The Valley News recently published a piece regarding the formation of a public health coalition, a collaboration of states concerned about the current crisis (“Public health coalition forms”; Sept 2). In this time of federal cutbacks, restrictions and mandates the Trump administration’s appointments, firings and cutbacks have led to the resignation of scientists and directors in key positions. New Hampshire was the only state not present at the meeting, which included all the New England States, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Officials at the state level are deeply concerned about what is coming down from Washington and how they might promote and safeguard the health of their citizens. And, we, the citizens are also puzzled, anxious and unsure .
We live in a country with immense wealth and resources, with medical and scientific expertise. The “theories” and rationales that we read and hear emanating from the administration are astounding and fantastical. Trust in the current federal public health bureaucracy is eroding daily. I applaud the recent northeast regional coalition, as well as the “health alliance” formed by the states of California, Washington, and Oregon. Why is New Hampshire not a part of this effort to connect with other public health entities, to pool resources and to make decisions based on science?