U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján
U.S. SENATE News:
Washington D.C. — U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced a resolution highlighting National Public Health Week, celebrated April 7 to April 13 this year.
This resolution is meant to raise awareness about the importance of public health amid the firing by the Trump administration of nearly 25 percent of the workforce at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the elimination of critical subagencies at HHS that keep Americans healthy.
Sen. Luján’s resolution also outlines issues facing the U.S. including pandemic preparedness, access to behavioral health services, addressing the maternal mortality crisis, improving child welfare, addressing health disparities among racial and ethnic groups, and recognizing the impact of climate change on health.
“Amid a nationwide measles outbreak, with bird flu spreading worldwide, and as a significant number of Americans face substance use or mental health conditions, public health must be a top priority,” Sen. Luján said. “National Public Health Week provides the opportunity to raise awareness about the current attacks on public health by the Trump administration and address longstanding disparities that have harmed countless New Mexicans and Americans across the country. As we recognize this year’s theme, It Starts Here, let us be clear that public health matters to every single American. These attacks we’re seeing right now won’t make us healthier. We must all work together to build healthier communities and I am committed to standing up to any attacks that jeopardize our public health.”
Executive Director Georges C. Benjamin, M.D. of American Public Health Association said, “Recognizing the contributions of public health workers and the need for a well-resourced public health infrastructure is something that we prioritize and celebrate every year during National Public Health Week. Now more than ever, we must protect and strengthen the agencies, programs and workers that keep our communities healthy and defend against attempts to dismantle the public health system our nation relies on. We thank Senator Luján for introducing this resolution recognizing National Public Health Week and the important role public health plays in keeping our nation healthy and safe. Committed public health champions like the Senator are essential to our goal of optimal, equitable health and well-being for all.”
This resolution is endorsed by the American Public Health Association (APHA).
As the Measles outbreak continues to spread across the country and impact our public health, Sen. Luján has repeatedly demanded action from HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to contain the measles outbreak. Secretary Kennedy has failed to respond.