Under the Trump administration, we have seen a slew of proposed public health policies that threaten to undermine decades of progress in protecting the health of individuals, families, and communities across the United States.

These dangerous proposals jeopardize critical public health systems, weaken protections for vulnerable populations and risk worsening health inequities.

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. 

Understanding the threat to public health

Current proposals and initiatives, including those outlined in Project 2025, threaten to put the nation's health infrastructure at risk. Efforts to dismantle federal agencies, cut vital funding or disregard science-based practices can have devastating consequences: 

• Loss of public health resources: Undermining programs that address infectious diseases, maternal health, environmental hazards and other critical concerns.
• Increased health inequities: Policies that fail to support underserved and marginalized communities, who already face disproportionate health challenges, deepen the divide in health access and outcomes. 
• Undermining science and expertise: Ignoring evidence-based practices erodes trust in public health and compromises effective responses to health crises.  

APHA's role in defending public health

For more than 150 years, APHA has led the charge to ensure that health remains a priority in policymaking. We continue to take steps to raise public awareness of threats as they emerge and challenge them in the courts. 

Advocacy to protect public health

APHA has been part of successful litigation and action challenging some of the biggest threats to public health, including:

1. Judge issues nationwide preliminary injunction in APHA challenge to OMB spending freeze
2. APHA submits brief to SCOTUS defending the ACA’s coverage of preventive health services
3. APHA and other leading health organizations urge Congress to protect IRA climate and health investments
4. APHA advocates for protecting global health funding (USAID letter) (Protecting international family planning programs letter)
5. APHA opposes cuts to essential nutrition programs
6. APHA files motion for a preliminary injunction related to White House OMB efforts to pause all federal agency grants and loans
7. APHA urges Senate committees to oppose RFK Jr. nomination to lead HHS
8. Judge issues temporary restraining order in response to APHA complaint on OMB temporary spending freeze of federal grants
9. APHA challenges legality of new Department of Government Efficiency
   
10. APHA responds to Trump administration attempts to roll back America’s international health efforts
11. APHA urges lawmakers House to vote against legislation to stigmatize abortion providers outlined in H.R. 21/S. 6

Read the latest testimony, comments and briefs and read all public letters to congress and federal agencies from APHA.

Initiatives challenging threats to public health

In response to sweeping policy changes and executive actions that threaten the public’s health, scientific integrity and access to health and health care, 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 Health and Human Services, directors of the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, and former state health directors. For more information visit www.forourhealth.org.

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:

• A Public Health Amicus Brief Highlights the Harm if the Supreme Court Invalidates a Key Provision of the Affordable Care Act
• NEW: Judge Issues National Injunction to Block Trump Administration’s Devastating Attempt to Halt Funding for Essential Services
• A Direct Attack on Every American's Health and Safety” – Statement from 'For Our Health' in Response to Actions Taken at Federal Health Agencies
• APHA announces new initiative For Our Health to defend science and safeguard the public’s health
• Judge Issues Temporary Restraining Order on OMB Freeze
• Nonprofits, Public Health Leaders, Small Businesses File Suit to Block OMB Attempt to Halt Essential Services
• Veterans, teachers, public health professionals, consumer advocates, and watchdog groups file suit challenging the DOGE’s secret operations 

Take action: join APHA in defending public health

At APHA, we believe that safeguarding public health is a non-partisan and non-negotiable priority. Together, we can ensure that evidence-based policies prevail and that every community has the resources to thrive. We need your help:

Urge your members of Congress to oppose the Trump administration’s efforts to cut our nation’s public health workforce

Help us fight for science-based policies that prioritize the health and safety of the American people. Make a donation and help us push back against harmful policies that put public health at risk. 

Stay up to date on the threats to public health institutions and policies. Stay informed on the latest efforts APHA is undertaking to protect public health and how you can help.

Join our community of public health professionals who dedicate their work to protecting public health and become a member of APHA. We have memberships available at various levels designed to accommodate you on your career journey.

Stand up for public health interests by speaking for health.