Amount of Leadership Changes Could Pose Threats to Public Health

Interconnection between Public Health, the Economy and National Security should not be ignored

SILVER SPRING, MD – August 29, 2025 – The American Nurses Association (ANA), representing the nation’s largest and most trusted segment of the healthcare workforce, expresses serious concerns over the abrupt dismissal of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director and subsequent resignations of key leaders across the CDC.

These developments raise critical questions about the stability and independence of one of our nation’s most vital public health institutions. Public confidence in federal health guidance hinges on agencies that operate free from political interference and grounded solely in science and evidence-based practice.

At a time when America faces constant public health threats, these abrupt changes do not further the public’s trust in our health care system and could potentially pose a direct risk to the safety and security of our nation. We are concerned that if a public health crisis were to occur today, our nation would not be positioned to respond effectively.

“The removal of the CDC Director and resignation of key leaders raises serious questions about our country’s ability to respond to a public health crisis if it were to happen today” said ANA President Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN. “There has been a lot of change but not a lot of change management. The amount of change without transparency and clear communication is whipsawing to healthcare professionals and the public at large. Americans deserve steady and consistent leadership at the helm of the CDC to safeguard their health, safety, the economy and national security.”

Concerns are compounded by the abrupt removal of ANA and other liaisons to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). These exclusions undermine transparency and balance in policy discussions.

“A strong ACIP must be reconstituted to ensure robust and balanced debate. As the largest and most trusted segment of the health care workforce, nurses understand that public health and national security are interconnected as health crises can threaten a nation’s stability, economy and national security. We saw this during COVID. A strong CDC is essential to safeguarding public health.”

“Earlier this year, we were encouraged when President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump described nurses as invaluable and issued a statement on National Nurses Day extending their wholehearted gratitude and utmost respect to our profession," added Mensik Kennedy.

“As nurses, we see the lifesaving impact of public health protections every day. We stand ready to serve but cannot remain silent as transparency and a lack of consistent leadership in these critical agencies have the potential to undermine decades of progress in public health. Ensuring stability and integrity within our public health infrastructure is not optional, it is imperative for the health, well-being and security of our nation.”

ANA respectfully urges the Administration to take immediate steps to restore consistent, balanced, and stable leadership at the CDC. This would also include reinstating ANA and other liaisons to ACIP, and ensuring that advisory panels reflect balance, transparency, and expertise.