NAACP Denounces Health and Human Services' Actions to Make Americans Sicker

WASHINGTON – The NAACP condemns the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) recent actions, including the 20,000-employee workforce reduction and the rescission of billions of dollars in public health funding for Covid-19 testing and vaccination, as well as other health initiatives.

Dr. Chris Pernell, Director of the NAACP Center for Health Equity, released the following statement:

"The Trump Administration and HHS' recent actions show us that they don't care about the health and safety of the Americans they swore to protect. Slashing thousands of jobs from the HHS workforce and reducing its divisions from 28 to 15 will adversely impact the department's ability to provide essential services like Medicare, Medicaid, substance use services, and community health centers.

"Make no mistake – communities are still being impacted by Covid-19. Cutting billions of dollars in testing and vaccination funding only serves to reduce our public health infrastructure, hurting our country's ability to fight illnesses that affect communities across the country. Taking care of our sick, our elderly, and our most vulnerable populations is as American as the flag itself.

"On top of that, the administration has put forth yet another unqualified skeptic to help lead a study on whether vaccines are linked to autism, a patently false claim that has been settled already. David Geier will simply spread more mis- and disinformation, which this administration has become known for.

"Public health is at its best when it upholds basic science and promotes prevention so that all people can lead their healthiest lives. Any reduction in our public health infrastructure – whether it's workers or funding – only serves to make Americans sicker. And we know that when America gets a cold, Black people get the flu. No matter what, we will continue to fight for the health and safety of our communities."

The NAACP advocates for the public health and safety of Black Americans. For more information on our work to protect social safety programs affecting public health like Medicare and Medicaid, visit our website.

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