West Coast States Form Health Alliance Amid CDC Concerns
California, Oregon, and Washington governors formed a West Coast Health Alliance to coordinate public health guidance and vaccine access, responding to White House actions and CDC credibility.
Subscribe to unlock this story
We really don't like cutting you off, but you've reached your monthly limit. At just $5/month, subscriptions are how we keep this project going. Start your free 7-day trial today!
Get StartedHave an account? Sign in
Overview
- Governors from California, Oregon, and Washington have established the West Coast Health Alliance to coordinate public health policies and vaccine access across their states.
- This alliance was formed in direct response to the White House's removal of CDC Director Dr. Susan Monarez and growing concerns regarding the CDC's overall credibility.
- The West Coast Health Alliance aims to issue unified public health guidance and align immunization plans based on recommendations from national medical organizations.
- A similar collaboration involving nine Northeastern states has also emerged, focusing on federal health priorities and discussing coordinated vaccine recommendations.
- These alliances form amidst ongoing disagreements between California Governor Gavin Newsom and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. regarding vaccine safety and CDC politicization.
Report issue
Read both sides in 5 minutes each day
Analysis
"The press release announcing the West Coast Health Alliance on Wednesday criticized the CDC’s dismantling, saying that there is an absence of consistent, science-based federal leadership in public health."
NBC News"The dismantling of public health and dismissal of experienced and respected health leaders and advisors, along with the lack of using science, data, and evidence to improve our nation’s health are placing lives at risk."
ABC NewsArticles (6)
FAQ
The West Coast Health Alliance was formed to coordinate public health policies and vaccine access, ensuring that guidance is unified and grounded in scientific expertise, as a response to concerns about CDC politicization and credibility.
The alliance was established in direct response to leadership shakeups at the CDC, including the removal of CDC Director Dr. Susan Monarez, and concerns that the CDC had become politicized and less credible, especially under President Trump and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
It is currently unclear whether the alliance will distribute COVID-19 vaccines directly, as the alliance statement did not specify distribution plans or address costs for vaccines outside recommended groups.
The alliance plans to issue unified public health guidance informed by trusted scientists and national medical organizations, emphasizing transparent communication grounded in science rather than ideology to build confidence in vaccine safety and efficacy.
The alliance was formed amid disputes over politicization of the CDC following President Trump's administration's actions, such as mass firing of CDC scientists and appointment of vaccine skeptics, leading to public health leaders in California, Oregon, and Washington seeking to uphold scientific integrity independently.
History
- This story does not have any previous versions.