By State Representatives Sandra Scott (D-Rex), Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta) and Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain)
(373 words)
As state lawmakers and public health advocates, we are sounding the alarm over the recent and deeply troubling decision to terminate key personnel at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—the very institution headquartered in our state that has long served as the frontline defense against national and global health threats.
This decision is not merely bureaucratic—it is dangerous.
“Firing CDC workers is not just a blow to public health—it’s a gamble with lives,” said State Representative Sandra Scott (D-Rex). “These scientists are our first defense against the next pandemic, and without them, we are flying blind through a storm of emerging threats. Their return isn’t optional—it’s a matter of national survival.”
“Eliminating the CDC’s frontline experts is not reform—it’s recklessness,” said State Representative Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta). “As a legislator and public health advocate, I know that when we silence science, we endanger lives. Reinstating these workers isn’t just the right decision—it’s the only responsible path forward for protecting our communities and our future.”
“As a critical care nurse with over 25 years of experience and a former military nurse, I understand firsthand the life-saving role of the CDC,” said State Representative Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain). “Their expertise is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. The dismissal of these public health professionals undermines our readiness and puts lives at risk. We must protect the agencies that protect us.”
The absence of these critical professionals already threatens our fragile healthcare infrastructure. We are losing capacity in three life-saving areas:
1. Disease Surveillance and Early Detection
Without trained CDC scientists tracking emerging diseases, outbreaks like COVID-19, Ebola or the next unknown threat can spread unchecked, causing needless loss of life.
2. Vaccine and Treatment Development
CDC staff play essential roles in vaccine and therapeutic development. Their removal weakens our ability to respond swiftly to new health crises.
3. Support for Local Health Systems
The CDC experts’ partner with state and local agencies—especially in rural and underserved areas—to ensure community readiness in times of emergency. Their absence puts millions at greater risk.
We call on our Georgia federal leaders to act immediately to reverse this decision. The health and safety of every American is on the line.
*Editor’s note: a photo is attached.
Representative Sandra Scott represents the citizens of District 76, which includes a portion of Clayton County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves on the Banks & Banking, Defense & Veterans Affairs, Human Relations & Aging, Insurance and Reapportionment and Redistricting committees.
Representative Kim Schofield represents the citizens of District 63, which includes a portion of Fulton County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2017 and currently serves as Secretary of the Urban Affairs Committee. She also serves on the Creative Arts & Entertainment, Health, Industry and Labor and Small Business Development committees.
Representative Viola Davis represents the citizens of District 87, which includes a portion of DeKalb County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Health, Insurance, Natural Resources & Environment and Urban Affairs committees.
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