FR 2024-28511

The document in question is a notice regarding a closed meeting organized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as published in the Federal Register. This meeting is set to take place on March 11-12, 2025, via a web conference and is being conducted by the Disease, Disability, and Injury Prevention and Control Special Emphasis Panel. The primary purpose of the meeting is to review and evaluate grant applications aimed at supporting new research into preventing interpersonal violence that affects children and youth.

General Summary

The notice outlines the timing, purpose, and confidentiality of the meeting. It informs the public that the meeting will be closed due to the sensitive nature of the discussions, which are expected to include confidential trade secrets and personal information. The document also provides contact information for Aisha L. Wilkes, the Scientific Review Officer, for further inquiries about the meeting.

Significant Issues or Concerns

A notable issue with the document is its lack of clarity regarding the closed nature of the meeting. While it cites sections of U.S. legal code (5 U.S.C. 1009(d), 552b(c)(4), and 552b(c)(6), as well as Public Law 92-463) as justification, these references may not be easily understood by the general public. This can make it difficult for readers to fully grasp why the meeting's confidentiality is deemed necessary. A brief explanation or summary of these sections and their relevance to this specific scenario would enhance transparency and comprehension.

Additionally, the document does not provide a detailed agenda or specific topics of discussion. This vagueness may limit public understanding and engagement, as stakeholders and interested parties might wish to know more about the subjects under consideration, even if specifics cannot be disclosed.

Potential Impact on the Public

The notice primarily impacts two broad groups: the general public and specific stakeholders in the health and research community. For the general public, particularly those concerned with issues of interpersonal violence affecting youth, the meeting represents an ongoing commitment by the CDC to address these pressing challenges. However, the lack of detailed information about the meeting content might lead to reduced trust or curiosity about the process.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For researchers, health professionals, and organizations focused on violence prevention, the meeting is of significant interest as it deals with potential funding opportunities. The grant applications being evaluated could lead to new research initiatives that further the understanding and prevention of interpersonal violence. Nonetheless, because the meeting is not open to the public, stakeholders must rely on post-meeting communications for insights into funding decisions and priorities.

Conclusion

In summary, while the notice successfully communicates the essential logistics and confidentiality of the upcoming CDC meeting, it falls short in delivering transparent and accessible explanations regarding its closed nature. Enhancing the document with clearer explanations of the legal justifications and potentially sharing non-confidential agenda topics could improve public trust and comprehension. By addressing these issues, the CDC could better engage both the general public and its specific stakeholders, reinforcing its efforts in violence prevention research.