Washington, California, Hawaii, and Oregon to launch new West Coast Health Alliance to uphold scientific integrity in public health
Washington, California, Hawaii, and Oregon formed the West Coast Health Alliance to ensure public health decisions are rooted in scientific evidence. This move responds to concerns over the Trump Administration's actions that have allegedly compromised the CDC's credibility. The governors' joint statement criticized the politicization of the CDC, claiming it jeopardizes the health and safety of residents. Hawaii's Governor, Josh Green, highlighted the state's high vaccination rates as a testament to effective public health policies grounded in science. The alliance will coordinate health guidelines and immunization recommendations informed by trusted medical organizations.
By doing so, the states aim to provide residents with consistent, evidence-based guidance regardless of federal changes. The initiative also seeks to finalize shared principles to strengthen public confidence in vaccines. This collaborative approach is crucial to addressing threats from infectious diseases moving forward.