The Turbulence in Public Health: A Call for Resilience

The Pause Button

Chaos has descended upon public health as the new administration hits pause on everything: communications, data, research, and even travel. Positions are shifting, and aggressive emails are flying.

A federal advisor aptly stated, "Welcome to the away game." This administration is playing by a different set of rules, using shock, aggression, and swiftness to question science and public health.

Uncertainty and Disruption

The unprecedented pausing of activities has disrupted critical operations. The CDC's scientific journal skipped publication for the first time in 70 years, and real-time data on viruses is being withheld.

Study sections for NIH funding have been canceled, and travel has been halted. Scientific presentations may now require review by a presidential appointee, raising concerns about micromanagement.

National advisory committees responsible for combating antibiotic resistance and vaccine safety have been suspended.

Underlying Motives

Questions linger about the motives behind these actions. While some may reflect a transition period or gaps in knowledge, others suggest a deeper shift in values.

Emails asking scientists to report colleagues and micromanage their work raise fears of control over information flow.

Personal Impact

The changes have a profound impact on frontline healthcare workers. Teams are on leave, and researchers face uncertainty about the future. Epidemiologists eager to release vital data have been silenced.

The economic consequences are also significant, as disruptions in public health systems affect industries such as food production.

Reasons for Hope

Despite the uncertainty, there are reasons for hope:

• Public health is resilient and has weathered challenges before.
• Counterbalancing forces exist within the system.
• Public health remains strong at the local level.
• Science will ultimately prevail as its consequences become undeniable.
• Attention and resources can be strategically used for nuanced conversations.

A Call to Action

Public health is essential for our well-being. Despite the challenges, we must stay engaged, focused, and strategic.

"Stay steady, stay engaged, and keep your eye on the ball. The health of 330 million Americans depends on it."

— Your Local Epidemiologist