Former CDC Directors Warn Black Communities Most at Risk Under Trump’s Cuts

September 2, 2025

The CDC is experiencing significant turmoil following President Trump's dismissal of Director Dr. Susan Monarez, which has triggered mass resignations of senior leaders including Dr. Debra Houry, Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, Dr. Daniel Jernigan, and Dr. Jennifer Layden. The agency has permanently laid off at least 600 employees and gutted divisions focused on violence prevention and HIV/STD awareness, while canceling hundreds of millions in grants to state and local health departments. Jim O'Neill, a venture capitalist with no medical background who believes drug companies shouldn't have to prove effectiveness before selling products, now leads the CDC.

Who is affected

Black Americans (disproportionately affected by the upheaval)
Communities with high HIV rates (Black Americans are diagnosed at seven times the rate of whites)
State and local health departments in areas with large Black populations (including Georgia and Texas)
CDC employees (600+ permanently laid off)
Rural communities and vulnerable populations
Public health recipients who relied on violence prevention and HIV/STD awareness programs
Atlanta community (jobs and health services)

What action is being taken

Nine former CDC directors from both Republican and Democratic administrations are issuing warnings about the impact on America's health security
The Center for Black Health & Equity is urging Black Americans to push for accountability, transparency, and sustained funding
University-led initiatives like the Vaccine Integrity Project are providing independent vaccine data
Violence Prevention Solutions is consulting with local organizations after federal cutbacks

Why it matters

The CDC's expert leadership focused on closing health gaps affecting Black communities has been removed
Critical funding for disease prevention, immunization clinics, and public health jobs has been canceled
Divisions addressing violence prevention and HIV/STD awareness have been gutted
The agency is now led by someone with no medical background who believes drug effectiveness shouldn't be proven before public use
The changes threaten to reverse gains in HIV prevention and other public health achievements
The cuts jeopardize foundational health services for vulnerable communities
Atlanta's health, national security, community wellness, and jobs are at risk

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer