California Taps CDC Veterans as Public Health Advisors

Breaking News: California Hires Former CDC Officials as Public Health Consultants California Governor Gavin Newsom announced Monday that two former senior officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will join the state as public health consultants. Susan R. Mendoza, a former director of the CDC, and Dr. Debra Houry, a former chief medical officer and deputy director, will work with the California Department of Public Health to help build trust in science-driven decision-making. According to Newsom's office, Mendoza and Houry will begin their new roles immediately, bringing their expertise to the state's public health efforts. The two former CDC officials were fired and resigned, respectively, due to disputes over changes at the agency during the Trump administration. Their hiring is seen as a strategic move to counter the federal government's recent changes to vaccine and health policy. California, along with Washington and Oregon, launched an alliance in September to establish their own public health guidance and vaccine recommendations. This move was made in response to the federal government's actions, which have been met with criticism from public health experts. The hiring of Mendoza and Houry is expected to have an immediate impact on California's public health efforts. "By bringing on expert scientific leaders to partner in this launch, we're strengthening collaboration and laying the groundwork for a modern public health infrastructure that will offer trust and stability in scientific data not just across California, but nationally and globally," Newsom said in a statement. The addition of Mendoza and Houry to California's public health team is a significant step in the state's efforts to establish itself as a leader in public health. The two former CDC officials will work closely with state health officials to develop and implement evidence-based policies and guidelines. In a statement, Dr. Mark Ghaly, California's Secretary of Health and Human Services, said, "We're thrilled to welcome Susan and Debra to our team. Their expertise and experience will be invaluable in helping us build a stronger, more resilient public health system in California." As California continues to navigate the complexities of public health policy, the hiring of Mendoza and Houry is a significant development. The state's efforts to establish its own public health guidance and vaccine recommendations are seen as a model for other states to follow. With the addition of these two former CDC officials, California is well-positioned to lead the way in promoting evidence-based public health policies.