Protect rational health policy

As a a physician and clinical teaching faculty member, I am appalled at the multiple assaults on the health of Americans that is our government’s current project. At my recent lecture, I had to inform the physicians-in-training that they needed to look at sources other than the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and CDC for reliable vaccine guidance. This administration is promoting quackery and ignorance, and all of us will bear the burden.

The cancellation of assistance to hungry children and those with disabilities, termination of medical research, threats to vaccine development and availability, the hollowing out of the CDC, massive cuts to equal access to health care, and the abandonment of measures to address the climate crisis ensures suffering for the most vulnerable - and for all of us. This is not what Americans want.

All of these crucial programs to reduce human suffering require a functioning democracy. I am standing up for a healthy democracy for healthy people. This includes joining rallies, writing letters, making donations, calling my representatives on a regular basis, talking to colleagues, voting and working to preserve voting rights. I will do all I can to make sure health policy follows medical science. I urge everyone to join with like-minded activists to protect our democracy and our health.

Regina de Leon Gomez

Arlington Heights