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Urgent: Climate Health Actions from 'Our Planet, Our Health' Conference
In This Issue:
HHS Proposes Limiting Public Input on Health Policies
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has proposed eliminating public input on numerous policy decisions within his department. This shift contrasts with his earlier commitment to "radical transparency." The new rule, set for formal publication on March 3, would bypass public feedback on decisions concerning agency management, personnel, public property, loans and grants, benefits, and contracts. Critics argue this change could reduce transparency and accountability in healthcare decision-making, impacting major programs like Medicare and Medicaid. citeturn0news32
Why it matters: Reduced public input could affect the quality and equity of healthcare policies, potentially sidelining the voices of healthcare professionals and patients alike.
Measles Outbreak in Texas: A Call to Action
As of March 1, Texas is grappling with a measles outbreak, with 160 reported cases across nine counties, primarily in the rural South Plains region. Alarmingly, an unvaccinated school-age child in Lubbock succumbed to the disease—the first measles death in the U.S. since 2015. This situation highlights the critical importance of vaccination and public health initiatives.
Why it matters: Healthcare providers are pivotal in combating vaccine misinformation and increasing immunization rates to prevent such outbreaks.
Book Review: On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder
In On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century, historian Timothy Snyder provides a concise guide to recognizing and resisting authoritarianism, drawing parallels between historical events and contemporary political climates.
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Key insights for healthcare professionals:
Uphold professional ethics: Maintain ethical standards, even under external pressures, to prevent the erosion of democratic principles.
Defend institutions: Support and protect medical and public health institutions from political interference.
Value truth: Commit to evidence-based practices and counter misinformation to maintain public trust.
Why it matters: By integrating these lessons into their practice, clinicians can help safeguard democratic values and ensure the integrity of healthcare systems.
From the Podcast World: Insights from The Ezra Klein Show
Latest Episode: "A Theory of Media That Explains 15 Years of Politics"
In this episode, Ezra Klein discusses Martin Gurri's book, The Revolt of the Public, which examines how the digital age has transformed the relationship between the public and institutions. Gurri argues that the proliferation of information has led to a crisis of authority, where traditional institutions struggle to maintain legitimacy.
Key insights:
Information Overload: The abundance of information challenges traditional gatekeepers, leading to a more skeptical and critical public.
Erosion of Authority: Institutions face increased scrutiny and diminished trust as alternative narratives emerge.
Implications for Democracy: The dynamic between an empowered public and struggling institutions can lead to political instability.
Why it matters: Understanding these shifts is crucial for healthcare professionals navigating public perception and trust in medical institutions.
Action Corner: Addressing Climate Health at the 'Our Planet, Our Health' Conference
The 'Our Planet, Our Health: 2025 Climate Action Convention' is currently underway from March 1-4 in Washington, DC. This pivotal gathering brings together leaders, experts, and educators committed to driving progress toward a healthier, more sustainable, and just future. citeturn0search6
How to engage:
Attend Virtually: If unable to attend in person, participate online to access dynamic sessions examining the state of our planet's health and necessary steps to achieve a sustainable future. citeturn0search2
Implement Learnings Locally: Apply insights from the conference to promote sustainability and climate resilience in your practice and community.
Why it matters: Climate change poses significant health risks, including heat-related illnesses, respiratory issues, and the spread of infectious diseases. Engaging with events like this conference equips healthcare professionals with knowledge and strategies to mitigate these impacts. citeturn0search1
Practice Teams are Built for Action
One of the most powerful ways to implement this is through Practice Teams—focused, action-oriented groups that bring like-minded professionals together to collaborate, support each other, and drive change. And the good news is - we’ve made Practice Teams available in our Courageous Clinicians Community!
Here’s what you’ll find in our Practice Teams:
✔ Small, dedicated groups—Join a team aligned with your passion.
So far, we’ve created teams for Mental Health, Climate Crisis, Narrative Leadership, Immunization and more!
✔ Live discussions & strategy sessions—Engage in bi-weekly meetings to discuss challenges and share best practices.
Have a great idea that will bring positive change to healthcare?
Share it with your peers and create an action plan in your next meeting!
✔ Real-world impact—Move beyond discussion and into action with coordinated efforts that influence policies, institutions, and communities.
✔ Mentorship & collaboration—Learn from experienced leaders and peers who share your commitment to making healthcare better.
The Courageous Clinicians Community is here to help you build advocacy skills, connect with peers, and take real action in healthcare, and Practice Teams give you the space and support to do it.
📅 Doors open March 10th. Be part of something bigger.
Sign up HERE!
Until next time,
People Power Health Team