Science Friday As The CDC Falters, How Do We Fill Public Health Gaps?
Oct 6, 2025
Dr. Tom Frieden, former CDC director and president of Resolve to Save Lives, dives into the current turmoil of the public health system in the U.S. He discusses the pressing need for local agencies to step up amid CDC challenges. Tom highlights innovative efforts addressing issues like PFAS, exposes the gap between federal rhetoric and rollbacks in health programs, and emphasizes the importance of rebuilding trust post-COVID. He also encourages community support for local health departments and underscores the crucial balance between scientific certainty and public action.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Build Forward With A Clear Formula
- Public health needs to 'build forward' not just rebuild, by testing new faster, clearer approaches.
- Tom Frieden frames this as See, Believe, Create to identify problems, build confidence, and overcome barriers.
How NYC Banned Smoking In Restaurants
- New York City made the harms of smoky bars visible and pre-bunked industry claims before the smoking ban.
- The result: fewer restaurant closures and cleaner places that even smokers preferred.
Local Public Health Can Drive Environmental Action
- State and local health departments can innovate on issues like PFAS and microplastics in water even if federal action slows.
- Local action and community-level solutions become crucial when national regulation retreats.
