Public Health Under Threat
Understanding the threat to public health
But 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.
House reconciliation bill would take insurance coverage away from millions and roll back clean air and climate protections
The reconciliation bill under consideration in the U.S. House of Representatives would eliminate health coverage for more than 13 million individuals, including millions in the Medicaid program and millions more who currently receive coverage and premium subsidies through the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance Marketplace.
For Our Health statement on the FY2026 White House Discretionary Budget Proposal
For Our Health, an initiative of the American Public Health Association, condemns the Trump Administration’s FY2026 discretionary budget request as a profound threat to the nation’s health.
Congress must reject The President’s dangerous FY 2026 budget request
The President’s FY 2026 Discretionary Budget Request, released today, continues the trend of actions that harm the health of communities across the nation, proposing devastating cuts to federal public health agencies including CDC, HRSA, NIH, SAMHSA, EPA and others.
Decimated public health systems, a depleted federal workforce and the deletion of safety nets that maintain the health security of America are all outcomes of President Trump’s first 100 days
However, in the first 100 days of Trump’s administration, we’ve witnessed the gutting of our public health systems, removal of data and spread of misinformation, making America less secure and healthy. Our nation is clearly being led down the wrong path, assuming we care about preventing injury, illness and disease and providing everyone with the opportunity to lead long and healthy lives. The American Public Health Association is deeply concerned about the direction our country is headed.
APHA's role in defending public health
Advocacy to protect public health
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:
- For Our Health statement on the FY2026 White House Discretionary Budget Proposal
- Congress must reject The President’s dangerous FY 2026 budget request
- APHA, nonprofits, unions and local governments sue the Trump administration over massive unconstitutional federal agency reorganization and reductions in force
Initiatives challenging threats to public health
For Our Health: APHA launched a new initiative, ‘For Our Health,’ which builds on our longstanding commitment to champion optimal, equitable health and well-being for all. The members of For Our Health include former Secretaries of HHS, directors of the CDC, and former state health directors. For more information visit www.forourhealth.org.
Support for fired public health workers: To support those whose careers have been impacted by the increase in public health job losses, we've compiled a list of public health organizations and resources that provide job listings, professional development and networking opportunities in the public health sector.
APHA speaks out in the news
Learn more about all the ways APHA has spoken out in the media about these critical issues, including in The Hill, CNN, Politico, C-SPAN, ABC News, NBC News, Los Angeles Times, and more.
Read the latest press releases from APHA.
