In recent weeks, I’ve been reflecting on the pervasive sense of hopelessness many are feeling as we witness the dismantling of our federal health institutions. Participating in both online and in-person gatherings with community partners has been a source of strength and motivation for me, especially during moments when it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Our discussions have highlighted the challenges we face during these administrative transitions, including difficulties in accessing public health data, navigating federal program offices and securing grant payments.

Despite these immediate challenges, many of our partners, especially those working on the front lines in cities and neighborhoods across the country, remain focused on the future. It is reassuring to see that many continue to nurture hope. This underscores the urgent need for leaders who are intentional about conveying optimism amidst such unprecedented uncertainty and disruption in our systems of care.

Last month, Dr. Judy Monroe, president and CEO of the CDC Foundation, and I addressed the critical need to rebuild trust for the future success of public health. A recent Gallup report, Global Leadership Report: What Followers Want, revealed that trust is one of four key leadership qualities people value. The research explored two questions: “What leader has the most positive influence on your daily life?” and “Please list three words that best describe what this person contributes to your life.”

The findings showed that hope, trust, compassion and stability are fundamental needs we seek from our leaders, with hope consistently emerging as the most important quality.

Here are some effective approaches I’ve observed among community and public health leaders that foster a sense of hope:

1. Clear Communication: Regular, consistent, and honest updates on both challenges and successes can help build trust and clarity.
2. Vision Setting: Articulating a compelling vision for the future allows us to aspire to a better world for generations to come.
3. Shared Goals: Focusing on unifying objectives — such as achieving health equity, protecting the public from health threats , and investing in future leaders — creates a common purpose.
4. Trusting and Investing in Community Power: Fostering authentic collaboration and ownership within communities strengthens our collective efforts.
5. Highlighting Success Stories: Sharing positive outcomes from public health initiatives demonstrates the impact of our work and inspires confidence in future endeavors.
6. Staying Positive: Maintaining a positive attitude, even in challenging times, can be contagious. Leaders should model optimism while addressing the reality of our challenges.

There are leaders that embody these approaches throughout our communities, working every day to protect the people they serve and care about. Though we face multiple challenges, I remain hopeful, as do many of our partners.

Together, we can navigate these transitions and build a brighter future for public health.