Florida Health Science News You Can Use

Florida’s health landscape is shifting fast, and these changes directly affect our classrooms and future health professionals.

• Vaccine mandates may end statewide, including for school entry. Educators can use this moment to spark debate on personal choice vs. community health, and explore how policy shapes public health outcomes.

• Fluoride has been banned in Florida’s public water systems, raising questions about dental health, preventive care, and the role of evidence in policymaking.

• On a brighter note, the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund is supporting new prevention research, and University of Florida scientists are exploring an experimental universal cancer vaccine with promising early results.

For educators, these stories are more than headlines, they’re teaching opportunities. Bringing them into the classroom strengthens scientific literacy, fosters critical thinking, and prepares students for a dynamic health science landscape.

How will you connect these issues with your students? FAHSE would love to hear your ideas!