By Dianne Marie Normand Hartley
As Trump’s dynamic, mesmerizing, and rapid-fire spokesperson likes to say, the American people gave the mandate, and in RFK’s case, the Senate approved him to lead health and healthcare in our country.
And who wouldn’t argue that Americans are unhealthy? Most of our food choices should be categorized as “calories,” not “food.” Our healthcare system is broken – too expensive, cumbersome, and focused primarily downstream as unnecessary chronic diseases clog the system while behavioral health and neurodivergent needs are under-addressed, unaddressed, or simply swept to a street corner until dignitaries show up.
It will be interesting to watch.
National and Statewide Healthcare Shake-Up
The U.S. Senate yesterday confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the new Secretary of Health and Human Services, a decision that has sparked conversations about the future direction of public health policies. Kennedy, who has been vocal about his concerns regarding vaccine safety, now oversees agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). During his confirmation, Kennedy stated that he supports vaccines but emphasized the importance of transparency in public health messaging.
In Louisiana, the Department of Health (LDH) announced a significant policy shift by ending its mass vaccination campaigns and halting seasonal vaccine promotion. Surgeon General Ralph Abraham issued a directive instructing health workers to avoid recommending vaccines directly and instead focus on sharing data to help individuals make informed decisions with their healthcare providers. Vaccines, including those for the flu, COVID-19, and mpox, will still be available at parish health units, but the state will no longer organize large-scale vaccination events.
Local officials have raised concerns about this change. New Orleans City Council President Helena Moreno proposed a resolution to continue sharing vaccine information to help residents protect themselves against preventable diseases like measles and whooping cough. Public health experts warn that reducing vaccine promotion could contribute to increased outbreaks, particularly in communities with lower vaccination rates.
Shifting Public Health Messaging
Abraham defended the policy by emphasizing the importance of the doctor-patient relationship. He stated that medical decisions should be individualized rather than driven by broad government campaigns. However, some health professionals pointed out that many Louisiana residents lack consistent access to a primary care provider, making public health messaging a critical tool for promoting preventive care.
As these new policies unfold, public health officials and residents alike will be watching closely to understand their impact on community health outcomes.
Louisiana already ranks at the bottom in most health rankings—we just hope the bottom doesn't fall out.