States, cities defend public health in 2026

Dr. Jay K. Varma is a special contributor to Healthbeat. Public health, explained: Sign up to receive Healthbeat’s free national newsletter here. In 2025, the federal government pursued a deliberate strategy to reduce its role in protecting public health. As a result of changes to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, the National Institutes of Health, and other operating divisions, public health experts agree that the country is now less well protected against infectious diseases, environmental hazards, unsafe food, and chronic conditions. In 2026, the question facing governors, mayors, and local health officials is glaring: What can be done now to protect public health if the federal government will not? The answer is that state and local governments need to act to support the supplies, staff, systems, and statutes needed to enable and enforce public health. Supplies: Build stockpiles for public health emergencies and reproductive health