Gratitude for Public Health: COVID-19 and Beyond

Long before joining the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—from my perch as an academic infectious disease physician researcher—I was endlessly grateful for the tireless efforts of the epidemiologists, laboratory scientists, physicians, behavioral scientists, statisticians, communicators, and countless other professionals who work in the field of public health every day.

My appreciation has only grown in the 2 years since I was sworn in as director of CDC and administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and became so closely involved in the agency’s mission to promote a national and global infrastructure of public health. From this seat—through meetings and in one-on-one conversations with colleagues; state, tribal, and local partners; community- and faith-based organizations; and the many individuals devoted to promoting health—I have had the privilege of witnessing every day the power of public health to do good and to protect the lives of millions of people in this country and around the world.

When public health is working well, no one notices. But the once-in-a-century challenge presented by COVID-19 pushed public health into the spotlight.

The COVID-19 pandemic turned out to be what I have been calling the “Superman” moment of public health. In early 2020, we were engaged in our valuable, powerful, day-to-day work. Then, in one dizzying moment, we were called on to enter a telephone booth, don our figurative capes, and emerge as superheroes with the tools to fight COVID-19. While we had knowledge and experience in epidemiology, outbreak response, and behavioral science, we did not have all the answers to the questions posed by this new, unknown health threat. But in those figurative capes, we—the public health community—stood together to confront the most enormous public health challenge of our lifetimes. We rose to the incredible occasion that we trained for, but never asked for, and hoped would never become a reality.

Thank you for your willingness to step forward, in times of greatest need, as our own Daily Planet was confronted with a new, previously unknown disease. We have been working to avert transmission and prevent illness and death caused by SARS-CoV-2 in the face of a diminished workforce; an injured, fractionated, and polarized nation; and a public health system weakened by years of insufficient and patchwork funding. ¹

While the public health workforce and capacities may have been thin, together we have been strong and resolute. Perhaps for the first time, the public recognizes the importance of the essential work that we do, and it knows more about public health than ever before. Communities are eager to hear and learn from us, to collaborate, and to apply the science of public health to protect themselves and their families.

This is the moment that has proven the importance of public health to the country and to the world—our demonstrated value, our steadfast nature, our quiet expertise, and our voice. These are the factors motivating, mobilizing, and energizing the next generation of public health leaders.

COVID-19 was not the only test that we faced in these 3 years. We faced additional challenges every day, many of which, because of our efforts, happily went unnoticed by the public. But our work saved lives and improved the nation’s health. For example, in 2020 there were 299 foodborne outbreaks and 73 Salmonella outbreaks. ² Together, we solved the mystery of a lethal bacterium—Burkholderia stabilis causing melioidosis—that appeared from half a world away and tragically killed 2 people in the United States. ³

In 2021, we saw 7 times more emergency department visits related to heat-related illness in the northwestern region of the United States than we did in 2019. ⁴ We also saw a 15% increase in drug overdose deaths in 2021 vs 2020. ⁵

In 2022, we worked across the country and around the world to effectively address competing public health crises—from unexpected outbreaks to ongoing disease prevention efforts. We continued our coordinated response to the COVID-19 pandemic. ⁶ We curtailed a global mpox outbreak that resulted in nearly 85 000 infections internationally. ⁷ We were on the ground in Haiti, responding to a devastating earthquake and addressing the threat of cholera. ⁸ We were in Uganda, investigating and preventing another Ebola outbreak. ⁹ We helped resettle >80 000 Afghan evacuees in the United States, curbing a potential measles outbreak among evacuees seeking a fresh start with their families. ¹⁰ Finally, we confronted the challenges of increasing maternal mortality, chronic diseases including diabetes and hypertension, mental health issues, and firearm violence, to name a few.

In this Superman moment, you are all superheroes. Each of you contributes to advancing public health in ways that show public service at its best. Despite the political tensions and rhetoric of the moment, we are doing work that matters to people. We help change lives for the better.

Thank you for never giving up. Thank you for putting your heart into this work and for your tireless efforts and sacrifices, especially the last few years. Thank you for standing shoulder-to-shoulder during this pandemic. Thank you for your continued commitment to public health.

We will never know how many lives you have saved and will save in our future, a future that is filled with promise. As we move forward, I challenge us to imagine what more and what greatness we can do together. We are living through an exciting time for public health, filled with greater exposure, recognition, and promise as well as new opportunities to equitably protect health, safety, and security.

I am excited about the many possibilities for the future of public health, as we expand our diverse public health workforce and strengthen our global capacity and domestic preparedness. Together, we are charting a course for our future, one where we can build a healthier and safer nation, together. In that mission I, and all of CDC, stand in solidarity with you.