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A group of former employees from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recently dismissed under the Trump administration, have come together to establish the National Public Health Coalition. This new advocacy group aims to uphold public health standards and counteract the significant cuts and changes that have reshaped the agency since 2023. Their creation marks a pivotal movement in the fight for science-based public health policy in the United States.
A Dream Job Turned Nightmare
Abby Tighe, who joined the CDC in December 2023 to manage a national youth substance abuse prevention programme, believed she had found her ideal career. With a focus on rural communities and a mission that resonated with her Appalachian roots, Tighe felt fulfilled in her role. However, her aspirations were abruptly shattered on 14 February 2025, when she received a standard email informing her of her termination as part of a sweeping reduction in the agency’s workforce.
Since then, over 4,000 CDC employees have been let go, equating to nearly a third of the agency’s workforce. As Tighe and her colleagues grappled with their unexpected unemployment, they formed a mutual aid network named Fired But Fighting. Their initial goal was to reclaim their positions, but as the months progressed, it became evident that the CDC they once knew had transformed beyond recognition under the leadership of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy.
The Birth of the National Public Health Coalition
In October 2025, the group rebranded itself as the National Public Health Coalition, seeking to fill the void left by the CDC’s drastic changes. Aryn Backus, a former health communication specialist also dismissed during the layoffs, articulated the coalition’s mission: “We saw there was a need for an organization that stands in the gap.” The new name, suggested by former Surgeon General Jerome Adams, was intended to foster inclusivity and bipartisanship, moving away from the confrontational tone of their previous identity.
The coalition comprises a diverse array of professionals, from data scientists to communication experts, all committed to advocating for evidence-based public health practices. They have initiated projects such as the CDC Data Project, which aims to track the impacts of budget cuts on vital health programmes, providing clear data visualisations to inform the public and lawmakers alike.
Building a Shadow CDC
The emergence of the National Public Health Coalition is reflective of a broader movement among former CDC employees and public health advocates to create what some refer to as a “shadow CDC.” This collective includes various non-profit organisations, medical associations, and academic institutions working together to address the gaps left by federal public health agencies. As the Trump administration continues to implement significant changes, including the dissemination of misleading health information, these groups strive to maintain public trust and provide accurate health guidance.
In this context, the coalition has begun to engage directly with lawmakers to highlight the real-world consequences of the administration’s budget cuts, such as the elimination of crucial programmes aimed at combatting lead contamination in children. Tighe describes this advocacy work as a “CDC response,” reflecting their commitment to uphold public health standards despite their displaced status.
Reimagining Public Health Advocacy
With approximately 100 active volunteers, the National Public Health Coalition is in the process of securing non-profit status and operates primarily through small donations and merchandise sales. They are focused not just on restoring their former roles but on reshaping public health communication to better connect with communities. Tighe acknowledges that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated perceptions of the CDC as disconnected from local needs, stressing the importance of improving engagement through less technical language and enhanced social media presence.
As the public health landscape shifts, the coalition aims to empower more health professionals to take on roles in policy-making, advocating for a more integrated approach to public health. Adams emphasises the importance of these independent voices, asserting that their commitment to public health, free from political pressures, is crucial in rebuilding trust.
Why it Matters
The formation of the National Public Health Coalition represents a significant response to the erosion of public health infrastructure in the United States. As the federal government withdraws from its commitment to public health, the coalition and its allies serve as a critical bulwark against misinformation and disinvestment. Their efforts not only aim to restore lost jobs but also to advocate for a more resilient and trustworthy public health system, one that prioritises community engagement and scientific integrity. This movement highlights the essential role of public health professionals in safeguarding the health of the nation, especially in an era marked by uncertainty and distrust.
