Can Public Health Ever Get Its Groove Back? A Soul-Searching Moment for an Embattled Public Utility

Julie Morita, President and CEO of the Joyce Foundation, recently addressed significant shifts in the realm of public health during a session at Health Journalism 2025. A critical evaluation of the future of the U.S. public health system reveals an essential question: how can public health reclaim its operational fortitude amidst notable changes?

The Invisible Backbone of Modern Life

Amidst the vast public health challenges, Quang “Q” Dang, executive director of the Network for Public Health Law, emphasized the omnipresence of public health in everyday life. He engages his students in a reflective exercise where they identify daily elements influenced by public health—from the clean, fluoridated water they drink to the pasteurized milk in their refrigerators. This exercise serves to underline a pivotal realization: while public health endeavors are vital, they often go unnoticed.

In a broader context, Dr. Julie Morita highlighted that public health infrastructure encompasses more than just public health departments. Health care systems, community organizations, nonprofits, and various government sectors, including public works, are integral components. However, Morita cautioned that philanthropy alone cannot bridge the increasing gaps left by dwindling public funding.

The Fallout from Funding Cuts

A stark reality presented by Dr. Joseph Kanter, CEO of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, reveals the repercussions of substantial cuts to public health funding. Thousands of employees from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have faced layoffs, and funding that had temporarily bolstered state and local health departments during the pandemic has been rescinded. The impact of these cuts may not be immediately visible, as Kanter likened the slow erosion of public health support to gradual chipping away at a bridge’s foundation—problems may only surface after considerable damage.

Despite the efforts of organizations like the Impact Project, which tracks changes in public health funding nationally, discrepancies remain. There is no comprehensive official account detailing the multitude of affected areas, especially as ongoing litigation keeps some cuts in limbo.

The Role of Journalists in Public Health Dialogues

Amid these complex circumstances, journalists hold a critical responsibility. Dang urged the audience to focus on one specific issue when reporting; it’s not necessary to address every challenge all at once. By honing in on one significant story, reporters can drive informed discussions surrounding public health.

A particularly contentious topic highlighted by Morita was the May 27 announcement from HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. regarding the COVID vaccine. This decision to remove the vaccine from the schedule for healthy children and pregnant women bypassed the established protocols of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Such circumventions undermine decades of scientific rigor and compromise the trust established in public health communications.

Morita, a pediatrician and former committee member, expressed her alarm: “The whole bypassing of the process really undermines the scientific and evidence-based approaches that have been used for decades to ensure that public immunizations are among the U.S.’s top public health accomplishments.”

Strategies for Public Health Engagement

In these turbulent times, the panelists offered valuable strategies for fostering robust public health dialogues:

• Engage with Local Health Entities: Journalists are encouraged to connect with local health departments, healthcare professionals, and survivor organizations to gather insights on the real-world effects of funding cuts and layoffs.

• Foster Open Communication: Current or former public health workers may hesitate to vocalize their concerns due to job security issues. Providing a supportive environment where they can share their experiences is crucial.

• Monitor State Responses: Investigating how state leaders react to federal directives can provide further clarity. Are they resisting the changes, or are they simply mirroring federal sentiments?

• Investigate Policy Inconsistencies: Examine contradictions between the stated goals of initiatives like the Make America Healthy Again movement and the actual actions taken, such as funding cuts.

Conclusion

As public health in America grapples with unprecedented changes, ongoing dialogue and collaborative efforts will be essential. Each voice—be it from a journalist, a public health official, or community organization—has the power to shape the narrative and influence future policy. Staying engaged and informed will be key to restoring public health’s vital role in society.