By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

California, Oregon, and Washington have launched the West Coast Health Alliance, a regional initiative to provide unified, science-based guidance on immunizations and other public health policies. The alliance was created in response to federal actions that have undermined the independence of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and raised concerns about the politicization of science.

The alliance aims to ensure residents receive credible, evidence-based recommendations, free from political interference.

“President Trump’s mass firing of CDC doctors and scientists — and his blatant politicization of the agency — is a direct assault on the health and safety of the American people. California, Oregon, and Washington will not allow the people of our states to be put at risk,” said Governors Gavin Newsom, Tina Kotek, and Bob Ferguson in a joint statement.

State health leaders emphasized the importance of transparency and evidence-based communication.

California Department of Public Health Director Erica Pan said, “The dismantling of public health and dismissal of experienced and respected health leaders and advisors, along with the lack of using science, data, and evidence to improve our nation’s health are placing lives at risk.”

Oregon Health Authority Director Sejal Hathi backed the coalition saying, “Our communities deserve clear and transparent communication about vaccines — communication grounded in science, not ideology.” Washington State Secretary of Health Dennis Worsham noted, “Public health at its core is about prevention — preventing illness, preventing the spread of disease, and preventing early, avoidable deaths.”

Hawaii has joined the alliance, expanding the partnership to four states. “Hawaii is proud to stand with our West Coast partners to ensure public health decisions are grounded in science, not politics,” said Gov. Josh Green.

The alliance states will coordinate health guidelines using trusted national medical organizations, aligning immunization recommendations and public health strategies while respecting tribal sovereignty. Shared principles to strengthen public confidence in vaccines and other health measures will be finalized in the coming weeks.

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