As the next U.S. administration prepares to assume office on Inauguration Day, we face uncertainty in public health. Many fear that the progress made in advancing public health over the past few decades may be in jeopardy or, worse, might falter entirely. Seeing news reports and announcements of sweeping changes at the federal level makes these concerns valid. I, though, remain optimistic. That’s because I see this moment as an opportunity to shine a light on the often-unseen public health workforce, a group of dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to safeguard the health and well-being of our communities—regardless of political affiliation.
My optimism is rooted in a firm belief that public health is not a fleeting, partisan issue but a long-term, collective effort transcending political divides. This is crucial, especially now, when public health has become a battleground in the perennial partisan war over policy, funding, and leadership choices. The reality is that public health—whether addressing maternal and child health, substance use disorders, climate change, obesity prevention, gun violence prevention, mental health, chronic and infectious diseases, or rural health disparities—remains a fundamental part of the framework that sustains our nation’s well-being.
Public health schools and programs remain dedicated to their mission to prepare tomorrow’s workforce, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Having met and worked with many emerging leaders, I can confirm that the next generation of public health professionals is committed to finding evidence-based, data-driven solutions that have a tangible, lasting impact. The progress made in public health over the past several years, from combating the opioid crisis to addressing lead poisoning prevention, cannot be allowed to unravel. We have already seen the positive effects of public health interventions in lowering tobacco usage, reducing infant mortality, and expanding access to health promotion and healthcare through telehealth. The stakes are too high to let the essential work of public health be undermined.
To be clear, the challenges we face today are more complex than ever before. Public health workers at the state and local levels are on the frontlines of these challenges, crafting policies and programs to mitigate these crises. These dedicated individuals work to address the root causes of health disparities, fighting for improved health for all populations, access to resources, and provide life-saving education that many Americans may take for granted. We must acknowledge that in addition to our day-to-day quality of life being at risk, so is our longevity.
A recent story by CNN reported that the US is expected to make only minor gains in life expectancy over the next few decades, with researchers highlighting an “alarming trajectory of health challenges.” This is troubling. Published in The Lancet, the study notes that our health improvements will slow down due to rising obesity rates, a serious risk factor for several chronic conditions. Obesity is mainly preventable. However, too many communities in our country struggle to access healthy food options. Given the downstream implications of obesity, we must do more to prevent it, making healthy living and healthy longevity a top priority.
This commitment to prevention is at the heart of public health. Our work is rooted in the belief that everyone, regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status, or location, deserves the chance to live a healthy life. Even when faced with those skeptical of our work and bombarded by misinformation, we must meet them where they are, reestablishing trust and building bridges of understanding. If we fail to take these challenges head-on, we risk undoing years of progress.
Public health is not defined by a single moment in time. Rather, it is determined by our sustained commitment to building resilient, thriving communities. Public health operates in a space that transcends party lines. We provide long-term, bipartisan, and proactive approaches to ensuring healthy “wins” for all—not just in the present but also in the future for our children and grandchildren.
This is my truth: now is the time to thrive, not retreat. It is time to press forward with unwavering resolve to champion the value of public health and our future workforce.
The public health workforce must be bold, adaptable, and unrelenting in pursuing equity and well-being for all. Schools and programs of public health train students to be future leaders who will create and implement solutions that have the potential to change the course of history. These are the people who will address the next pandemic, combat the worsening effects of climate change, tackle ongoing mental health challenges, and reduce health disparities in rural and underserved communities.
The next generation of public health professionals stands ready to tackle emerging challenges with resilience and innovation. They are committed to crafting and enacting policies and practices that safeguard people and the planet, paving the way for communities everywhere to thrive and embrace a healthier future.