Thread by @dr_kkjetelina

There was an abrupt $11B cut to local/state public health (PH) infrastructure yesterday. I don't think people realize what this means:

-Want a system to check your immunizations instead of digging through docs? No longer able to upgrade to immunization information systems

-Want your mayor to save money by addressing the opioid epidemic? PH no longer able to carry out upgrades to disease surveillance and reporting

-Want to know your blood test results faster? PH no longer able to carry out major laboratory renovations and modernization

- Want to know if and how measles is spreading to protect your family? PH no longer able to perform wastewater testing

- Want your grandma in a nursing home to live a long, prosperous life? PH has to discontinue infection control education for nursing homes.

The narrative is that cuts are about C19 tests and vaccines. That’s just wrong. This $ is indeed being used for C19—used to address key vulnerabilities identified during the pandemic.

But PH is inherently crosscutting. Capacity in 1 area strengthens capacity across the board

This is just the latest in a long pattern, including sidelining scientific advancements, cutting USDA programs that support healthy eating, canceling global cooperation so we are safer in the U.S., and abruptly future cohorts of public servants.

This is not America first.