The Occasional Perspective - 2/17/25
Opinions and Reflections
We – of the care delivery and public health community – must immediately begin to shift our attention from primarily a sole focus on managing community and patient care toward a broader focus on also “managing” change – which often requires resisting negative approaches to change. The onslaught of changes occurring in the last couple of weeks emanating from Washington, DC are troublesome. But, it’s not because change is not needed. In fact, it’s anticipated that in shift from one administration to another that change will occur. However, it’s the manner in which change is occurring that is troublesome – along with the likely leadership in many of the areas of change! From the abrupt freeze on publishing the Mobility and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) for the first time in 70 years to the sequestration of research and care delivery funds, to the probable approval of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. as DHHS Secretary, the “change” has been reckless.
While it is not uncommon to experience the change due to a change in administration priorities, “process” is an important component of “change” to prevent collateral damage. If budget reductions occur they are not simply the result of emails sent in the middle of the night. The shift in priorities are articulated. There are generally opportunities for feedback on the reallocation of resources. AND, most importantly, there are government officials charged with responsibility for implementation – not private citizens with no legislated or appointed status of any kind.
Therefore, it is incumbent upon those of us in the greater healthcare community to step up and be heard on the implications of change. For example, the silence of the medical community on the probable appointment of RFK, Jr. is deafening. We must become “change agents” ourselves if we are to be successful in mobilizing our community and the recipients of the care that is absolutely required across the board as a part of societal health care. If we truly believe that “health care is a right” then stepping up means becoming involved both socially, politically, and organizationally.
The fact of the matter is that disease continues to spread throughout the world and it will not wait for government programs to reconvene or be redeployed before invading our country. Delayed care is frequently detrimental to the individual patient. Lack of funding for research will precipitate a dismantling of people resources who will most likely disperse to maintain a livelihood leaving research projects in shambles. Public health is an “economic” issue right alongside “community health” where the lack of funding creates an impact from ongoing, unremitting disease spread across the nation and the world. So, hopefully, it’s clear – we need to stay engaged, get organized, and collaborate across all of the boundaries within the healthcare community!!
We need to maintain our focus on developing, delivering and addressing health with the VERY BEST data available – not solely on contrived opinion. It’s also important to keep in perspective that the entire world is dependent upon many of the public health programs supported in the USA (e.g. surveillance). We are a leader due to our investments in better health for all. And, finally, we must continue our focus on making health care better… And – at the end of the day – by retaining these areas of focus, we will benefit the public – and, the world – as well as healthcare for the community.
