ASPR Dawn O’Connell Statement on CDC Director

Today, Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Dawn O’Connell released the following statement on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky’s intent to depart the public health agency at the end of June:

“Dr. Walensky has been one of my closest allies in our fight against COVID-19, mpox, and our preparations for future public health threats. Her work at the CDC saved countless lives – providing pandemic leadership to the American public, modernizing data infrastructures, and reorganizing the agency for the future. During the longest days of our pandemic response, Dr. Walensky was a steady hand and a trusted partner to me and many at HHS.

“Under her leadership our organizations have worked together seamlessly to tackle many of the hardest problems. She will be sorely missed but I could not be more thankful to have served alongside her. CDC and ASPR’s close partnership will continue as we prepare for whatever comes next.”

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