By Kathleen Edison / For The Herald
In times of political uncertainty, public health often becomes an unintended casualty.
Civil servants and public health professionals work tirelessly to support essential systems, from pandemic preparedness to community health initiatives, yet these systems now face unprecedented threats. Budget cuts, partisan policies and a lack of qualified leadership jeopardize programs that millions of Americans rely on for their well-being. Defending public health against these challenges isn’t just a professional obligation; it’s a moral imperative.
The stakes for public health: As the incoming White House administration takes shape, many civil servants are bracing for potentially devastating changes to public health programs. Essential services including vaccine distribution, environmental protection and health care access are at risk of being undermined by ideological decisions. The appointments of unqualified individuals to critical roles and proposals for sweeping budget cuts signal an alarming shift. For public health professionals, the question becomes: How do we ensure the stability of these systems while maintaining their integrity and non-partisan mission?
Protecting public health funding and expertise: Public health is rooted in evidence-based practices, equity and community engagement. However, when political turbulence undermines these principles, the consequences ripple far beyond the administrative level. For example, an analysis published in Prehospital and Disaster Medicine highlight how countries that impose large-scale austerity measures result in declining public health protections that significantly weaken global public health security by increasing vulnerability to infectious disease outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics. Large-scale cuts to funding and politicized decision-making can lead to poorer health outcomes for the people and will disproportionately harm underserved populations and widen health disparities.
Addressing austerity measures: Proponents of sweeping austerity measures argue that reducing government spending is necessary to address economic concerns. While fiscal responsibility is important, cutting public health funding is more than shortsighted, it affects our nation’s most vulnerable citizens and impacts our national security. A study analyzing government responses to the covid-19 pandemic underscores how defunding pandemic surveillance programs, coupled with the politicization of the virus’ infectability and vaccine efficacy, led to inconsistent public health policies. These actions delayed medical treatment, weakened efforts to mitigate the pandemic’s effects, and ultimately eroded the already fragile trust in public institutions.
Budget cuts and the dismantling of public health programs are counterproductive, even from a cost-savings perspective. A systematic review published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health found that public health interventions have a median return of investment of $14.30 for every dollar spent. This means that for every dollar spent on public health interventions and initiatives, society gains $14.30 of economic benefits. These benefits come in the form of substantial health care savings, increased productivity and reduced economic losses htrough disease prevention and health promotion. These investments also address chronic diseases by reducing long-term health care costs. Additionally, the World Health Organization emphasizes the critical role of the U.S. in global health leadership, warning that funding cuts not only weaken domestic systems but also undermine international collaboration during crisis events like the covid-19 pandemic.
The stakes for public health have never been higher. If we allow political indifference and budget cuts to dismantle these systems, we risk more than dollars- we risk lives. Public health isn’t just a set of programs, it is the backbone of a thriving, equitable and healthy society. This is our moment to stand firm, protect what matters, and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy life in a safe environment.
Take a stand for public health: What happens if the incoming administration dismantles programs essential to the public’s well-being? We cannot afford to wait and see. Public health professionals and concerned citizens alike must act now to safeguard the systems that protect our communities.
Start by staying informed about proposed budget cuts to public health agencies. Support organizations like Public Citizen, which provide real-time updates on policy changes and other tools to help you contact your representatives. Advocacy begins with knowledge, and these resources empower you to take meaningful action.
You can also turn to the Natural Resources Defense Council, a trusted leader in defending public health and environmental protection. With the combination of scientific expertise, legal action and grass-roots mobilization, the NRDC holds policymakers accountable and ensures that public health remains a national priority. Together, these organizations provide the tools and support needed to make your voice heard.
Kathleen Edison, who has a masters in public health, is a doctor of public health student at Tulane University specializing in public health emergency management, utilizing systems thinking to foster disaster resilience. She lives in Lynnwood.
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