Informing Congress on modernizing the CDC

On October 20, 2023, APA Services submitted a response (PDF, 345KB)opens in new window to a white paper released by Senator Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, seeking “input on opportunities to continue modernizing the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC].” The response emphasized that psychology provides important insights into worker well-being, population health approaches, and suggestions on cross-agency coordination on emergency response. The association also highlighted the need for incorporating mental health care into response plans for future pandemics and public health emergencies. 

APA Services recommended that Congress keep in mind the role of psychological science in behavioral change and the value of mental and behavioral health and seek to capitalize on the advantages offered by psychological science.

Cassidy requested information on how best to maintain worker health and motivation in an ever-changing environment, including in the context of in-person versus remote work. APA’s own Striving for Mental Health in the Workplace initiative, launched in May 2022, found employees with high levels of stress are more likely to miss work or to show lower engagement and commitment while at work, which can negatively affect an organization’s bottom line and openness to change. The initiative, cited by APA Services in the response, highlights several ways organizational leaders can take actions to create a more welcoming and mentally healthy work environment. 

APA Services also cited psychological science that finds that telework can improve employee productivity, creativity, and morale. In-person work, while potentially valuable, must be carefully considered when trying to avoid decreasing workers’ overall satisfaction and well-being. However, in-person work is often required at the cost of a more flexible workplace.

APA Services, which works across numerous federal agencies, shared its unique perspective on the need for disaster preparedness and responses to be coordinated across the federal government. The response broadly recommended that CDC be encouraged to work more closely with other governmental agencies such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The recent example of covid-19 and the compounding mental health and substance use crises in this country demonstrate the need for more coordination between CDC and SAMHSA, the organization charged with addressing mental health issues, and HHS, the agency more directly responsible for broad health services. To facilitate more coordination across these three agencies, APA Services recommended that Congress require additional research and the development of action plans that center on collaboration and addressing mental health issues alongside physical health.

APA Services continues to request that the CDC and relevant public and mental health agencies consider a population health approach to pandemic and disaster planning. The response stated that “the term ‘population health’ may have different connotations in various contexts, but for its own activities, APA recognizes population health as a multi-tiered approach that includes: 1) universal provision of preventative tools and health promotion for all people, families, and communities; 2) monitoring, anticipatory guidance, and early intervention for those with risk factors for physical, mental health, and substance-related conditions; and 3) psychosocial and mental health/substance use care for those experiencing illness and/or escalating physical health and mental distress.” Considering individuals’ health in isolation is ineffective compared to a population health approach and it is recommended that CDC do more to adopt this approach. 

APA is thankful for the opportunity to contribute to efforts to modernize the innerworkings of one of our nation’s most vital public health agencies and looks forward to continuing to work with Congress to make vital improvements to our collective efforts to prevent and respond to public health issues.

For more information, contact Corbin Evans.