Public Health Under Threat
Understanding the threat to public health
These dangerous proposals jeopardize critical public health systems, weaken protections for vulnerable populations and risk worsening health inequities.
APHA on key public health policy issues
Hear what APHA has to say about policy proposals that will impact public health.
APHA Signs On Open Letter Urging COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage in Pregnancy
As organizations dedicated to public health and evidence-based health care for pregnant patients, we are particularly passionate about ensuring equitable and free access to these critical vaccines. We are deeply concerned about the recently adopted HHS policy to no longer recommend COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy.
APHA blasts EPA proposal to roll back protections to reduce dangerous air pollution from the power sector
The Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to roll back two vital rules to reduce pollution from power plants threatens the health of millions of Americans. The American Public Health Association urges EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to reconsider this proposal and recognize the harm that will be done, especially to communities located close to power plants, including the most vulnerable such as children, the elderly and individuals with chronic diseases.
Trump administration attempts coup of the Advisory Committees on Immunization Practices
This action immediately raises concern over the ability of any slate of committee members appointed by the Trump administration to be viewed as impartial to RFK's views on any decision, and therefore their actions will be suspect and likely mistrusted.
2025 Policy Action Institute to unpack federal and state public health policy under the Trump Administration
On June 16-17, The American Public Health Association’s 2025 Policy Action Institute brings together bipartisan policymakers, public health officials and advocates to Washington, D.C. for an engaging conversation on health policy in the new administration and how community leaders and state legislators are advocating for effective policies.
APHA's role in defending public health
APHA is fighting back. We remain steadfast in our efforts to challenge harmful policies, advocate for evidence-based approaches and defend the well-being of all Americans.
- Advocacy to protect public health
- Initiatives challenging threats to public health
- APHA speaks out in the news
APHA has been part of successful litigation and action challenging some of the biggest threats to public health. Read the latest testimony, comments and briefs and read all public letters to congress and federal agencies from APHA, including:
- The House passed a budget reconciliation bill that would slash health coverage, food benefits and roll back environmental protections. APHA sent a letter to all members of the House urging them to oppose the bill and instead to work on legislation to expand health coverage, improve the nation’s public health system and strengthen and maintain important clean energy and clean air rules and programs.
- President’s FY 2026 proposed budget would eliminate or significantly cut critical public health programs and agencies. APHA issued a statement condemning the proposal and urging Congress to reject it and instead work on serious bipartisan appropriations bills that would protect and improve the public’s health.
- Court rejects Trump administration request to pause APHA-backed lawsuit to stop illegal reorganization and RIFs at federal agencies. On April 28, APHA joined a coalition of nonprofits, unions and local governments in filing a complaint against the Trump administration’s massive unconstitutional federal agency reorganization and staff cuts across federal agencies. In the complaint, the groups tell the court that the president does not possess authority to reorganize, downsize, or otherwise transform the agencies of the federal government, unless and until Congress authorizes such action.
- Letter to HHS expresses concern about tobacco prevention efforts amid agency cuts. On May 21, APHA and 86 other organizations sent a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to express concern about the Trump administration’s reduction in force and unauthorized reorganization of federal agencies and the impact it will have on smoking prevention and cessation efforts.
For Our Health
Support for fired public health workers
