The U.S. officially declared an end to the COVID-19 public-health emergency on May 11, 2023. Just a month later, Dr. Mandy Cohen, an internal-medicine physician, was appointed as the new director of the CDC by President Joe Biden. This came at a crucial time for the agency, as its reputation had suffered during the pandemic due to criticism of its communication and management of the virus.
Dr. Cohen, who previously led North Carolina’s department of health and human services, immediately set out to improve the CDC’s communication to regain trust and authority. She focused on breaking down internal silos within the agency and ensuring that information about COVID-19 and other health issues was conveyed clearly and succinctly to the public.
Despite facing backlash for certain decisions, such as changing isolation guidance for COVID-19 patients, Dr. Cohen remained committed to her mission. She initiated a new project to collect real-time data from hospitals nationwide in order to identify and respond to emerging health concerns before they escalate into crises. Dr. Cohen emphasized the importance of having access to this data to understand and address health issues more effectively.
Dr. Cohen’s proactive approach and dedication to improving public health have driven significant changes within the CDC. By focusing on communication, data collection, and responsiveness, she aims to strengthen the agency’s ability to protect the health of the public.