Election day changes everything, even how policymakers, pundits and the public talk about Ebola. The Senate Appropriations Committee’s November 12 hearing on Ebola funding showcased a noticeable change in tone (and number of cameras) from the hearings held prior to the midterm elections. Federal agency heads testified about the collaborative, cross-governmental efforts being taken to address Ebola in West Africa and the United States, and were lauded by members of both parties for their work.
The Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists has been closely monitoring the Ebola outbreak at home and in West Africa. Please see their new blog, written by CRD’s Senior Vice President Emily Holubowich, MPP and fellow Zara Day, JD, MPH for reflections on how elections changed the tenor of Ebola discussions for the better.