SACRAMENTO, Calif., December 20, 2025
California Builds Its Own Public Health Team Amid Federal uncertainty
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The state is launching a new initiative led by former CDC officials ousted during the current management, signaling a growing trend of states stepping up to fill gaps in national public health leadership.
- California is creating the “Public Health Network Innovation Exchange” (PHNIX) to advise on state health policy.
- Former CDC Director Dr. Susan Monarez and former Chief Medical Officer Dr. Debra Houry will lead the project.
- The initiative aims to rebuild public trust in public health guidance.
- this move reflects a growing divide among states regarding public health strategies.
California is establishing the “Public Health Network Innovation Exchange,” or PHNIX. The initiative will collaborate with state health departments to shape policy and bolster public health efforts within the state. This move underscores a growing divide among states regarding public health strategies, with some, like Florida, actively dismantling existing programs, while others, such as Colorado, are seeking greater autonomy from federal agencies.
A “Dream Team” assembled
Leading PHNIX will be familiar faces to those following the recent turbulence at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). California Governor Newsom has called the leaders of the new project a “dream team” of public health experts. Dr. Susan monarez, who was abruptly removed as CDC Director just 29 days after Senate confirmation, and Dr. Debra Houry, the CDCS former chief medical officer who resigned following monarez’s firing, will spearhead the effort. They will be joined by Dr.Katelyn Jetelina, founder and chief executive of the Your Local Epidemiologist newsletter, who will focus on rebuilding public trust in public health guidance-a critical need after years of attacks on scientific institutions.
Dr. Monarez’s dismissal by the current administration reportedly stemmed from her refusal to endorse what many considered to be anti-scientific viewpoints regarding immunization.while the administration disputes this claim, its assertions have been widely questioned. Dr. Houry’s resignation followed shortly after Monarez’s removal,signaling a broader concern within the CDC.
A Necessary Response to National dysfunction?
the influx of high-caliber public health professionals into California represents a notable win for the state.Though, it also highlights a troubling reality: states shouldn’t need to actively recruit talent sidelined by federal policy. The situation has created a competitive environment where states are vying for experienced leaders due to the current administration’s approach to public health.
Despite reservations about Governor Newsom’s broader political agenda, his decision to prioritize public health in California is commendable. Effective leadership requires adapting to circumstances and maximizing available resources.
“This collaboration,” a statement from the initiative explained, “is critical at a time when our public health community needs to coordinate our response to evolving gaps in federal leadership.”
In her new role, Dr. Monarez will focus on forging partnerships with the private sector,technology companies,and academic institutions. Dr. Houry will concentrate on strengthening existing public health alliances.The need for this state-level initiative arises because the current federal administration, critics argue, is prioritizing political maneuvering over the essential work of protecting public health.
At least it’s a start.
Filed Under: california, cdc, debra houry, health, public health, rfk jr., susan monarez
