1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my profound concern regarding the abrupt freezing of actions at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). As a resident of North Carolina, I am acutely aware of the significant impact NIH funding has on our state. If we can no longer train PhD students using NIH funds, biotech companies in RTP will need to increase their number of visa-supported scientists to meet their needs, further complicating the situation. North Carolina receives $2.28 billion in NIH funding, translating to $5.34 billion in economic activity at our universities and nearby companies in the Research Triangle Park (RTP) and throughout the state. This funding supports 25,081 jobs, contributing substantially to our local economy and the well-being of our communities. The University of North Carolina (UNC) system, Wake Forest University, and Duke University collectively employ hundreds of thousands of North Carolina residents, making these university systems some of the top employers in the state. Halting progress through the NIH will disrupt this critical support and economic growth, leading to devastating consequences for all of North Carolina. NIH funding not only fosters groundbreaking research and innovation but also ensures that our state remains a leader in scientific advancements and healthcare improvements. The potential freeze on NIH actions threatens to undermine years of progress and jeopardize the livelihoods of thousands of North Carolinians. I urge you to advocate against any actions that would freeze NIH funding and to support continued investment in this vital institution. The future of our state's economic stability and scientific leadership depends on it. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.