Federal Health Agencies Halt Communications: What Kentuckians Need to Know
In January 2025, the Trump administration ordered a temporary pause on external communications from key federal health agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This directive aimed to allow the new administration’s team to settle in and review existing communications. However, communications related to health emergencies were exempt from this pause. (axios.com)
During this period, several health-related resources were removed from federal websites. Notably, the CDC’s interactive tool, AtlasPlus, which provides surveillance data on HIV, viral hepatitis, STDs, and TB, became unavailable. Additionally, pages containing information on HIV testing and the Social Vulnerability Index were also taken down. (wkyufm.org)
For Kentuckians seeking reliable health information during this time, several state and local resources remained accessible:
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Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH): The KDPH’s website continued to provide updates on various health topics, including disease outbreaks and public health initiatives.
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Local Health Departments: County and city health departments maintained their own websites and social media channels, offering localized health information and services.
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University of Kentucky HealthCare: As a leading healthcare provider in the state, UK HealthCare’s website offered health news, resources, and updates on medical services.
- Local News Outlets: Kentucky-based news organizations, such as the Lexington Herald-Leader, continued to report on health-related issues, providing timely updates and expert opinions.
While the federal pause on communications was temporary, it’s essential for residents to stay informed through these state and local channels to ensure access to accurate and timely health information.
