1. United States
2. Ark.
3. Letter

This is an outrageous and reckless move by the Trump administration that will have devastating consequences for public health across the country. Abruptly terminating over $12 billion in grants for vital services like infectious disease tracking, mental health support, and addiction treatment will cripple the ability of state health departments to address pressing health issues. These grants provide critical funding that states rely on to monitor and respond to disease outbreaks, provide care for those struggling with substance abuse disorders, and support mental health services in communities. The immediate impacts are already being felt, with Lubbock, Texas forced to halt work responding to a growing measles outbreak after losing grant funding. Other states are preparing for significant staffing cuts and service reductions as a result of these draconian cuts. This short-sighted decision prioritizes cost-cutting over protecting American lives and promoting public well-being. Health departments nationwide will now be hamstrung in their ability to identify and contain infectious disease spread, provide addiction recovery resources, and offer mental health services - putting lives at risk. This assault on public health funding is unacceptable and will have far-reaching negative repercussions if not immediately reversed. I urge swift action to restore this crucial grant funding and ensure state health departments can continue providing essential health protection and treatment services that communities rely upon. Budgeting should not come at the expense of Americans' health and safety.