Dr. Erica Schwartz is the new director for the U.S. Center for Control and Prevention (Photo courtesy of yahoo.com)By David L. SnellingDr. Erica Schwartz has made history. Schwartz is the first Black woman director of the U.S. Centers for Control and Prevention (CDC) after the Senate confirmed her nomination. Schwartz, 54, previously served as a U.S. Public Health Service rear admiral and a Deputy Surgeon General of the United States from January 2019 to April 2021. Her confirmation comes at a critical time for an agency battered by internal turmoil, severe staffing cuts, and mounting public health threats. Schwartz has received multiple honors, including the Public Health Service Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, twice, Surgeon General’s Medallion, Coast Guard Commendation Medal, and Navy Commendation Medal.