President Trump's proposed budget suggests a significant reduction in funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with plans to cut the agency's budget nearly in half and eliminate its chronic disease center. This move has alarmed state and city health officials, as it contradicts Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s agenda to address the chronic disease 'epidemic' in the United States. The proposed cuts would also result in the loss of programs aimed at preventing injuries, diseases, and public health emergencies, which have been essential in supporting state health departments. Critics argue that the cuts will have devastating impacts on public health infrastructure, particularly in states like Alabama and Minnesota, which heavily rely on CDC funding for chronic disease programs. Additionally, the elimination of disease registries and surveillance systems could hinder the nation's ability to monitor and address health trends effectively.

The proposed budget by President Trump calls for cutting the CDC's funding from $9.2 billion in 2024 to about $4 billion, focusing on eliminating 'duplicative, D.E.I., or simply unnecessary programs.' This includes the complete removal of the chronic disease center, which has been a cornerstone of public health initiatives in the country.

The chronic disease center at the CDC has been instrumental in running programs for preventing cancer, heart disease, diabetes, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's, among others, and has initiated community wellness projects. Its elimination could severely impact marginalized communities and ongoing public health initiatives.

State health officials, like those in Alabama and Minnesota, express concern over the drastic reduction in funding, as a significant portion of their public health budgets comes from the CDC. The potential loss of these funds threatens essential health services, including chronic disease management and emergency preparedness.

The reorganization includes cutting programs on smoking cessation, lead poisoning prevention, and reproductive health, which are critical to addressing the country’s leading causes of preventable deaths and health disparities.

The proposed cuts are believed to be offset by creating a new entity called the Administration for a Healthy America, with a $500 million allocation. However, this funding is significantly less than the previous budget of the CDC's chronic disease center, raising concerns about the loss of expertise and continuity in public health efforts.

Health experts warn that the dismantling of disease registries and surveillance systems could lead to a loss of valuable data needed for tracking health trends and making informed decisions. The absence of federal oversight and expertise could hinder state and local efforts to combat chronic diseases effectively.

Advocates from various health organizations have petitioned lawmakers to reject the proposed budget, emphasizing that the cuts would devastate the nation's research and public health infrastructure, undermining years of progress in chronic disease prevention and health promotion.