American democracy and health security are inextricable: American health security depends on the ability to simultaneously live in a free society and manage a public health emergency. Likewise, the health of American democracy depends on citizens’ faith in institutions — schools, workplaces, and government — to protect them in a crisis.

The American Democracy and Health Security Initiative, a partnership between the Pandemic Center, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and the COVID Collaborative, charts a way forward that both respects individual freedoms and supports the collective good. A report published in June of 2024 summarizes findings and features urgent recommendations — practical, actionable, steps — to advance America’s health security.