A resolution to support National Public Health Week, recognize public health achievements, and advocate for increased resources to improve community health and address health disparities.
Ben Luján
Senator
NM
This resolution supports National Public Health Week, recognizing the critical role of public health professionals and government agencies in preventing disease, addressing health disparities, and improving overall health in the U.S. It encourages increased efforts and resources to enhance community health, strengthen the public health system, and promote awareness of public health's impact on the nation's well-being. The resolution also voices concerns regarding potential budget cuts that could negatively impact public health initiatives and the ability to respond to health crises.
Senate Backs Public Health Week, But Resolution Flags Worries Over Proposed Cuts to HHS, CDC, NIH
This Senate resolution officially throws its support behind National Public Health Week, kicking off April 7, 2025, with the theme "It Starts Here." It's essentially a formal recognition of the importance of public health work. The resolution gives a nod to progress made, like lower infant mortality rates (down to 5.6 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2022) and reduced smoking. However, it also lays out some stark realities: declining life expectancy in the U.S., ongoing battles with chronic diseases, significant health disparities, and troubling numbers for violence, suicide (49,476 deaths in 2022), maternal mortality (22.3 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2022), and drug overdoses (107,941 deaths in 2022).
More Than Just a High Five: What the Resolution Says
Beyond the symbolic support, the resolution acknowledges the heavy lifting done by public health professionals and agencies. It specifically points to their role in tackling infectious disease outbreaks like COVID-19 and measles, working to lessen their impact, and addressing the social factors – think income, education, location – that influence health outcomes, especially for minority populations. It's a recognition that public health isn't just about reacting to crises; it's about building healthier communities from the ground up. The resolution encourages Americans to learn more about this work and calls for increased efforts and resources to improve health across the board.
The Elephant in the Room: Funding Worries
Here’s where the resolution gets particularly interesting. While cheering on public health, it simultaneously raises red flags about proposed cuts that could undermine these very efforts. It specifically mentions concerns regarding potential cuts to Medicaid, a major health insurance provider for lower-income individuals and families. It also notes worries about a proposed restructuring of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) – potentially shrinking its workforce from 82,000 to 62,000 employees – and staff and funding cuts at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), our nation's medical research agency, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which tracks and responds to disease outbreaks. The resolution suggests these cuts could hamper the nation's ability to respond to health threats and protect vulnerable groups.
What It Means on the Ground (Even If It's Not Law)
Keep in mind, a resolution like this doesn't create new laws or allocate money. Think of it as a statement of values and concerns from the Senate. It signals that improving public health, tackling disparities, and preventing disease are priorities. However, by explicitly mentioning concerns about potential cuts to agencies like the CDC and NIH, and programs like Medicaid, it highlights a potential conflict between stated goals and proposed actions. While it encourages "more effort and resources," the resolution itself doesn't guarantee them. It essentially sets the stage, acknowledging the big health challenges we face while pointing out that the resources needed to tackle them might be under threat.