Economic Stimulus: CDC at Work

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, a tax relief and spending package currently being considered by Congress to stimulate the economy, could provide an opportunity to rebuild public health infrastructure.

The legislation could include investments in health technology, comparative effectiveness research, immunizations, hospital-acquired infections, and prevention and wellness programs.

In response to the Act, CDC has established the Economic Stimulus Response Team (ESRT), a cross-disciplinary group of staff, to assist in preparing the agency's strategy and response to the stimulus effort. Kathleen Toomey, MD, MPH, has been appointed to lead the effort by CDC Acting Director Rich Besser.

The ERST will recommend which activities will be funded, ensure all Congressional requirements will be met and make certain CDC has the resources and infrastructure necessary to support the endeavor.

Engaging CDC Partners

CDC recognizes the importance of providing the most up-to-date information available regarding the agency's role in the stimulus efforts and how it affects CDC partners. One of the functions of the ESRT leadership team is to work closely with partners and support programs across the agency that regularly engage CDC's many and diverse partners.

"A key responsibility of the leadership team is the communication as well as partnership strategy—reaching out to partners to keep them connected in the process and to learn from their experiences and what they need to support this effort," said Toomey." As an agency, CDC will work together with staff, partners and stakeholders through established channels to create dialog around the stimulus activities."

A Chance to Reframe the Role of Public Health

The establishment of the ERST offers CDC a chance to reframe the role and value of public health in the health system, reshaping the way CDC does business and encouraging the agency to think in new ways about what it does and what it can do better in creating a 21st Century public health system.

Regular updates and links to important news will be made available on the CDC Partners' Web site, in CDC Partnership Matters and through special updates. For additional questions, partners can contact CDC at cdcpartnerships@cdc.gov.