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Donna Gaffney and Teri Mills, my friends, “The OpEd Nurses,” are passionate advocates for public health. Drawing on decades of nursing experience, they use thought-provoking opinion pieces to tackle pressing healthcare issues. In their latest Op-Ed in the Portland Tribune, they expose the devastating consequences of proposed budget cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). These institutions are vital to advancing medical research, delivering essential healthcare services, and improving patient outcomes. By bringing these cuts to light, Gaffney and Mills seek to ignite dialogue and action to safeguard the future of public health.

As seasoned healthcare professionals, they understand firsthand the life-saving impact of sustained research funding. NIH grants drive groundbreaking discoveries, while OHSU serves as a cornerstone of healthcare in Oregon. Their Op-Ed warns that funding reductions threaten not only scientific progress but also the well-being of countless individuals who rely on these institutions for critical care. Cuts of this magnitude aren’t just about balancing budgets—they come at the cost of lives, innovation, and the stability of our healthcare system.

Through their writing, Gaffney and Mills exemplify the crucial role nurses play in shaping public discourse and advocating for systemic change. Their Op-Ed is a call to action for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the public to demand sustained investment in health and research. Protecting institutions like NIH and OHSU isn’t just a financial decision—it’s a commitment to saving lives, advancing science, and ensuring a healthier future for generations to come.

Here is a link to the article co-authored by Donna Gaffney and Teri Mills:

Portland Tribune – Opinion: Examining the human cost of anti-science politics