Will Humble Public Health, Vaccination, Wills Blog

RFK Jr. as HHS Secretary? Why It Could Mean the End of Evidence-Based Public Health Policy

If you’re reading this, you’ve no doubt heard the word on the street that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will be appointed the Secretary of Health and Human Services if Mr. Trump wins the presidency. HHS is a super-agency which includes CDC, CMS, FDA, HRSA., NIH all important health and human services agencies. The very agencies who oversee protecting public health and the most vulnerable persons in the country.

What would a Kennedy-run HHS look like? Given Kennedy’s longstanding skepticism of evidence-based health policy, his leadership of HHS would likely prioritize his personal beliefs over solid science.

Kennedy’s vocal stance on vaccines provides a glimpse into his priorities. For years, he’s argued that vaccines are neither safe nor effective, claiming, without evidence, that they’re tied to a laundry list of health issues, including autism, autoimmune disorders, infertility, and obesity.

His assertions have been widely debunked by researchers and public health agencies, but Kennedy has doubled down, continuing to spread misinformation that contributes to vaccine hesitancy and compromises public health. His leadership at HHS could shift resources and policies away from promoting vaccines—an essential tool in fighting preventable diseases—and instead, focus on unsubstantiated theories that put lives at risk.

Besides vaccines, Kennedy has pushed other unproven therapies, including ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine, and chelation therapy, none of which are supported by scientific evidence for the uses he promotes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kennedy advocated for these treatments, despite a lack of credible data backing their effectiveness.

If appointed to HHS, his influence could result in funding for these non-evidence-based treatments while sidelining effective, science-backed interventions. Under Kennedy’s leadership, we might see the federal government actively endorsing and funding unproven therapies, wasting taxpayer dollars and eroding trust in the department.

Another alarming aspect of Kennedy’s approach is his disdain for agencies like the CDC and FDA, both essential parts of the HHS. He’s called for “slashing” their budgets and has suggested that leadership within these agencies should be investigated and potentially jailed, accusing them of engaging in conspiracies and misinformation.

This rhetoric is not only unfounded but is also deeply damaging to public trust in institutions meant to safeguard health. Should Kennedy gain control of these agencies, it’s likely he would try to implement his agenda by weakening their funding and influence, leaving FDA and CDC ill-equipped to regulate food and drug safety, and provide reliable guidance.

Kennedy’s leadership would likely align with Project 2025, a right-wing policy blueprint that proposes drastic rollbacks of federal public health initiatives. This project, which Trump has vowed to implement if re-elected, calls for shrinking the federal government’s role in health policy, reducing the power of public health agencies, and limiting their ability to issue health recommendations.

The Dangers of Implementing Project 2025s’ Public Health Proposals – AZ Public Health Association

The HHS under Kennedy could very well fast-track these proposals, potentially dismantling key public health protections. For instance, Project 2025 advocates for removing the CDC’s authority to issue public health guidelines, a move that would be disastrous during health emergencies and diminish the role of science in policy decisions.

Kennedy’s approach to health policy is often rooted in personal beliefs rather than evidence, a dangerous quality for the head of an agency responsible for regulating food, drugs, and public health guidance.

Public health leaders are tasked with protecting and improving lives through science, not ideology. If Kennedy’s history is any indication, his appointment would mean prioritizing fringe theories over established science, weakening the agencies that Americans rely on to keep them safe.

At a time when public health faces multiple challenges, from pandemics to chronic disease, having an HHS Secretary who dismisses scientific consensus could be catastrophic. Health policy requires leaders who understand and respect evidence; Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has shown time and again that he does not.

Will Humble Suicide Prevention, Wills Blog

View the Webinar: Suicide Surveillance & Evidence-Based Intervention Summary in Pima County Arizona

‘Suicide Surveillance & Evidence-Based Intervention Summary in Pima County Arizona’

Passcode: 6+zDds4q

Speaker

Mark Person – Pima County Health Department

This presentation provides an overview of suicide rates and key trends identified in Pima County, in addition to discussing some of the most recent key findings revealed by the suicide mortality review committee.

Throughout the presentation the discussion will also focus on suicide prevention recommendations, risk factors, and populations disproportionately impacted by high suicide rates.

View the PowerPoint
Will Humble Health Insurance, Wills Blog

The Future of Telehealth in Medicare: Why Congress Needs to Act to Preserve Access & Improve Care

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the US to rethink how care could be delivered safely and effectively, especially for older and underserved populations. One of the most significant developments was the expanded use of telehealth services within the Medicare program.

As the country shifted to remote care, telehealth became a lifeline for millions of Medicare members. It let people get care without the risks associated with in-person visits, especially for high-risk populations. It also really helped out in rural reals that have weak networks for behavioral health, psychiatric and other critical care.

However, now that the public health emergency is over – the benefits of telehealth for Medicare members is also expiring at the end of 2024 (telehealth was temporarily extended when the PH emergency ended).

In order for Medicare to be able to continue to provide telehealth for certain things Congress will need to act before the end of the year.

The question before congress isn’t just whether telehealth should remain a part of Medicare – but how it can be structured to improve care and ensure long-term sustainability.

The Pandemic’s Lessons:
Improved Access Through Telehealth

The expansion of telehealth during the pandemic showed remarkable improvements in access to care. As documented in a Kaiser Family Foundation report, before the pandemic, Medicare’s telehealth coverage was limited.

Only patients in rural areas or specific settings had access, and visits had to be conducted via real-time audiovisual technology. The public health emergency lifted these barriers, enabling all Medicare beneficiaries to use telehealth for a broad range of services, including behavioral health, chronic disease management, and primary care visits.

A study published in Health Affairs highlighted how these changes improved care access for members who had struggled to see their doctors regularly. Older adults, those living in rural & underserved areas, and patients managing multiple chronic conditions benefitted the most.

Telehealth made it easier for patients to stay connected with their providers, avoiding travel, and waiting times. Patient and provider satisfaction surveys showed a high level of approval for telehealth, with many beneficiaries preferring virtual visits for routine care.

A Crucial Moment for Telehealth Policy

Before the end of the telehealth extension is here (12/31/24) Congress will need to decide whether to again temporarily extend telehealth or make permanent the telehealth flexibilities enacted during the pandemic.

There’s a current proposal for a two-year extension of these flexibilities, which would provide a temporary solution but falls short of addressing long-term needs.

A two-year extension is better than allowing the COVID-era policies to expire altogether, but it’s only a stopgap.

But… the bipartisan CONNECT for Health Act offers a more comprehensive and forward-looking solution. This bill proposes permanent expansions of telehealth in Medicare (including the removal of geographic site requirements that restrict telehealth to rural areas) and eliminates in-person visit rules for behavioral health.

Importantly, it also includes critical measures to reduce potential fraud and abuse, something sorely needed to prevent fraud and make telehealth services sustainable over time. Those measures include setting stricter guidelines for billing and ensuring better auditing of services.

The CONNECT Act also addresses concerns about overuse of telehealth by focusing on finding high-value services that are proper for virtual care.

Not all medical issues are suited for telehealth, but many conditions—particularly in behavioral health—benefit greatly from continued virtual access. The CONNECT Act emphasizes this distinction, ensuring that telehealth is used where it can be most effective without undermining the need for in-person care.

The Stakes: What Happens If Congress Fails to Act

If Congress doesn’t at least extend the current Medicare telehealth policies seniors could lose access to a vital service -especially for behavioral health services and in rural areas, erasing the gains in access achieved in the last 4 years.

While a two-year extension would temporarily keep access, it doesn’t provide the certainty needed to build sustainable, long-term solutions for telehealth in Medicare.

A Call to Action

Congress needs to act by December 31 to prevent the rollback of important Medicare telehealth services. While a two-year extension is a start, it really just kicks the can down the road.

Passing the CONNECT for Health Act would ensure that telehealth stays a permanent and sustainable part of the Medicare program.

Will Humble Public Health, Social Determinants, Wills Blog

Take Back Our Homes Initiative: Working to Balance of Power for Tenants by Helping Them Access Legal Counsel

The Take Back Our Homes collaborative (part of the Organized Power in Numbers organization) is working to improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities by attempting to improve the balance the power between landlords and tenants during eviction procedures – right in line with good public health practice!  

Last week they hosted a press conference launching a campaign to advocate for the city of Phoenix to adopt a Renters’ Right to Counsel’ policy – and important intervention to balance the scales between landlords and tenants in Arizona.

In essence – the initiative is trying to help balance the legal scales by providing legal counsel for tenants during the eviction process. As it stands – next to no tenants have legal representation during eviction procedures in Arizona while most or virtually all landlords have legal representation

As you’ll recall, we wrote a two-part series last week pointing out that Arizona’s antiquated Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is highly tilted in favor of landlords.

In those pieces I advocated for changes to the balance of power between landlords and tenants by urging key reforms should include:

  1. Just Cause Eviction Protections: Require landlords to provide a valid reason for eviction, preventing arbitrary and retaliatory actions.
  2. Extended Eviction Timelines: Lengthen the notice period for evictions to give tenants more time to find alternative housing, reducing the likelihood of homelessness.
  3. Mandatory Mediation: Implement a mandatory mediation program for eviction cases, encouraging dispute resolution and keeping more Arizonans in their homes.
  4. Heat Season Eviction Moratorium: Prohibit evictions during the hottest months of the year to protect tenants from the dangers of extreme heat.

What I forgot to mention was that providing legal counsel for tenants during the eviction process! What an oversight on my part!  

Here are the key components of their Right to Counsel initiative: 

  • The collaborative has contracted for an independently produced cost-benefit analysis of a Right to Counsel policy for the city of Phoenix, and essential piece of the puzzle to inform city council members’ decisions on the proposal.
  • Phoenix is currently participating in this Results for America Right to Counsel Policy Sprint, with a team composed of legal aid providers, tenant organizers, city staff, elected officials, and a member of the Maricopa County Bench. The purpose of this program is to bring together relevant stakeholders and build knowledge, relationships, and skills to advance a Right to Counsel policy.
  • Here are several political education training sessions we have hosted over the past 6 months:  Right to Counsel Political Education Part 1 and Part 2 for tenants which builds understanding of this policy. They’ve also gathered over 400 surveys from community members, hosted several leadership training events, and recently held a large day-long forum with over 100 tenants to talk about tenants’ experiences in Phoenix and what change is needed.
  • Finally, they’ve built a community coalition composed of direct service providers, legal aid providers, policy advocates, members of the Arizona State Bar, faith-based organizations, and labor organizations who support Right to Counsel policies. 

You can see some of the media coverage that was earned by the Take Back Our Homes collaborative last week.

What’s the evidence based for this initiative you ask? Good question. Here are some resources that connect the dots between eviction and eviction prevention to public health outcomes: 

This Right to Counsel Initiative is in direct alignment with AZPHA’s commitment to improving health disparities and I’m currently in contact with their organization to see how AZPHA might be of help with this evidence-based intervention. Stay tuned.

Will Humble Professional Development, Wills Blog

2024 AzPHA Public Health Awards Event – Register Today!

Each year AzPHA recognizes public health professionals,  health professionals and community members across Arizona who are performing extraordinary services to our community at our annual awards event. Many of our awards go back decades. We’re proud to announce that our 2024 award program will be held:

Thursday, October 24, 2024

5:30 – 8:00pm

Equality Health: 7720 N. Dobson Rd., Suite 200 Scottsdale, AZ 85256

Register Today: Only $40!

Includes complimentary drinks, Taco Bar from Senior Taco, & networking opportunities!

This Year’s Award Winners:

Policymakers of the Year

Senators Catherine Miranda & Consuelo Hernandez

Arizona State Senators

 

Senator Andy Nichols Honor Award

Barbara Burkholder

Arizona Asthma Coalition

 

Pete Wertheim Public Health Leadership Award

Rebecca Sunenshine, MD

Chief Medical Officer,

Maricopa County Department of Public Health

 

Cele Cohen Nursing Award

Deanna Grabill

Manager of Population Health,

Valleywise Health

 

Elsie Eyer Commitment to Underserved People Award

Arizona Special Olympics

 

Harold B. Woodward Award

Gordon Jensen

 

Corporate Public Health Service Award

The Arizona Republic

Investigative Journalism: Mental Health, Senior Care & Criminal Justice

 

Health Education Award

Pima County Health Department

The Health Loteria Program

Will Humble Public Health, Public Health Law, Wills Blog

AZPHA Breakfast & Learn – Arizona’s 2024 Ballot Measures: A Public Health Perspective

AZPHA Breakfast & Learn
Arizona’s 2024 Ballot Measures: A Public Health Perspective
Wednesday, October 16, 2024 –  9-10am

There will be 13 ballot measures on your November ballot. The vast majority of them (11) were placed directly on the ballot by the legislature – largely because the Governor had earlier vetoed the measure or certainly would have. Others are designed to permanently change the state constitution.

AZPHA has taken positions against 5 of the ballor measures and is supporting two of them (both citizen initiatives). 

This session will cover each of the ballot measures with color commentary from Will Humble about the pluses and minuses of each.

Join us for this important voter education webinar: Arizona’s 2024 Ballot Measures: A Public Health Perspective, Wednesday, October 16th from 9-10am.

Our Speaker:

Will Humble, MPH

Executive Director

Arizona Public Health Association

Register Here

View Our PowerPoint

 

Will Humble Disease Control, Wills Blog

COVID-19 Virus Continues to Evolve

The XEC and MV.1 variants are newly identified strains of the COVID-19 virus. While research is ongoing, they are believed to be sublineages of Omicron with increased transmissibility, and possibly some immune evasion. However, there is limited evidence at this point suggesting they lead to more severe disease.

These variants exhibit mutations that may enhance transmissibility and immune evasion, though there’s no current evidence suggesting they cause more severe disease than earlier variants. Both variants are closely monitored for potential increases in infection rates and their ability to bypass immunity from previous infections or vaccinations.

  • XEC: This variant appears to be circulating predominantly in parts of Europe and North America. It has been identified through genomic sequencing, and scientists are tracking its spread to assess any notable shifts in transmission dynamics or vaccine effectiveness.
  • MV.1: The MV.1 variant has been detected in multiple countries but is currently less widespread than XEC. Early reports indicate circulation in Asia and parts of Europe, but global health agencies are keeping a close watch on its spread and potential impacts.

Both variants are being closely monitored to determine if they will become more widespread. The new COVID-19 booster vaccines, targeting Omicron subvariants (particularly XBB.1.5), are expected to offer protection against severe outcomes from XEC and MV.1, though real-world data on their specific effectiveness against these strains is still being collected.

Yiu can track which strains of the virus are circulating in Arizona by visiting TGen”s Pathogen Center at: Arizona COVIDseq Tracker

Will Humble Climate Change, Public Health, Return on Investment, Wills Blog

Legislation to Build EV Infrastructure Leading to a Sustainable Future

Electric vehicle sales are surging across the country, and the Grand Canyon state is leading the charge, ranking among the top 10 states for EV registrations per capita.

As a proud new member of Arizona’s nearly 70,000-strong EV community, I can personally attest to the benefits of making the switch to an electric vehicle. 

My experience with an EV has been nothing short of transformative, especially when it comes to cost savings. During a recent trip to Tucson, when gas prices were a bit higher than they are now, I traveled  217 miles with the air conditioning on full blast, and my EV averaged 3.4 miles per kilowatt-hour (kWh).

Charging at home using Salt River Project’s off-peak rate of $0.09 per kWh, the entire trip cost me a mere $5.70. To put that in perspective, with gas prices hovering around $4 per gallon, my EV effectively delivered the equivalent of 155 miles per gallon – a level of efficiency that’s impossible with traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.

However, while I’m fortunate to have a home charging set up, I know that the lack of widespread, reliable charging infrastructure remains a significant barrier for many Arizonans considering an EV. This is where the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) comes into play.

This landmark legislation, coupled with the Inflation Reduction Act, is set to revolutionize our state’s transportation landscape by making EVs more accessible and convenient for everyone. 

One of the key provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act is expanding EV charging infrastructure, particularly in areas that have been underserved. Here in Maricopa County, the Air Quality Department has recently been awarded $15 million to advance the installation of public EV charging stations across the county.

This funding will not only make it easier for current and future EV owners to charge their vehicles but will also contribute to the broader goal of reducing transportation emissions and improving air quality in our communities. 

Importantly, this initiative aligns with the Harris-Biden administration’s  “Justice40 initiative,” which ensures that 40% of the overall benefits of clean energy and climate investments are directed to disadvantaged communities.

By prioritizing the placement of charging stations in Justice40-designated areas, Maricopa County is taking significant strides toward environmental equity, ensuring that the benefits of the green economy are shared by all. 

Additionally, the recent update by the Arizona Department of Transportation to build fast-charging stations along nine new highways across the state further underscores the state’s commitment to a sustainable future.

These investments represent a critical step forward in reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, improving air quality, and making clean energy accessible to all Arizonans. 

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act are more than just a policy – it’s a vision for a cleaner, healthier, and more equitable future.

By investing in EV infrastructure, we are not only making it easier for Arizonans to make the switch to electric but also paving the way for a future where clean energy is available to everyone, regardless of where they live. 

Kudos to the Maricopa County Air Quality Department and the Arizona Department of Transportation for their leadership, and a shout out to all members of Congress who supported the BIL and the IRA. Together, we are driving Arizona toward a brighter, more sustainable future. 

Legislation to Build EV Infrastructure Leading to a Sustainable Future

Will Humble Climate Change, Public Health, Social Determinants, Wills Blog

Pay Attention Arizona: Your Arizona Corporation Commission Vote Will Impact Public Health & Your Wallet

When you think about public health, you probably don’t immediately think about the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). But the reality is that the decisions made by the Commission have a profound impact on public health and your family’s finances.

The Connection Between Utility Rates & Health

Utility costs aren’t just a financial issue—they’re a public health issue. Skyrocketing electricity bills have a direct impact not just on family’s ability to keep their house cool but on their ability to pay all the other household bills important for family health and development.

In recent years, the ACC has been quick to approve almost every rate increase requested by utilities, despite concerns that this puts undue financial stress on families.

These rate hikes make it harder for many Arizonans to afford their energy bills, forcing tough decisions about where to cut costs. For some, it means skipping out on medications or buying cheaper, less healthy food.

It’s essential that ACC candidates prioritize consumer health over industry profits. The Commissioners—and the staff they hire to conduct analysis—should be focused on keeping energy affordable so families can live in healthy, safe environments, not just industry profits.

Air Quality & Health

Decisions made by the ACC also directly affect Arizona’s air quality, which has a big impact on public health. Air pollution, particularly from energy production, is linked to respiratory issues like asthma and other chronic lung diseases.

Recent decisions, like creating loopholes in utility environmental review requirements have allowed utilities to bypass critical environmental checks. This means more pollutants in the air affecting communities near energy production sites.

Clean Energy & Public Health

Another major area where the ACC’s decisions influence public health is via clean energy development. Transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar doesn’t just help fight climate change—it directly affects public health by reducing air pollution.

Sadly, decisions made by the Commission in recent years suggest they’ve been more interested in protecting the interests of traditional utility companies than pushing for clean energy innovation. Instead, recent ACC decisions have been far too willing to approve fossil fuel-based projects that contribute to pollution.

Industry Influence Over the ACC

One of my biggest concerns in recent years is that the Commission appears to have been “captured” by the industries they’re supposed to regulate. From approving rate hikes to loosening environmental review standards, the Commission prioritizes utility company profits over the health & financial well-being of Arizonans.

When utility companies can count on the Commission to approve nearly every request, they ask for it creates a dangerous cycle where public health takes a backseat to industry interests and investors.

Your Vote Matters

When you cast your vote for Arizona Corporation Commissioners, you’re voting for people who will make decisions that directly affect your family’s health and well-being.

The Arizona Public Health Association urges you to pay close attention to candidates’ histories and their commitment to protecting public health—because the decisions made by the ACC will have far-reaching impacts on Arizona’s communities and families.

The Arizona Corporation Commission’s decisions may not always make front-page news, but they profoundly shape our daily lives. From the air we breathe to the electricity bills we pay; we need the Commission to protect the public interest—not just industry profits.

Do your homework and research on candidates for the Corporation Commission Arizona. Your family’s and your community’s well-being are on the line.

Will Humble Air Quality, Climate Change, Wills Blog

From Sunshine to Savings: How the Inflation Reduction Act Made Clean Energy Accessible for Arizona Families

A year ago, my wife and I decided the time was right to take a leap and join the growing number of Arizona homeowners who are harnessing the power of the sun by installing rooftop solar panels. With Arizona boasting more sunny days than almost any other state, it seemed like a no-brainer. But what truly tipped the scales for us were the solar tax credits by the Inflation Reduction Act. These credits cover up to 30% of installation costs, significantly reducing the financial burden and making the decision to go solar not just environmentally responsible but also economically sensible. 

Last September, we had solar panels installed on our garage. We were eager to see the impact on our electricity bills, but we never anticipated just how transformative the results would be. 

Over the past year, our monthly electricity bills have consistently been slashed by 30% to 60%, demonstrating the real and immediate benefits of solar energy.

For instance, in February, our electricity bill dropped from $140 to $71 –, a 50% reduction. This was a pleasant surprise during the cooler months when our electricity usage is typically lower. But, the true test of our solar investment came during the sweltering Arizona summer. As any Arizonan knows, summer is when energy bills typically soar due to the relentless need for air conditioning. In July, our electricity bill fell from $441 in 2023 to $286 in 2024—a savings of $155, or 33%.

We’re going to save more than $1,000 in electricity costs, just in the first year alone. These savings underscore the importance of the Inflation Reduction Act’s solar tax credits, which made this initial investment feasible. While the upfront cost of installing solar panels was significant, the tax credits provided substantial relief, and we are well on our way to recouping those costs through our reduced energy bills. 

The savings aren’t just about the dollars in our pocket. By generating our own clean energy, we are directly contributing to a broader public health effort to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. This is particularly crucial in a state like Arizona, where fossil fuel-generated electricity contributes to air pollution, which is linked to respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, and other health issues. By switching to solar, we are helping to improve air quality and reduce the overall carbon footprint, which benefits everyone in our community.

In addition to the environmental and financial benefits, there is a profound sense of empowerment that comes with generating your own energy. Instead of being at the mercy of utility companies and fluctuating energy prices, we have taken control of our energy future.

This is a critical step not just for individual households but for society as a whole. As more people adopt solar energy, we collectively reduce the demand for fossil fuels, driving down emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Going solar was a major, money-saving step for our household, and one we likely wouldn’t have been able to do without the tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act.

These incentives are crucial in making solar energy more accessible and affordable for more Arizona families. By easing the financial burden of installation, the IRA has opened the door for countless households, to enjoy the same financial and environmental benefits that we experienced. 

Solar energy is not just an investment in your home; it’s an investment in our collective future. The Inflation Reduction Act’s tax credits are a powerful tool in helping more Arizonans make this important transition, ensuring the benefits of solar energy are within reach for all.

As a public health professional, I see firsthand the value of reducing pollution and promoting sustainable practices, and I am proud that our decision to go solar is part of a larger movement toward a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient future. 

In conclusion, our experience with solar energy has been overwhelmingly positive. Thanks to the financial support provided by the Inflation Reduction Act, we’ve been able to save money, reduce our environmental impact, and contribute to the health and well-being of our community. I encourage other Arizona homeowners to consider making the switch to solar—not just for the immediate savings, but for the long-term benefits to public health and the planet.

1 … 4 5 6 7 8 … 23