Local Physicians and Patients Join Supervisor Lawson-Remer in Urging Against Health Agency Budget Cuts

San Diego County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer recently rallied local leaders to urge Congress to reconsider steep cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). She plans to present a resolution to the Board of Supervisors on June 3, asking for the reversal of a proposed 40% funding cut.

Lawson-Remer emphasized that such drastic reductions could severely impact cancer research, halt clinical trials, and deter young scientists from entering the field. "San Diego is a leader in life sciences," she noted. "We’ve worked hard to build this infrastructure, and we can’t afford to dismantle it recklessly."

The funding cuts align with the Trump administration’s push for government efficiency, but many locals warn that it could harm San Diego’s $57 billion life sciences sector. Earlier this month, the NIH laid off hundreds of employees, intensifying concerns about the future of medical research.

Dr. Corinne Peek-Asa from UC San Diego pointed out the negative consequences of reduced funding. "Cuts to NIH disrupt clinical trials and slow biomedical discoveries," she said. "This threatens America’s position in innovation and affects public health and job security in our community.”

In March, Dr. Jayanta Bhattacharya assumed leadership of the NIH. He expressed a need to address chronic illnesses like cancer and diabetes, stating that fresh biomedical discoveries are crucial for the well-being of the nation. His vision aims to build on the NIH’s legacy of supporting breakthroughs in health and science.

A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed that the federal government paused about 700 NIH grants between late February and early April, totaling $1.81 billion—approximately 3.3% of the NIH’s annual budget. Lawson-Remer’s office estimates the cuts could lead to over $500 million in lost economic activity and threaten 3,000 jobs within San Diego’s thriving biotech sector.

Dr. Kurt Marek, from Sanford Burnham Prebys and a former NIH program director, expressed deep concern. He said, "These cuts could devastate not only our economy but also the health of people in our region, the nation, and the world. The NIH has successfully fought diseases for 80 years, and today’s cuts seem arbitrary but have real consequences."

San Diego ranks as the third-largest recipient of NIH funding in the U.S. This financial support has historically fueled medical advancements and job creation. Lawson-Remer concluded, "It’s vital we protect the health breakthroughs our families rely on and the jobs tied to this essential research. We cannot be silent while these cuts are proposed."

The conversation around NIH funding reflects a broader discussion about balancing government budgets and public health needs. As funding for medical research hangs in the balance, communities like San Diego are feeling the impact.

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