1. United States
2. Maine
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep alarm regarding the nomination of Dr. Casey Means for Surgeon General. Her recent appearance before the Senate Health Committee only confirmed that she is dangerously unqualified to lead our nation’s public health. Despite her background, Dr. Means has transitioned into a "wellness influencer" who prioritizes social media engagement over medical consensus. Most concerning is her refusal to affirm the safety of life-saving vaccines, even as we face outbreaks of preventable diseases. Her history of promoting "alternative" treatments, including the use of illicit psychedelics, undermines the very scientific rigor the Surgeon General must uphold. Senator, you already voted to confirm RFK Jr. as Secretary of HHS, and we are already seeing the chaotic and disastrous impact of that decision on our public institutions. The "Make America Healthy Again" movement is proving to be a thin veil for anti-science rhetoric that puts Maine’s children and seniors at risk. You have a reputation for being a moderate who values facts and stability. To support another nominee who treats public health as an influencer experiment would be a betrayal of that reputation. I urge you to hold the line. Mainers are watching, and your 2026 reelection depends on whether you choose science over political convenience.