PHEC 417: From Dismantling to Rebuilding Public Health, With Abby Tighe

Dr. Huntley sits down with Abby Tighe, a former CDC public health advisor and co-founder of the Fired by Fighting coalition. Together, they share an insider’s look at the nationwide impact of the 2025 mass firing of thousands of CDC and HHS professionals and the dangerous dismantling of America’s public health infrastructure. They also highlight how a grassroots movement is fighting back.

Abby details her unexpected professional journey, her passion for equitable and rural health, and how losing her position became a rallying point for collective advocacy and transparency. Through her story and the birth of Fired by Fighting, listeners are called to action: Public health needs everyone, whether you’re an expert, advocate, or everyday citizen.

If you care about the health of your community, want to understand the real impact of policy changes, or are curious how you can help rebuild and protect America’s public health future, this episode is for you.

Resources

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▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting