Senate Confirms Dr. Erica Schwartz as CDC Director

Why it matters locally: The confirmation of a permanent CDC Director impacts public health initiatives and emergency preparedness across Virginia, influencing guidance and resources available to state agencies like the Virginia Department of Health in addressing disease prevention and control.

Washington — The Senate has confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Her confirmation establishes a permanent director for the agency, a position that remained open for more than one year. Dr. Schwartz now assumes leadership of the CDC, an organization responsible for protecting public health and safety through the control and prevention of disease, injury, and disability.