Strong Leadership at CDC Essential in Wake of Acting Director’s Exit

The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) is concerned about the absence of confirmed, permanent leadership at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) following the recent departure of the acting director and appointment of NIH director as the acting director.

SHEA believes it is critical that strong, experienced, and highly qualified experts in public health and infectious diseases be appointed to lead CDC with the stability and authority necessary to fulfill its mission of protecting the health and safety of the American people. At a time when states and local jurisdictions are shouldering increased responsibility for a patchwork public health infrastructure, the nation needs trusted, capable leadership at the federal level.

Effective leadership is vital to restoring and maintaining public confidence in a time marked by growing challenges to science and public health. CDC must be empowered to safeguarding health through clear, evidence-based guidance. While there may be differing views on how best to advance this mission, there is broad agreement that steady, qualified leadership specifically assigned to CDC is indispensable.

We urge the Administration and Senate leadership to act swiftly in appointing a director who can guide CDC through today’s urgent public health challenges and prepare the nation for those that lie ahead, including future public health emergencies. CDC plays a central role in protecting Americans from immediate health threats, improving long-term health outcomes, and building a healthier future for us all.