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Safeguarding Public Health:  Nursing Associations Advocate for Evidence-Based Leadership at HHS - January 16, 2025 

Posted 23 days ago

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Safeguarding Public Health: 
Nursing Associations Advocate for Evidence-Based Leadership at HHS 


The American Nurses Association\California, Washington State Nurses Association, Montana 
Nurses Association, Oregon Nurses Association, Minnesota Organization of Registered Nurses, 
American Nurses Association Illinois, Hawai’i American Nurses Association, American Nurses 
Association Vermont, American Nurses Association Ohio,and Colorado Nurses Association join 
together in emphasizing the importance of safeguarding public health and prioritizing evidence
based practices within all levels of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which 
oversees critical divisions such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food 
and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). 
We express deep concerns regarding nominations that have recently been announced by the 
incoming administration, and we share the need to take a clear stand at this moment to clarify 
our profession’s priorities. The HHS must inspire trust across the political spectrum while 
demonstrating an unwavering commitment to science, public health, and the diverse needs of 
our nation. 
While we respect the right to differing opinions and recognize the importance of personal choice 
in healthcare decisions, our nursing role compels us to advocate for evidence-based practices. 
Decades of research and experience confirm that vaccines are among the most effective tools 
for preventing illness, reducing mortality, decreasing healthcare costs, and protecting vulnerable 
populations. 
Nurses are at the forefront of healthcare delivery. We deliver high-quality, timely, and 
appropriate care and advocate for our patients by promoting vaccination as a vital tool for public 
health. We educate patients and communities using evidence and data, guided by trusted 
organizations like the CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). 
To ensure the effectiveness of our nation's public health strategy, leaders in nursing, health, 
medicine, and science must possess a deep understanding of evidence-based practices that 
align with the ANA Code of Ethics. To effectively protect the health of all humankind, we need 
leaders who base their decisions on rigorous evidence and who prioritize collaboration with 
healthcare professionals to foster trust and accountability. We take a bold stand against any 
current or future nominees that aim to sow distrust in evidence-based recommendations, 
vaccines, or our public health institutions 
This coalition of state nurses associations urges policymakers to safeguard our commitment to 
science, public health, and the diverse needs of our communities. Our patients - and the public 
at large - deserve leadership that works collaboratively to uphold the principles of science, 
promote and protect equity and inclusion, and embody evidence-based decision-making. 


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