In a significant shift for federal health communications, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has ordered an “immediate pause” on all non-emergency announcements, press releases, social media posts, regulations, and guidance until they receive approval from a presidential appointee. This directive was communicated in a memo from Acting Secretary Dorothy Fink on January 21, 2025, and will remain in effect until February 1, 2025.
The pause affects several key agencies under HHS, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Notably, the CDC has not published its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) since January 16, marking a rare interruption in its long-standing publication schedule.
Fink’s memo indicated that while most communications are halted, exceptions would be made for matters deemed critical to health, safety, environmental, financial, or national security functions. However, these exceptions will also require prior review.
Despite the communication freeze, the FDA managed to post notices regarding warning letters sent to companies on January 21. The CDC also released several statements and research papers on January 21 and 22.
Fink, who previously led HHS’s Office on Women’s Health, was appointed as interim secretary by President Trump on January 20. She will serve until Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s nominee for the position, is confirmed by the Senate. Kennedy’s confirmation hearings are expected to begin shortly.
The pause in external communications has raised concerns among public health experts about its potential impact on timely health information dissemination. Critics argue that such measures could lead to confusion during a critical period for public health amid ongoing health crises.
As federal health agencies navigate this new directive, the broader implications for public health communication remain to be seen.
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