The Massachusetts Public Health Alliance (MPHA) is gravely concerned about the confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services.  

Mr. Kennedy’s extensive record of spreading disinformation about vaccines, HIV and AIDS, water fluoridation, and transgender health care reveals a dangerous disregard for established science and evidence-based public health measures that have saved countless lives. During confirmation hearings, Mr. Kennedy demonstrated that he lacks the requisite training, health care management experience, ethical judgement, and basic understanding of science required to serve as our nation’s chief health official.  

Mr. Kennedy, working at the behest of President Trump, is likely to systematically dismantle essential public health infrastructure and coerce health institutions, local officials, and public health workers to abandon evidence-based practices that have a real-world impact on the lives and health of millions. The health and safety of communities across the country depend on leadership that respects science, understands public health, and puts people ahead of politics and profits. Mr. Kennedy’s confirmation represents a dangerous departure from these principles.

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