“We are certain this will cost lives”: Front-Line Health Professionals Warn Trump Administration’s Actions will Endanger Americans’ Health
WASHINGTON, D.C. — More than 6,000 doctors, nurses, researchers and other health professionals released an open letter today to alert the public how the Trump administration’s actions are harming the health of Americans.
From proposed devastating cuts to Medicaid and the federal health workforce to decreased funding for scientific research, access to data and medical training, the administration “has taken an axe to most of the agencies and programs that protect medical care and public health in our country,” the letter says. It adds: the administration claims to want to “Make America Healthy Again” but these actions will do the opposite…We are certain this will cost lives.”
Public Citizen Health Research Group Director Dr. Robert Steinbrook issued the following statement:
“Alongside more than 6,000 other health professionals, I signed this ‘message of concern.’ We must continue to sound the alarm about the Trump Administration’s attacks and threats against our healthcare system.
“The letter challenges our leading scientific and medical organizations and more individuals to end their silence and join front-line health professionals in speaking out against the ongoing catastrophe.”
Despite their best efforts, health professionals on the front lines “cannot fill the void that is being created by these reckless and deep cuts, which are tearing apart crucial systems for protecting and promoting Americans’ health,” the letter says. If proposed Medicaid cuts are enacted, they will threaten the well-being of tens of millions of Americans, including 40% of children and 60% of nursing home residents.
While acknowledging that “there is plenty to fix in the federal government,” the letter calls for “intelligent redesign done thoughtfully,” not “shutting down programs and abandoning the public.”