Health Equity Fading? A Dark Side Grows at HHS, Hmmm?

A Great Disturbance in the Force I Sense

A shakeup at the Department of Health and Human Services there is. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. leading the charge he is. Deep cuts to divisions helping minority and underserved populations these are. Disturbing this is. Like a shadow falling across the galaxy it feels. "Fear is the path to the dark side...fear leads to anger...anger leads to hate...hate leads to suffering." Concerned I am.

Gutting the Galaxy's Health Guardians He Is

At least seven minority health offices gutted. Layoffs abound directors gone hmm? The HHS Office of Minority Health the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities...affected all are. Even the Food and Drug Administration the Centers for Disease Control and more...a widespread disturbance this is. Like Alderaan some of these offices may feel if you catch my drift hmmm?

A Worsening of the Ills This Could Be

Health policy experts worry yes. Health disparities may widen they say. Years of progress undone? Like building a sandcastle only for the tide to come in this is. Worsened health outcomes strained healthcare and higher costs...a bleak future this paints. Hurt people will get. "Decimating or cutting staff from these offices ultimately makes it worse for everyone," says one expert. Wise words she speaks.

A Trap This Could Be

Closing these offices entirely cannot be done legally. But narrowing their scope limiting resources that they can try. Like squeezing a Tauntaun into a trash compactor this feels. Health disparities a major challenge already. People of color rural residents low income communities...all at risk. The Force is not balanced no.

The Phantom Economic Burden

COVID 19 deepened these gaps. Poverty racism...contributing they are. Addressing these disparities important it is. A stronger public health it brings. And a reduced economic burden too yes! Racial and ethnic health disparities costing the U.S. economy billions they are. "Always two there are no more no less. A master and an apprentice." This economic burden a Sith Lord it is.

Efficiency or a Darker Motive Hmmm?

Kennedy speaks of efficiency of responsiveness. But targeting minority health offices? Opposite this may be. Identifying problem areas using taxpayer dollars wisely...that these offices do! Degraded the effort to protect people it will be. "Luminous beings are we not this crude matter!" Protecting the vulnerable essential it is hmmm?