Former Chicago health commissioner Allison Arwady joins CDC

The big picture: It's a high-profile role, where Arwady will be tasked with helping curb drug overdoses — the leading cause of death for adults aged 18-45.

• Meanwhile, suicides reached an all-time high in the U.S. last year, per the CDC.

Context: Arwady was fired by Mayor Brandon Johnson in August after serving as the public health commissioner for four years, including through the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Before running CDPH, Arwady spent four years as the city's chief medical officer.

What she's saying: "During my time leading Chicago's Department of Public Health, I saw the power of using local data to drive public health action and I look forward to translating this experience to a national scale," Arwady said in a statement.

• "From overdose to violence, this country is in crisis, and we must meet the crisis with strong public health approaches that center evidence and equity."

The intrigue: Arwady said her August firing was abrupt, yet Johnson advocates say her use of back-channels to campaign to keep her job did her in.

What's next: CDPH has yet to replace Arwady. Her deputy, Fikirte Wagaw, is the acting commissioner.