Free Cdc Print Materials A Guide To Educational And Health Resources Available At No Cost

Jan. 31, 2026, 10:30 a.m.

Tags: cdc

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers a selection of printed educational materials available to the public and professionals at no cost. These resources cover a wide range of public health topics, from disease prevention and safety to developmental milestones for children. While the availability and ordering processes for these materials vary, they represent a valuable resource for families, educators, healthcare facilities, and community organizations. The CDC has historically provided these materials through its Publications on Demand service and specific program websites. However, significant changes to these services are scheduled for late 2025, making it essential for interested parties to understand the current landscape of available resources and how to access them.

Accessing Free CDC Publications

The CDC provides free printed materials through several channels, primarily via its Publications on Demand service and specific program websites like "Learn the Signs. Act Early." These resources are designed to disseminate critical public health information in an accessible format. The range of available materials is extensive, including posters, fact sheets, books, activity guides, bookmarks, and more.

According to a third-party blog post from Hey It's Free, the CDC has offered printed copies on public health issues for many years. The blog notes that materials are organized by "Material Type" and "Audience," allowing users to easily filter for items relevant to their needs. For example, selecting "poster" can yield over 180 options, while "books" may offer around 19 options for children's reading material. Other available categories include cards, charts, magnets, postcards, and stickers. The "Audience" filter helps locate materials targeted at specific groups, such as children, adolescents, or college students. The blog also mentions that many items have a daily limit but are refreshed the following day.

It is crucial to note that the CDC Publications on Demand service is ending. An announcement from the American Health Care Association/Nursing Homes (AHCA/NCAL) blog, published on June 18, 2025, states that the service will cease after September 2025. Supplies will not be restocked, and the opportunity to order free print materials will be gone for good. This announcement encourages facilities to stock up on materials for future training, infection prevention campaigns, and regulatory readiness. The materials available are noted to be useful for programs focused on Antibiotic Stewardship (ASP), Hand Hygiene, Sharps Safety, Sepsis Prevention, Dialysis Safety, and C. Difficile Infection Prevention.

"Learn the Signs. Act Early." Program Materials

One of the most prominent programs offering free materials is "Learn the Signs. Act Early.," which focuses on childhood developmental milestones. Materials from this program are available for order and shipment at no cost through a dedicated online ordering site. For those who need materials quickly or in larger quantities than the ordering limits allow, the CDC recommends downloading and printing the materials directly. Additionally, state Act Early Ambassadors may have customized materials available.

The program offers materials in multiple formats, including English and Spanish, to support families and caregivers. For instance, there are "Milestone Moments" booklets and checklists that providers can use to fill in the types of referrals being made and help families understand any barriers they may face in the referral process.

Customization and Translation Options

For organizations wishing to distribute materials with their own branding, the CDC provides a process for customization. Interested parties must email the CDC to request access to customizable files, which are hosted on a Box.com account. These files are typically in Adobe InDesign format and have the CDC/HHS logos removed to allow for the addition of an organization's contact information or logo. It is important to note that customized materials may not include the CDC or HHS logos, and the core content, including developmental milestones, cannot be edited.

The CDC also offers certified translations of most materials in Spanish and some other languages, such as Simplified Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese. Non-CDC partners have also translated materials into other languages, including Russian, Turkish, French, Indonesian, Bengali, Urdu, and Portuguese. To access these additional translations, one must email the CDC. For organizations interested in creating their own translations, the CDC provides guidelines, which include referencing the original CDC materials, not using CDC or HHS logos, and submitting the final translation to the CDC for review before distribution.

The Future of CDC Print Materials

The impending closure of the CDC Publications on Demand service in September 2025 marks a significant shift in how these resources are distributed. While the CDC will likely continue to provide digital versions of its educational materials, the era of ordering free, printed copies for direct shipment is ending. This change underscores the importance of understanding the current availability and acting before the deadline. The AHCA/NCAL announcement highlights the value these materials hold for healthcare facilities in maintaining compliance and educating staff and patients. For the general public, this means that the ability to easily order a variety of free health and safety materials will be severely limited after the fall of 2025.

How to Order Materials

Based on the available information, the process for ordering materials varies by program. For the general Publications on Demand service, users could previously browse and select materials for shipment. For the "Learn the Signs. Act Early." program, an online ordering site is available for free shipment of limited quantities. The process for customization involves direct communication with the CDC via email to gain access to editable files. The same email address is used for inquiries about translations and ordering materials.

Conclusion

The CDC's provision of free print materials has been a long-standing and valuable service for promoting public health and education. These resources, ranging from posters on infection control to booklets on child development, have supported countless individuals and organizations. However, with the scheduled termination of the Publications on Demand service in September 2025, the landscape for accessing these tangible resources is changing. While digital alternatives will remain, the opportunity to stock up on free printed materials is limited. For programs like "Learn the Signs. Act Early.," ordering and customization options are still available, but interested parties should act promptly to utilize these services. The information provided in this article is based on a review of official sources and third-party reports, all of which point to a limited window for accessing these valuable, no-cost educational tools.