West Coast Health Alliance 2025: California, Washington, Oregon Break from CDC Under RFK Jr.
California, Washington, and Oregon form independent health alliance as HHS employees demand Kennedy’s resignation*
Three Pacific Coast states just declared health independence from federal agencies—and it could reshape American healthcare forever.
What Just Happened in California, Washington, and Oregon?
On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Washington Governor Jay Inslee, and Oregon Governor Tina Kotek announced they’re forming the **West Coast Health Alliance**, creating an independent public health guidance system separate from the CDC and federal health agencies. Instead of waiting for Washington D.C., they’re turning to established medical organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics for health recommendations.
This isn’t just bureaucratic reshuffling—it’s a direct response to growing concerns about federal health leadership under HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Why This Could Be Good News
Science-First Approach: The alliance promises to base decisions on “best available science” from respected medical associations that have already begun distancing themselves from some CDC recommendations.
Speed and Flexibility: States can respond faster to health threats without waiting for federal approval or navigating political pressures that may influence national agencies.
Protecting Vulnerable Populations: With medical groups like pediatricians and OB-GYNs leading guidance, the focus remains on patient care rather than political considerations.
RFK Jr. and the HHS Crisis
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s controversial appointment as HHS Secretary has triggered an unprecedented revolt within the Department of Health and Human Services. On Tuesday, over 1,000 current and former HHS employees signed a resignation letter demanding Kennedy step down, stating his leadership “puts the health of all Americans at risk.”
The Kennedy Track Record: As a longtime vaccine skeptic and conspiracy theorist, Kennedy has promoted debunked theories linking vaccines to autism and has questioned fluoride in water supplies—positions that contradict decades of peer-reviewed medical research.
What Other States Will Follow? Regional Health Blocs Emerging
**Blue State Coalitions**: Expect Northeast states (New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut) to announce similar alliances within weeks. Democratic governors who prioritize medical expertise over political appointments are likely to band together.
**Red State Response**: Republican-led states may counter with their own confederations that align with Kennedy’s approach, potentially creating dramatically different health policies across America.
Purple State Dilemma: Swing states face tough choices—join science-based coalitions or risk political backlash from federal leadership.
Protecting Your Family’s Health in 2025
Find Science-Based Care: Locate healthcare providers in California, Washington, Oregon, or states following American Academy of Pediatrics and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines.
Document Medical History: Keep comprehensive vaccination records and health documentation—state requirements may soon vary dramatically across the US.
Research State Policies: Before relocating, research which states prioritize medical expertise versus political appointments in health decisions.
Contact Your Representatives: Call your governor’s office about joining health alliances that follow established medical organizations rather than politically-appointed federal officials.
Emergency Preparedness: Build relationships with trusted physicians now, before potential healthcare disruptions affect access to evidence-based care.
The Bottom Line
We’re witnessing a historic fracturing of America’s public health system. While this creates uncertainty, it also offers states the chance to prioritize medical science over political interference. The West Coast Alliance could become a model for evidence-based health policy—or it could be the beginning of a confusing patchwork that makes healthcare even more complicated.
One thing is clear: the traditional model of federal health leadership is under serious strain, and states are taking matters into their own hands.
Written by Justine Reichman
