1. United States
2. Ind.
3. Letter

Hello, I'm Kelsee Hankins, a constituent from Indianapolis, IN. RFK has been nominated for the position of HHS Chief. This appointment will not serve the best interest of our healthcare system. RFK's previous decisions and stances raise substantial questions about his commitment to public health. We need a leader with a proven track record in safeguarding public health, not one whose decisions may undermine it. The HHS Chief plays a crucial role in shaping healthcare policies that affect millions of lives in the United States. As US citizens, we rely on federal agencies such as the CDC, National Institutes of Health, and FDA. These key entities play an invaluable role in public health and our doctors' professional practices alike. We find it distressing that RFK, who has previously shown an interest in dismantling such agencies, is now being considered for a role of such import within our healthcare system. The Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) and the Health Affairs Blog indicate that any disruption in the operation of these federal agencies poses serious threats to public health and may also result in a significant increase in healthcare costs (source: MGMA Report 2021, Health Affairs Blog 2020). These types of changes would negatively affect a doctor's ability to carry out their work efficiently and effectively, thus severely impacting patient care. It is documented that Kennedy has consistently spread unverified claims about vaccines over the years, thereby potentially undermining public health efforts (source: Various reputable health reports and research institutions). His opinions fundamentally contradict the work that the HHS does – to enhance and protect the health and well-being of all Americans by providing effective health and human services and fostering advances in medicine, public health, and social science. Appointing someone to the position of HHS Chief who does not believe in essential preventive measures is not just wrong, it's dangerous. It encourages vaccine hesitancy, a threat classified by the World Health Organization as one of the top ten global health threats in 2019. The health of our nation must always come first. We need a leader who trusts in science, understands the importance of vaccines, and will work tirelessly to improve our healthcare system. YOU MUST OPPOSE RFK JUNIOR'S APPOINTMENT AS HHS CHIEF.