About this episode:

Following months of personnel cuts, funding terminations, and escalating violence, CDC employees face a new hurdle with the government shutdown. In this episode: Yolanda Jacobs, president of the union chapter that represents more than 1,000 CDC employees, offers an inside look at how employees are grappling with these challenges and shares how those of us outside the CDC can offer support.

Guests:

Yolanda Jacobs is a health communications specialist at the CDC and the president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 2883.

Host:

Dr. Josh Sharfstein is distinguished professor of the practice in Health Policy and Management, a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland's Health Department.

Show links and related content:

• With new cuts at CDC, some fear there's 'nobody to answer the phone'—NPR

• Supporting the Public Health Workforce in Challenging Times—Public Health On Call (October 2025)

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