opens doors for rigorous, ground-level public health journalism, informing the public, amplifying community voices, and fortifying trust in both public health and journalism.”

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants for the fellowship must meet the following criteria:

• - Be a U.S.-based journalist with a minimum of 10 years of experience in the field.
• - Propose a significant public health reporting project across multiple media formats.
• - Submit a detailed project proposal (2-3 pages) that includes:

- The public health issue to be covered, supported by relevant background research.
- The candidate’s qualifications for reporting the story.
- Anticipated sources and reporting approach.
- Intended publication or distribution outlets.
- A comprehensive project budget outlining travel and reporting expenses.

• - For newsroom journalists, a letter of support from an editor or supervisor confirming their participation and publication commitments is required. Freelancers must provide documentation from the outlets planning to publish their projects.

Proven Impact from Previous Fellows

The inaugural 2025 cohort of fellows addressed pressing issues such as rural maternal health, the impacts of H5N1 on Latine immigrant agricultural workers, and the ramifications of U.S. immigration policies on public health outcomes across the country. Grateful for the support of the fellowship, fellows expressed that it provided them with the unique opportunity to undertake ambitious stories that otherwise would have remained untold.

“The fellowship enabled me to pursue a story that was crucial and to engage with the community on the ground, connecting directly with people affected by the issues,” recounted Ted Alcorn, who focused on improvements in cancer care for Kentucky’s rural population.

Eleanor Klibanoff, who reported on rural maternal health for The Texas Tribune, remarked, “In a journalism landscape strained by limited resources, this fellowship is an extraordinary chance to delve deep into stories. The kind of impactful journalism produced through this program is commendable.”

Lygia Navarro highlighted the supportive environment created for fellows: “The backing from the NPCJI and the Common Health Coalition allowed us to have a community of support during a particularly challenging period for journalists covering health.”

About the Common Health Coalition

The Common Health Coalition represents a first-of-its-kind partnership uniting various stakeholders in the healthcare sector, including clinician groups, health departments, hospitals, payers, and community organizations. Founded in 2023, the Coalition aims to foster cooperation and drive results that impact public health substantially. More information about the Coalition can be found on their website, commonhealthcoalition.org.

About the National Press Club Journalism Institute

This organization bolsters the role of a free and independent press in promoting an informed global society. By equipping journalists with the skills and standards necessary for ethical reporting, it fosters a more inclusive democracy. To stay updated on their initiatives, visit pressclubinstitute.org.

For press inquiries, contact Beth Francesco, executive director of the National Press Club Journalism Institute, at [email protected]