In response to the horrific shooting that occurred on Friday, August 8, targeting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the public health community stands in solidarity with our CDC colleagues. We denounce acts of harassment, terror, and violence against the public health workforce.
Our hearts break for the family of police officer David Rose who lost his life protecting his community.
Two hundred bullets struck and caused damage to six federal buildings and over 500 rounds were fired at the CDC campus. We are saddened, alarmed, and deeply concerned about the health and safety of our colleagues. The shooting was an attack on an American workplace and on the people and infrastructure that keep us all healthy and safe.
We are committed to working together to support our nation’s dedicated public servants who comprise the public health workforce and call on others to do the same. It is critical to the health of all communities that CDC and all people working in public health across the country are able to continue to make their invaluable contributions to advancing health and well-being without the fear of harassment or violence.
People choosing public health as a profession are committed to advancing our nation’s health and recognize that good health in every community benefits everyone. It is our hope that all Americans will stand with us to support the vital role that CDC and the entire public health workforce play in supporting safety and well-being in every community. Their expertise and commitment to advancing health deserves all Americans’ unwavering support.
American Public Health Association
Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs
Association of Public Health Nurses
Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors
Association of State and Territorial Health Officials
Association of State and Territorial Public Health Social Workers
Association of Public Health Laboratories
Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health
Big Cities Health Coalition
CDC Foundation
Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists
de Beaumont Foundation
National Association of Chronic Disease Directors
National Association of County and City Health Officials
National Network of Public Health Institutes
Prevention Institute
Public Health Accreditation Board
Safe States Alliance
The Kresge Foundation
Trust for America’s Health
