1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am deeply concerned about the current state of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and urge immediate action to restore critical programs and personnel. The CDC, our nation's frontline defense against health threats, is in critical condition due to severe budget cuts and staff reductions. Recent reports indicate that the CDC has lost between a quarter to a third of its workforce through multiple rounds of job cuts. This drastic reduction has led to the termination of vital public health programs targeting smoking reduction, dental health, and gun violence prevention. Even more alarming is the loss of staff trained for radiation emergencies and outbreak responses, leaving our nation vulnerable to future health crises. The consequences of these cuts extend far beyond the agency itself. By diminishing the CDC's capabilities, we are jeopardizing our ability to prevent diseases, respond to outbreaks, and protect public health. This short-sighted approach to budget management will likely result in higher healthcare costs and increased mortality rates in the long run. Furthermore, the appointment of officials who may not fully support evidence-based practices, such as vaccine promotion, threatens to undermine public trust in this critical institution. The CDC's ability to effectively communicate scientific consensus on issues like vaccines, autism, and measles is crucial for maintaining public health. Investing in the CDC is an investment in prevention, which pays significant dividends in both lives saved and healthcare costs avoided. I strongly urge you to take immediate action to restore funding to the CDC, reinstate terminated programs, and ensure that the agency is led by experienced public health professionals who respect scientific consensus. The health and safety of our nation depend on a robust and fully functional CDC. Please act now to reverse these damaging cuts and strengthen our public health infrastructure before we face another major health crisis unprepared.