Staying Healthy When Your Government No Longer Values Science

COMMENTARY

On Friday, March 7, thousands of Americans will march in demonstrations around the country to protest the federal government’s erosion of scientific research and health services. The Stand Up For Science rallies will draw attention to the severity of workforce and funding cutbacks in science and medicine under the Donald Trump administration.

If the Trump administration perseveres in slashing the funding of scientific research and public health services, Americans of every community, age, ethnicity and economic status will eventually suffer the consequences. National Institutes of Health funding, which Trump is aiming to dramatically cut, is the backbone of scientific and medical discoveries in the United States, creating many of the very technological advances and medical treatments we now benefit from, such as the revolution in cancer immunotherapies.

Adding to these concerns is the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Despite widespread opposition from nearly every reputable medical and scientific organization, Kennedy now leads the very agency charged with protecting public health.

His track record includes promoting baseless conspiracy theories about vaccines, dismissing the severity of infectious disease outbreaks and advocating for scientifically debunked health practices. He has even downplayed the seriousness of the current measles outbreak in the United States. 

His appointment signals a perilous shift in public health policy — one that endangers trust in vaccines, disease prevention efforts and evidence-based medicine.

Kennedy has expressed some worthwhile ideas on how to improve public health, such as through measures to discourage diets high in processed foods. However, nothing in his background suggests he is qualified to run HHS — a massive and complex agency charged with protecting Americans’ health that includes the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell said this about Kennedy after voting “no” on his confirmation. “Individuals, parents and families have a right to push for a healthier nation and demand the best possible scientific guidance on preventing and treating illness. But a record of trafficking in dangerous conspiracy theories and eroding trust in public health institutions does not entitle Mr. Kennedy to lead these important efforts.”

The stakes could not be higher. The Trump administration’s continued attacks on scientific funding and public health institutions have put the well-being of all Americans at risk. If we do not stand up now, we risk losing the progress that has taken decades to achieve.

So what can you do?

First, make your voice heard. Contact U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean and demand the restoration of critical science and health funding. Participate in protests, engage in discussions and spread awareness.

Avoid using federal health and science websites for information. Government websites, such as the website for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, were once considered the most accessible place for Americans to find quality health information. That is no longer the case. Instead, look for information from unbiased professional health and medical organizations, as the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, the American Medical Association or the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Sadly, by slashing science funding and the country’s highly trained scientific workforce, the federal government has indicated it is no longer committed to protecting the future health of Americans.

Now more than ever, Americans must stand together to defend science and public health — because if we don’t, no one else will.