Top leaders from three West Coast states have launched a significant new health alliance, the West Coast Alliance. This coalition aims to provide unified public health guidance, building on principles of science-based decisions. The states involved are California, Oregon, and Washington, forming this alliance on September 3, 2025. Governors Gavin Newsom of California, Tina Kotek of Oregon, and Bob Ferguson of Washington announced the pact, establishing the West Coast Alliance as a commitment to prioritizing science-based decisions in public health matters.
This significant move comes amid turmoil at the federal level, specifically addressing concerns about CDC policy changes. The governors expressed worry over the politicization of science, feeling the CDC’s credibility has been undermined. This prompted the need for the West Coast Alliance to offer stable public health guidance and ensure that federal health policy does not negatively impact regional health cooperation.
Background to the West Coast Alliance and Federal Health Policy
The alliance was created to counter specific federal actions that raised alarms among public health officials. The states felt a need for independent, science-based guidance, leading to the establishment of the West Coast Alliance as a vital mechanism for regional health cooperation amidst evolving federal health policy.
CDC Policy Changes Spur Action within the West Coast Alliance
A series of controversial CDC policy changes triggered the formation of the alliance. These occurred under the Trump administration’s health leadership. For example, CDC director Susan Monarez was fired due to disagreements over vaccine policy concerns. Her attorneys stated she refused “unscientific, reckless directives.” Such instances underscored the challenges the West Coast Alliance aims to navigate, highlighting a need for science-based decisions.
Moreover, four other top CDC leaders resigned, citing political interference in their duties. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also made significant changes, firing all 17 members of an advisory panel for vaccine recommendations. Some replacements reportedly had spread misinformation. These events further solidified the resolve behind the West Coast Alliance and the importance of state health initiatives.
Earlier in 2025, vaccine access faced new limitations. The FDA restricted access to COVID-19 vaccines. Previously, vaccines were available to everyone over six months old. New guidelines limited them to adults over 65 and those with health issues. Consultation with a doctor was often required. The CDC also removed its recommendation for pregnant women to get the vaccine. Parents needed to consult a physician for childhood vaccinations. These shifts in federal policy highlight the importance of the West Coast Alliance in navigating vaccine policy concerns.
West Coast Alliance Goals and Mission
Consequently, the West Coast Alliance seeks to restore trust and ensure residents are protected by science, not politics. The alliance will develop its own immunization guidelines, informed by respected national medical organizations and adhering to science-based decisions. This forms the core mission of the West Coast Alliance, emphasizing regional health cooperation.
The coalition intends to provide unified recommendations to help residents know who should receive immunizations and ensure access to credible information. Confidence in vaccine safety and efficacy is a key goal for the West Coast Alliance, addressing vaccine policy concerns directly.
The states will coordinate health guidance regionally to combat confusion and increase trust in public health measures. Hawaii announced it would join the alliance shortly after its formation, expanding the reach of the West Coast Alliance and enhancing regional health cooperation.
Unique State Strategies under the West Coast Alliance
Furthermore, each state will still pursue its own strategies, respecting unique state laws and histories. Tribal sovereignty is also fully affirmed. The alliance builds on past regional cooperation, following efforts like the Western States Pact. That pact helped coordinate COVID-19 responses, serving as a precursor to the West Coast Alliance.
Broader Trends in Public Health and the West Coast Alliance
This development is part of a larger trend where several states are forming their own health alliances, often in response to federal policy shifts, like the recent CDC policy changes. The West Coast Alliance also connects with the Governors Public Health Alliance, a broader, non-partisan group that coordinates science-based decisions.
In conclusion, the West Coast Alliance represents a proactive step to maintain public health integrity and stands as a bulwark against political interference in science. The alliance pledges to prioritize science and evidence, ensuring communities receive reliable health information. This coalition offers a vision for future public health coordination, highlighting states stepping up to fill perceived federal gaps. The West Coast Alliance is a crucial entity for state health initiatives, ensuring that science-based decisions guide public health efforts.
