In this episode, Steven breaks down a tumultuous week in public health and healthcare policy — from a growing trade war with China and its potential impact on medical imports, to the elimination of a vital pain research office at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He also unpacks the mixed messaging from HHS Secretary RFK Jr. on vaccines, including unchecked claims about measles treatments.

Tune in for a timely and important public health update.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:57: Steven unpacks the wave of new tariffs, and how they might impact healthcare costs and access

04:14: Steven explains the implications for patients if pharmaceutical products and medical devices face future tariffs

06:45: Steven discusses the shutdown of the NIH’s Office of Pain Policy and Planning, and how it could stall research and support for people living with chronic pain

08:23: Steven addresses RFK Jr.'s shifting statements on vaccines in response to a second measles-related death in Texas

09:12: Steven raises concern over RFK Jr.’s promotion of unproven treatments for measles, including cod liver oil and vitamin A

10:25: Steven explains why these alternative therapies can be harmful and misleading, especially when used instead of scientifically validated treatments

11:42: Steven gives a shout-out to GHLF’s Healthcare Matters podcast episode featuring former FDA Commissioner Peter Pitts, exploring deeper implications of agency cuts. You can listen to the full episode here: https://ghlf.org/healthcarematters/#episode55

12:10: Steven announces the launch of the new Lupus Help Center at www.lupushelpcenter.org — a go-to resource for people living with lupus

Contact Our Host

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been a whirlwind week in public health. In this episode, host Steven Newmark breaks down a string of major developments coming out of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). From mass layoffs across HHS, including at the FDA, to the resignation of the country’s top vaccine regulator, these changes raise serious concerns—especially amid a rising measles outbreak.

Tune in to hear what this means for patients, public health efforts, and the fight against vaccine hesitancy.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:50: Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, discusses HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s announcement of 10,000 staff layoffs, with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) being the most impacted

01:31: Steven reflects on RFK Jr.'s earlier warning to FDA workers to "pack their bags" and discusses concerns about maintaining service levels with a 25% workforce cut

02:08: Quoting Robert Califf, Steven shares the demoralization felt by former and current HHS staff, calling out the treatment of hardworking public health employees

02:38: Steven shares concerns from Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, former Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) head, particularly around the likely impact of layoffs on already underfunded nursing home inspections

03:20: Steven reports the forced resignation of Dr. Peter Marks, the FDA’s top vaccine regulator, and the alarming response from the public health community

04:06: Steven details Dr. Marks’ warnings about leadership skepticism toward vaccines, especially in light of the growing measles outbreak

04:34: Steven gives an update on the measles outbreak in Texas and other states, citing more than 500 cases nationwide and highlighting RFK Jr.'s unscientific treatment suggestions like vitamin A and cod liver oil

05:16: Steven discusses how HHS cuts are hampering efforts to track infectious diseases and fund vaccine research, even as the outbreak fuels a shift toward pro-vaccine sentiment in affected areas

05:49: Steven urges listeners to get vaccinated and ensure those around them—especially children—are protected with the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine

Contact Our Host

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, our hosts break down the latest health care news, from the cancellation of a long-running diabetes study to the rising number of measles cases across the U.S. They also discuss the nomination of Dr. Oz to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), potential Medicaid cuts tied to tax policy changes, and major layoffs at a key health research agency.

Tune in to hear what these developments mean for patients and how they could impact access to care.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:35: Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, highlights the Trump administration’s decision to cancel funding for a 30-year diabetes study

01:09: Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF emphasizes the importance of long-term studies for chronic disease research

02:10: Steven shifts the conversation to the rising number of measles cases, noting over 300 reported cases so far this year

02:36: Zoe explains why the measles outbreaks are concerning, especially for immunocompromised individuals

03:27: Zoe advises those with chronic illness to monitor outbreaks and adjust travel plans accordingly

03:41: Steven discusses former CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky’s call for a third MMR vaccine dose for certain infants aged 6-11 months traveling to high-risk areas

04:46: Steven transitions to discussing Dr. Oz’s nomination to lead CMS and his past support for Medicare Advantage plans and points out Dr. Oz’s openness to reducing Medicaid spending, which could limit access for low-income and disabled individuals

05:48: Steven discusses how Republican efforts to extend Trump-era tax cuts may lead to Medicaid budget cuts

07:41: Zoe reflects on how much uncertainty exists in health policy, emphasizing the need for advocacy

Join GHLF’s 50 State Network, share your story, and get involved in advocacy to make a difference, email us at advocacy@ghlf.org

08:16: Steven shares news about potential layoffs at AHRQ, a lesser-known but critical health research agency and highlights AHRQ’s research on ultra-processed foods, childhood obesity, and diabetes-related hospitalizations

09:59: Zoe expresses concern that cutting such research undermines broader public health goals

10:11: Steven ends on a positive note, reporting that flu rates are dropping and COVID cases remain low in the U.S.

Contact Our Hosts

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.