Statement from J. Nadine Gracia, M.D., MSCE, President and CEO of Trust for America’s Health on the Termination of the CDC Director and Departure of Senior Leadership at CDC

“We are alarmed and deeply troubled by the abrupt termination of the CDC director, Dr. Susan Monarez, along with the resignations of a number of the agency’s senior leaders. Their departures, along with hundreds of others who have involuntarily left CDC, threaten the nation’s health security and deplete the expertise needed to protect our nation’s health. Less than one month after a targeted shooting at CDC’s headquarters, the agency is left without stable leadership. We express our strong support for CDC staff and their mission, expertise, and impact in promoting health and saving lives.

We cannot accept the weakening of our defenses against health threats, including by subverting well-established, science-based vaccine policies. Our communities are facing respiratory virus and hurricane seasons, while dealing with ongoing chronic disease, mental health, and substance use challenges. The health, economic fortitude, and national security of the U.S. depend on a CDC with experienced, science-driven leaders at the helm.”