“RFK Jr. Confirmation: A Threat to Vital Public Health Progress?” • Kentucky Lantern

We urge the U.S. Senate to prioritize public health and not confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the head of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). His qualifications are lacking, and his leadership could endanger public health.

It’s crucial to protect the progress we’ve made in public health over the years. Health affects everyone and isn’t just a political issue. It’s about ensuring a society free from disease and disability.

Good health is vital for a thriving economy. When workers are unwell, they cannot perform their jobs effectively. Healthy individuals contribute more to their communities and the economy.

RFK Jr. claims we were healthier before vaccines, pasteurized milk, and fluoridated water, but that’s simply untrue.

Inappropriate leadership can have severe consequences. Just as you wouldn’t trust a nurse with your car or a mechanic to treat your flu, we shouldn’t have someone without a solid public health background running DHHS. RFK Jr. lacks the necessary experience to ensure the nation’s health.

His approach threatens to dismantle vaccination programs, which is alarming. This move could expose children to diseases we currently manage well, potentially leading to severe health risks.

The person in charge of DHHS should possess a deep understanding of public health and be able to apply effective, science-based strategies. We need a leader who will advance our health, not take us backward.

Trust in science is essential for making informed health decisions. Regulatory agencies provide crucial guidance, helping us avoid a return to dangerous times when preventable diseases could take young lives.

RFK Jr. has shown skepticism towards vaccines, which could lead to an era of illness. It wasn’t long ago that diseases like polio caused widespread suffering. Vaccinations have saved countless lives — between 1993 and 2023, routine vaccinations in the U.S. prevented hundreds of millions of illnesses and saved billions of dollars.

Many recall missing school due to measles or other diseases, or knowing someone who suffered severe consequences from preventable illnesses. Today, most parents vaccinate their children, trusting in public health advice. A leader who questions the value of vaccines could negatively impact public health for years.

Do we really want to risk illness in America once again? Let’s not go back to a time when parents feared for their children’s lives due to preventable diseases. We should be celebrating the health and longevity of our children, thanks to robust public health initiatives.

Vaccines are just one example of successful public health strategies. Clean air, safe drinking water, and pasteurized milk also highlight the importance of a strong public health system.

A group of highly educated nurses, known as Nurses Who Stand Up for Health, advocates for health with their expertise. They include nurse practitioners, school nurse leaders, and health policy experts. These dedicated professionals are committed to caring for individuals and communities, especially in these challenging times.

This commentary is signed by: Alison Connell, PhD, APRN; Audrey Darville, PhD, APRN; Ellen J. Hahn, PhD, RN; Lisa Maggio, PhD, RN.