State-based healthcare is 'the only path forward': Fmr. CDC official

Public Health Policy & Leadership - The report highlights concerns about the leadership of the Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, Robert F Kennedy Jr, with senators questioning his credibility and calling him a liar and a danger to public health [1][2] - The Secretary's stance on vaccines is causing confusion and division, potentially leading to disparities in children's health outcomes across different states [4][5][6] - The Secretary struggled to provide information to back his beliefs regarding COVID vaccines and policies [7] - The Secretary's alleged distrust of established medical institutions like the CDC and promotion of alternative viewpoints are undermining public health infrastructure [10][11][12] Vaccine Safety & Efficacy - The COVID booster is considered safe and effective, representing a key defense against hospitalization during the fall and winter seasons [13][14] - Billions of doses of the COVID vaccine have been administered, making it one of the most studied medical interventions [13] Public Health System & State Response - States are forming alliances to compensate for the perceived abdication of responsibility by the federal government in public health matters [15][16] - The lack of a unified national public health system may lead to unequal access to essential services like clean water, safe food, and vaccines depending on the state [17][19][20] CDC Crisis & Credibility - The Secretary's account of the former CDC director's resignation is deemed not credible [22][23] - The Secretary is accused of lacking command of facts, resorting to denial and disparagement, and attempting to dismantle the existing public health system [24]