Kennedy Cuts $190M in Federal Public Health Grants to Arizona
In a move coordinated with Kennedy’s announcement of mass layoffs at HHS agencies and the closing of regional service offices, Secretary Kennedy also immediately terminated more than $190 million in cooperative agreement funds for Arizona public health infrastructure & initiatives. Feds withhold $190M in public health grants to Arizona, AZCentral – Innes For Arizona, the cancellation of nearly $190 million in federal grants marks a severe blow to efforts to
Kennedy Begins Disassembling the U.S. Public Health System
HHS Secretary Kennedy unveiled a sweeping plan this week that will substantially dismantle the nation’s public health infrastructure. His announcement signals a drastic shift in HHS’ decades long approach to evidence-based public health, with major consequences for CDC, FDA, HRSA, CMS, IHS and the NIH. Kennedy’s decisions this week included a wholesale firing at those HHS agencies. Kennedy used a two-pronged approach to disassembling public health infrastructure: massive budget cuts
Legislative Update; Week of March 31
This week was a busy one – with several floor voting sessions and cramped committee agendas. Friday was the deadline to hear bills in committees other than Rules and Appropriations – so many more bills will fall by the wayside by this time next week. After this week things will settle down as most committees will have ended. The Director’s Nomination Committee has only vetted a few of the agency director
Welcome Our New Board Member: Rebecca Sunenshine, MD, FIDSA
When an AZPHA Board Member leaves before their term is up our AZPHA by-laws say the President appoints the replacement. That happened recently, and we’re pleased to announce that our President, Sena Clendaniel, has appointed Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine as a Public Representative on our Board. Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine has served in federal, state and local public health for the last 21 years, most recently as the Chief Medical Officer for the Maricopa
Applications Opening Soon for Maricopa County Department of Public Health Fellowship Program
Maricopa County Public Health will begin recruitment for their third cohort of the Maricopa County Department of Public Health Fellowship Program in mid-March! This two-year paid fellowship provides recent graduates with practical, hands-on experience, professional development, and mentorship in the public health field. Real-World Impact – Work on key public health initiatives affecting our communities. Full Pay & Benefits – Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package. Ongoing Support – Receive mentorship from the Fellowship Coordinator and a dedicated project Point of Contact. MCDPH
mRNA Research: NIH Putting the Kibosh on Promising Cancer & Vaccine Innovation
In a puzzling move this week, NIH officials told senior vaccine scientists that references to mRNA vaccines should be removed from future funding applications. This new directive is downright bizarre considering how crucial mRNA technology has become in recent years. Despite its growing promise in treating diseases like cancer and speeding up vaccine development, the NIH, under the leadership of Mr. Kennedy, is bailing on its support of this innovative