The Relentless School Nurse: Science Under Siege – The Dangers of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as HHS Secretary

It is horrifying to learn that President-elect Trump is recommending Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This potential appointment feels like a slap in the face to nurses and medical professionals who rely on science and evidence-based practices to care for patients. I worry deeply that Kennedy’s leadership would jeopardize the health of the very students, families, and communities we serve—and I know I’m not alone; even his own family members have publicly voiced concerns about the dangers his views could pose.

Kennedy has a long history of promoting views that directly contradict established medical consensus, particularly around vaccines. Despite overwhelming scientific evidence disproving any link between vaccines and autism, he continues to spread these claims. If confirmed as HHS Secretary, he could work to eliminate vaccination mandates, leaving countless students unprotected from preventable diseases and putting our school communities at serious risk.

The impact of lifting vaccination mandates would be disastrous. As a school nurse, I would face an increased workload managing preventable illnesses in students and addressing outbreaks that could have been avoided with strong vaccination coverage. Our already stretched school systems would require more resources to control these outbreaks, which would pull resources and time away from other critical student needs.

School nurses would also face the impossible task of educating students and parents on the importance of vaccines while national health guidance from HHS might undermine established public health policies. This could lead to ethical conflicts as we struggle to uphold evidence-based practices while contending with policies that actively work against public health.

Kennedy’s public threats to dismantle or weaken agencies like the CDC, FDA, and NIH are equally alarming. These institutions provide the unbiased, evidence-based information that we, as school nurses, depend on to support student health. Compromising the integrity of these agencies could lead to chaotic and inconsistent health protocols across schools, potentially jeopardizing the health and safety of students.

Although Kennedy’s nomination will require Senate confirmation, the possibility of him being appointed is concerning enough. As a healthcare professional, I feel compelled to speak out. I urge my colleagues to join me in raising our voices—whether through professional associations, contacting elected representatives, or engaging in public discussions. Together, we can advocate for leadership that prioritizes science and safeguards the health of all students, families, and communities.

The stakes are high, and the outcome of this nomination could have far-reaching consequences for public health in the United States. It’s crucial for those of us who care about public health and scientific integrity to make our voices heard throughout this confirmation process.

Here is a sample letter to write to Congress in opposition to RFK Jr.’s appointment as HHS Secretary, along with a link to the U.S. Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121

Dear Member of Congress (Insert name),

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). As a healthcare professional, I find this appointment potentially dangerous to public health.

Mr. Kennedy has a well-documented history of promoting views contradicting established medical consensus, particularly concerning vaccine safety. Despite overwhelming scientific evidence disproving any link between vaccines and autism, he continues to spread these claims, which numerous reputable studies have thoroughly debunked. If confirmed as HHS Secretary, there is a substantial risk that he could attempt to weaken or remove vaccination mandates, putting countless individuals, especially children, at risk of preventable diseases.

The repercussions of such actions would be profound. School nurses and healthcare providers would face an increased burden managing outbreaks of preventable illnesses, overwhelming already strained education and healthcare systems. Such outbreaks would also necessitate additional resources, drawing critical funds away from other pressing health needs.

Additionally, Mr. Kennedy has expressed a desire to dismantle or undermine agencies such as the CDC, FDA, and NIH—agencies whose evidence-based guidance is essential for safeguarding public health. Undermining the integrity of these institutions could lead to inconsistent and harmful health policies across the country, jeopardizing both individual and community health.

I urge you to consider these implications carefully during the confirmation process. Public health must remain a priority in leadership decisions at HHS, and we need leaders who respect scientific consensus and evidence-based practices.

As elected representatives, you have a responsibility to protect public health, especially for our children. Please oppose the confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services to ensure our communities remain safe and healthy.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Position]

Trump will nominate RFK Jr as HHS Secretary

Example of a letter to Congress to oppose RFK Jrs nomination

How to contact your members of Congress

Spread Information, Not Diseases

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