How Public Health Saved the CDC’s Injury Center From Being Eliminated

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Injury Prevention and Control faced a significant threat to its existence last year, but a broad coalition of public health advocates successfully fought to secure its funding. The story, as detailed by Sharon Gilmartin, executive director of the Safe States Alliance, offers a roadmap for protecting vital public health infrastructure in a challenging political landscape.

In May 2025, the White House proposed eliminating the Injury Center in its fiscal year 2026 budget request. This center, for over three decades, has been the leading federal agency dedicated to preventing injuries – including those from overdose, suicide, motor vehicle crashes, and other causes – across all 50 states. Approximately 80% of its funding is directly allocated to state and local initiatives, supporting frontline services that protect vulnerable populations like families, veterans, and first responders.

The proposed cuts sparked immediate concern within the public health community. Gilmartin emphasizes the Injury Center’s far-reaching impact, citing examples such as improving child car seat safety, preventing drownings, aiding in concussion management for young athletes, and contributing to a 27% decline in U.S. Overdose deaths in 2024. This decline, as reported by the CDC, underscores the center’s critical role in addressing the opioid crisis and other public health emergencies.

What followed was a concerted effort to reverse the proposed cuts. The Keep America Safe Coalition, comprised of more than 50 national organizations – including philanthropies, universities, health agencies, and research centers – formed to advocate for the Injury Center’s survival. The coalition recognized that a successful campaign required a multi-pronged approach, extending beyond Washington, D.C.

A key strategy involved highlighting the real-world impact of the Injury Center’s work through compelling stories from communities across the country. These stories showcased the tangible benefits of federal funding, demonstrating how it directly improved the lives of individuals and families. Examples included the Peer Initiative in Lake Charles, Louisiana, a student-led suicide prevention program; the Claire Bear Foundation in Tacoma, Washington, focused on safe sleep practices for infants; the Brain Injury Center in Lincoln, Nebraska, providing training to healthcare providers working with vulnerable populations; and the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma in Chicago, optimizing trauma center placement and staffing.

These narratives were shared with members of Congress, allowing lawmakers to witness firsthand the positive effects of the Injury Center’s funding on their constituents. The coalition also leveraged social media and press outreach to amplify these stories and underscore the importance of continued support. The individuals featured in these stories, many of whom had experienced personal trauma, demonstrated the power of public health in transforming pain into positive change.

Crucially, the effort garnered bipartisan support in Congress. Recognizing the nonpartisan nature of injury prevention, lawmakers from both parties rallied to protect the Injury Center. Key figures like Representatives Tom Cole (R-Okla.) and Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), and Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W. Va.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), played instrumental roles in blocking the proposed elimination.

President Trump signed an appropriations bill into law that fully funded the Injury Center for the remainder of the fiscal year. The bill also included provisions designed to protect the CDC from future arbitrary cuts and reorganizations, ensuring greater stability for its grant programs and independent review of any proposed changes.

Gilmartin cautions that the fight to protect the Injury Center is likely to continue. She emphasizes the importance of proactive advocacy, focusing on the human impact of public health programs rather than solely on budgetary details. Broadening partnerships and engaging diverse voices are also crucial for building a strong and sustainable base of support. The success of this campaign demonstrates that public health is no longer invisible and that a collective voice can effectively defend vital programs.

The preservation of the Injury Center stands as a rare success story in a challenging year for public health, offering valuable lessons for advocates navigating a complex political environment. It’s a testament to the dedication of the center’s staff, the leadership of Congressional champions, and the unwavering commitment of individuals working to save lives.