Senate Confirms Dr. Erica Schwartz as CDC Director

Why it matters locally: Dr. Schwartz's leadership of the CDC will influence national public health guidelines and resource allocation, which can directly affect health initiatives and emergency preparedness planning within South Dakota.

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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.