Update on CDC Firings and Dismantling of Public Health: National Public Health Coalition and CDC Alumni to Hold Press Briefing
Update on CDC Firings and Dismantling of Public Health: National Public Health Coalition and CDC Alumni to Hold Press Briefing
MEDIA ADVISORY
October 13, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Atlanta, GA) - The latest attack on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has left another 600 public health professionals fired, putting the health of the American public in grave danger. To clarify the growing confusion and concern surrounding the October 10th firings by the Trump administration, the National Public Health Coalition (formerly Fired But Fighting) and CDC Alumni and Friends will hold a virtual press briefing.
The briefing will provide verified details on the most recent round of dismissals, discuss the implications of these actions on CDC’s ability to protect public health, and explain why these systematic reductions are occurring.
WHO:
The following individuals will offer remarks and/or be available for questions:
Abigail Tighe, National Public Health Coalition (formerly Fired But Fighting) — Overview of who has been affected and what this means for the future of public health.
Aryn Melton Backus, Former CDC Employee, National Public Health Coalition (formerly Fired But Fighting) — Fired three times under this administration; will share personal experience and insights.
Dr. John Brooks, Former Chief Medical Officer for CDC’s Division of HIV Prevention and for CDC’s emergency responses to Covid-19 and Mpox - Impact of these cuts on the health, safety, and security of Americans.
Dr. Karen Remley, former Director, Center for Birth Defects – National and State public health perspective
Anonymous Current CDC Employee — Fired October 10, 2025; will participate anonymously to answer questions about their firsthand experience of the latest reduction in force.
WHAT:
Press briefing to provide updates and firsthand accounts regarding the October 10th CDC firings, their implications for national public health capacity, and the health, safety, and security of Americans, and response actions by supporters of public health and CDC.
WHEN:
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
11:00 a.m. (ET)
WHERE:
The press briefing will be held virtually via Zoom.
Join here: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81351523096?pwd=VO1gs7TcYBhBsoMdXzBZwJK4WQLxnH.1
CONTACT:
For additional information or to schedule interviews, please contact:
National Public Health Coalition
media@nationalphc.org
CDC Alumni and Friends
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