The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expects to resume regular on-site operations by Monday, September 15. This combined announcement is the first from new chief operating officer Lynda Chapman. This decision comes just five weeks after a tragic shooting at the agency’s headquarters in Atlanta. This change is puzzling and troubling as it points to a toxic workplace environment and public distrust of the CDC’s actions.
In an email to the executive staff, Chapman was understandably direct about what he expected. He claims to have 100% of all government employees back in their office by that date. She emphasized that the agency has made “significant progress” on repairs at its Roybal Campus, which had been temporarily affected due to recent events. The CDC remains dedicated to returning public health professionals to normal operations and providing a safe and healthy workplace for its employees.
This announcement comes on the heels of the resignation of four top officials from the CDC—including the agency’s second-in-command. According to multiple sources, some officials were always concerned by the agency’s politicization. They feel strongly that their presence is detrimental to public health, a conclusion that has overall guided their decision to part ways. Given these recent departures, there are fears over the future leadership of the CDC. At a pivotal time for equitable public health, this couldn’t have come any better.
The atmosphere at the CDC grew worse after a tragic mass shooting this summer by a former staffer, who has since been identified as White. He fatally shot responding police officer David Rose before killing himself. After this fatal incident, White’s family raised several questions. They argued that his mental health issues were aggravated by the Covid-19 vaccine, causing aggravation of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation. This incident has sparked further discussions regarding mental health and the impacts of public health policies in the current climate.
Chapman’s leadership comes at a pivotal moment for the CDC. The agency has come under unprecedented fire for its handling of the Covid-19 emergency as well as for its overall public health efforts. The agency knows it has an uphill battle to rebuild public trust. At the same time, it is committed to making certain that its workers feel comfortable and defended in their work space.