FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
April 20, 2026  
CONTACT: Jack Cardinal, jcardinal@communitycatalyst.org   

BOSTON, MA — Following the nomination by the Trump administration of Dr. Erica Schwartz to lead the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Linda Goler Blount, President and CEO of Community Catalyst, issued the following statement:  

“Having worked both for, and with, the CDC during my career, I know the important role the agency plays in building trust in communities on issues of public health. But that can only happen if we resist the politicization of public health. My hope is that, if confirmed, Dr. Schwartz will bring much needed stability and a dedication to lead the agency in its mission to save and protect the health of all people in this country. I and the leaders of Community Catalyst look forward to working with Dr. Schwartz to ensure our public health system is fair and equitable.” 

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About Community Catalyst:  

Community Catalyst is a leading non-profit national health advocacy organization dedicated to advancing a movement for race equity and health justice. We partner with local, state and national advocates to leverage and build power so all people can influence decisions that affect their health. Health systems will not be accountable to people without a fully engaged and organized community voice. That’s why we work every day to ensure people’s interests are represented wherever important decisions about health and health care are made: in communities, state houses and on Capitol Hill. For more information, visit www.communitycatalyst.org.