CDC crisis is 'dark moment for public health,' experts say

Plus: Amid chaos at CDC, Kennedy consolidates his power.

August 29, 2025 Check out STAT+

Sponsored By

Mariam Zuhaib/AP STAT+ | Amid chaos at CDC, Kennedy consolidates his power RFK Jr. faces practically no opposition from the White House or lawmakers as he reshapes CDC leadership and rewrites longstanding vaccine policies. By Chelsea Cirruzzo and Isabella Cueto Opinion: Public health leader: Susan Monarez must be reinstated at the CDC In addition to supporting the CDC, restoring Monarez will serve as a desperately needed check on Kennedy's power. By Georges C. Benjamin Crisis within CDC is spilling into real world, experts say CDC staffers, battered by personnel and policy changes ordered by HHS Secretary Kennedy, say elevating misinformation over science creates real-world harm. By Elizabeth Cooney Sarah Gonzalez for STAT STAT+ | Abridge CEO downplays impact of Epic's new AI on call with customers The AI scribe unicorn's integrations with the health record vendor are "100% solid," Rao told hospitals on a private call. By Brittany Trang Opinion: CDC's crisis marks a dark moment for public health The only clear way out of the CDC's crisis is a new secretary of Health and Human Services, writes public health expert Ashish Jha. By Ashish K. Jha Jim O'Neill to be acting director of CDC O'Neill, a former biotech investor who also has past experience at HHS, will take over from Susan Monarez, who was ousted. By Daniel Payne and Chelsea Cirruzzo Adobe Opinion: Dental care is increasingly under threat in the U.S. The removal of access to fluoride, coupled with Congress' cuts to Medicaid, will strip away vital dental protections. By Melissa Burroughs

More around STAT

Check out more exclusive coverage with a STAT+ subscription Read premium in-depth biotech, pharma, policy, and life science coverage and analysis with all of our STAT+ articles.

---

Enjoying Daily Recap? Tell us about your experience Continue reading the latest health & science news with the STAT app Download on the App Store or get it on Google Play

STAT, 1 Exchange Place, Boston, MA ©2025, All Rights Reserved. I no longer wish to receive STAT emails

Update Newsletter Preferences     •    Contact Us     •    Advertise with Us     •    View in Browser