In Michigan, a coalition of citizens, legislators, and medical experts is calling on Governor Gretchen Whitmer to align with a multi-state pact intended to bolster public health measures and maintain vaccine accessibility. This initiative seeks to establish a regional authority on health matters, aiming to counterbalance what is perceived as the federal government’s politicization of health issues.
The grassroots organization, Defend Public Health, has launched an online petition to urge state leaders to prioritize scientific guidelines over political influence in health policy decisions.
Rob Lyerla, a Western Michigan University professor and member of Defend Public Health, emphasized the need for reliance on scientific expertise. “This is a chance for there to be a concerted alternate voice that says we’re going to rely on science, we’re going to rely on folks who know what they’re doing, and not give in to pseudoscience,” Lyerla stated.
State Representative Carrie Rheingans from Ann Arbor supports the petition, citing it as a counteraction to the Trump administration’s cuts to public health funding and policy shifts under Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The current administration has defended its policy changes, stating they are focused on “rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse” to safeguard essential health programs and enhance patient outcomes, as detailed in their official communications.
However, Rheingans expressed concern over the weakening of national health systems, particularly referencing the deterioration of the CDC’s role. “I’ve been disappointed and frustrated to see the gutting and dismantling of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” she remarked.
Highlighting the importance of state-level collaboration, Rheingans noted, “I think it’s really important for us as a state to be part of these multistate efforts to protect the health of our 10 million Michiganders.”
Lyerla advocates for joining entities like the Governors Public Health Alliance, which facilitates inter-state communication on health issues. He stresses that the federal actions are not just about vaccines but represent a broader challenge to trusted institutions like the FDA, NIH, and CDC.
Rheingans highlighted the potential impact on Michigan residents, noting that “One in four Michiganders get their healthcare covered by Medicaid. … And we’re going to see a lot of people lose coverage starting in 2026 and going into 2027,” adding to the urgency of the situation.
Lyerla warned of the erosion of public trust in health institutions, describing it as “an insidious death by a thousand cuts kind of thing.” He emphasized that the government’s purpose is to help citizens, underscoring the need for transparency and science-based policies.
The administration’s decision to revise the childhood vaccination schedule has been justified as aligning with international best practices. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics criticized the move, asserting it is partially grounded in misinformation and lacks sufficient expert consultation, according to a statement by its experts.
Lyerla concluded by emphasizing, “Look, science and health is not political, right? It’s not,” adding, “Taking care of people and helping people should not be political. And somehow it’s veered into that.”
—
Read More Michigan News
