Guthrie offering mobile maternity services to women in need
CONKLIN, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – Moms and moms to be can receive vital maternity services thanks to a new initiative from Guthrie.
On Thursday, Guthrie launched its Maternity Oasis Mobile, or MOM, Unit.
The doctor's office on wheels will provide women in undeserved rural communities around the Southern Tier with access to essential health care.
It is staffed with midwives, nurses, dieticians, and other medical professionals. Services provided on the MOM Unit include prenatal and postpartum care, ultrasounds, exams, STD screening, mental health counseling, and more.
United Way Health Initiatives Manager Tanisha Arroyo says accessible maternity services are much needed in Broome County.
'Having the mobile unit on the Northside of Binghamton at the Lee Barta Community Center will provide essential women's health services to residents that may not otherwise have access to those services. So, we are very excited to be a host site,' said Arroyo.
The project was made possible by a $3 million grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation.
The MOM Unit is making its first stop on March 17 at the United Way of Broome County in Binghamton. Additional visits are planned across the Southern Tier in the upcoming weeks.
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Yahoo
11 minutes ago
- Yahoo
‘Undermining trust': Kennedy's promises on vaccines put to the test
In convincing wary senators to confirm him as the nation's top health official, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. promised he would not discourage people from getting vaccines or make the shots 'difficult' to access. Now that the longtime anti-vaccine activist has the job, he's putting his promise to the test. In the four months since GOP senators signed off on Kennedy's appointment as secretary of Health and Human Services, Kennedy has moved deliberately to upend the people and processes that have guided decision-making about vaccines. This week, he purged a government panel of outside vaccine experts and appointed eight replacements, some of whom share his view that the government has covered up vaccine side effects. He skipped the advisory process in changing who the government says should get Covid vaccines and stoked confusion when he issued updated guidance that gave parents room to decide for themselves. He's hired an anti-vaccine activist to scour government records on vaccine safety and launched a search for autism's cause. Kennedy has long believed vaccines are one cause of the neurological disorder. 'If we have a system that has been dismantled — one that allowed for open, evidence-based decision-making and that supported transparent and clear dialogue about vaccines — and then we replace it with a process that's driven largely by one person's beliefs, that creates a system that cannot be trusted,' said Dr. Helen Chu, a University of Washington School of Medicine professor who was dismissed from the vaccine panel this week. In the absence of independent, unbiased advice, she added, 'we can't trust that safe and effective vaccines will be available for use in the United States.' Kennedy's sweeping moves in his first few months on the job underscore the broad mandate President Donald Trump gave him to remake the federal health department. 'Secretary Kennedy is restoring trust by demanding radical transparency and ending the complacency that defined past public health failures,' HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon told POLITICO in a statement Thursday, noting that Kennedy's commitment to putting 'accountability and radical transparency first' will 'restore trust in our public health system.' Kennedy has said his mission is to reestablish trust by rooting out corruption in the health agencies — stemming, he believes, from the symbiotic relationship between regulators and industry. But leaders in the public health establishment say his actions are more likely to do the opposite, arguing he distorts scientific data to suit his message. 'What he's doing is undermining trust,' said Tom Frieden, who led the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during Barack Obama's presidency. Frieden worries that Kennedy's hyper-skepticism about vaccine safety, which could be amplified now by like-minded members of his vaccine advisory panel, will mislead more people into believing the shots are unsafe, causing immunization rates to dip and infectious diseases to spread. Kennedy's belief that vaccines often carry serious side effects already has led to policy change, with HHS dropping guidance that pregnant women get vaccinated for Covid. HHS cited evidence that the shot was linked to miscarriages — though one of the researchers footnoted in an HHS document disputed the agency's characterization. Thirty-two medical groups protested the decision earlier this week. Among the new members of the vaccine advisory panel are Dr. Robert Malone and Retsef Levi, who share Kennedy's view that Covid vaccine side effects are more serious than the government has disclosed. The changes Kennedy has made, public health experts warn, are upending the nation's health agencies and risk paralyzing decision-making about what advice to give the public. But to Kennedy's supporters, he's just doing what Trump asked him to do. 'Frankly, the experts really got an awful lot wrong about Covid in particular, so I think in general the American population right now is pretty darn skeptical of the so-called experts,' said Mary Holland, president and general counsel at Children's Health Defense, the anti-vaccine nonprofit Kennedy founded. The vaccine panel Kennedy has upended, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, is one of four external panels housed at HHS that advise agencies on vaccine policy, but it's regarded as the most influential. The panel helps set the CDC's childhood and adult immunization schedules, and several state and federal laws reference ACIP recommendations — including the Affordable Care Act, which requires health plans to cover vaccines the committee recommends for routine use without cost-sharing. ACIP also votes on whether vaccines should be offered through the Vaccines for Children program that ensures low-income and under- and uninsured kids can access shots for free. 'If the secretary puts in place an advisory committee that shares his views around vaccination … I can envision the committee not making recommendations for vaccine use in children, or revisiting the existing schedule and changing some of those recommendations,' Dr. Richard Besser, a former CDC acting director who's now president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, told POLITICO Tuesday. 'We would be in a situation where your ability to get a vaccine depends on how much money is in your pocket.' The demise of an independent ACIP, Chu said, would lead to 'a patchwork of different policies by different states' — a development that could see some states stop mandating certain vaccines for school entry and likely increasing the risk of infectious disease. Historically, the CDC director decides whether to accept, reject or amend the group's recommendations, but it's unclear whether anyone is filling that role. Dr. Susan Monarez, a former Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health official, was tapped to lead the CDC, compelling her to step down as acting director. Kennedy told lawmakers in May that agency chief of staff Matthew Buzzelli — a lawyer with no public health background — was in charge. Even Holland called the absence of a confirmed CDC director 'troubling' and questioned whether the Senate is prioritizing the position. If approved, Monarez would be the first confirmed CDC director since Congress changed the law in 2023 to require the Senate to vote on the position. The Office of Government Ethics posted her financial disclosure forms on Saturday, which clears the way for the Senate health panel to schedule a confirmation hearing. ACIP voting members usually serve four-year terms — and STAT has reported that the Biden administration intentionally stacked the committee's membership, selecting replacements for members whose terms were set to expire in June. Even so, Kennedy's decision to fire all of the panel's members and replace them is unprecedented. The HHS secretary wields broad authority to manage the panel as he sees fit under federal law. And the slate he announced late Wednesday includes several people known for questioning the safety of either messenger RNA vaccines specifically or, more broadly, the childhood schedule. Dr. Jeffrey Klausner, a former public health official in California, has informally advised Kennedy since the November election, including compiling a list of names for new ACIP members who he thought would balance public health imperatives with vaccine safety concerns. None of his suggestions made the cut so far, he told POLITICO. 'Most people don't understand there are very different ethics in the practice of public health. In medicine, it's all about 'do no harm,' and it's about advocating as much as one can for the benefit of that individual patient,' Klausner said. 'In public health, you're trying to do the most good for the most people.' Kennedy said the new members will 'review safety and efficacy data for the current schedule,' raising questions about how the new panel may seek to change recommendations relied upon by pediatricians nationwide. 'I'm very disappointed. Not so much for me, but for public health,' said Mysheika W. Roberts, health commissioner for Columbus, Ohio, who was slated to join ACIP in July, replacing one of the members whose terms was set to expire. 'How are we going to make sure we have individuals at the table who can make decisions that impact everyone in our country, and really make those decisions based on proper data and proper science?' The firing of the vaccine advisers is only Kennedy's most recent effort to remake HHS' administrative structure in his image. It follows his decision to launch a search for autism's cause — he's putting $50 million into it and promising answers within months — and his cancellation of a nearly $600 million contract with Covid shotmaker Moderna to use its mRNA platform to develop a bird flu vaccine. Kennedy has called the mRNA Covid shots from Moderna and Pfizer the 'deadliest vaccine ever made.' At the same time, Kennedy and the vaccine-wary wing of his Make America Healthy Again movement have elevated the once-fringe view that vaccination should be an individual choice and not a public obligation. Kennedy has made the point repeatedly in congressional testimony and in his response to an ongoing measles outbreak. He has said he believes reassuring Americans that vaccination is up to them, and not required, is essential to restoring trust in public health after vaccine mandates drew backlash during the pandemic. But Kennedy's perception of 'evidence-based decision-making with objectivity and common sense' — the approach he said the vaccine advisory panel's new roster would take — runs contrary to that of most scientists. They see vaccination as one of the most important public health interventions to limit and prevent disease spread, along with clean water, and believe it essential that people feel an obligation, if not a requirement, to get vaccinated. 'It's the rise of individualism going against collective good, and public health DNA is public good — it's protecting the population to protect the most vulnerable,' said Katelyn Jetelina, an epidemiologist who's consulted for the CDC. 'That's just a very different framework in theory than the medical freedom movement, and how you reconcile those two things in this moment is the big question.' While Klausner said he's disappointed with Kennedy's ACIP choices, he'll continue to offer the secretary advice because he's in the position of authority. 'I'm trying to work with him to keep things on the rails,' he said.
Yahoo
16 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Revolutionizing Diagnostics: Digital Pathology Market Growth Report Reach US$1.73 billion by 2030 at 8.0% CAGR
CHICAGO, June 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Digital Pathology Market is projected to be valued at USD 1.10 billion in 2024 and reach USD 1.73 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8% according to a new report by The Research Insights. The key driver of this growth is the mounting need for telepathology to enable pathologists to remotely view slides and interact live over distances. The other factor is integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in digital pathology systems, boosting diagnostics through automated image analysis and predictive analytics. The report runs an in-depth analysis of market trends, key players, and future opportunities. In general, the Digital Pathology Market growth of 8.0% comprises a vast array of Product, Type, Application, End-Use, and Geography which are expected to register strength during the coming years. For More Information and To Stay Updated on The Latest Developments in The Global Digital Pathology Market, Download FREE Sample Pages: Market Overview and Growth Trajectory: Digital Pathology Market Growth: According to an exhaustive report by The Research Insights, the Digital Pathology Market is experiencing significant growth. The worldwide digital pathology market expansion results from multiple technological advancements alongside clinical and systemic changes that mirror a comprehensive shift in diagnostic methods and healthcare service delivery. The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms serves as a key driving force in pathology because they improve diagnostic accuracy while enhancing workflow efficiency and decision-making support. Precision medicine's rising requirement along with individually tailored treatment plans drives the need for digital platforms that integrate histopathological data with genomic and clinical information. The worldwide scarcity of pathologists in developing markets forces healthcare infrastructures to implement digital pathology systems that consolidate diagnostic capabilities and allow for remote consultations through telepathology. The global rise in cancer cases demands the development of diagnostic solutions that operate more quickly and can scale to meet increasing needs. The FDA's regulatory approvals and standardization efforts are helping to validate digital pathology systems which leads to their broader use. The focus on digital health infrastructure and remote healthcare solutions after COVID-19 has solidified digital pathology's essential role in modern diagnostic processes. Rising Prevalence of Chronic Diseases and Cancer:The increasing global prevalence of chronic illnesses such as cancer alongside cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases creates demand for digital pathology through the need for accurate diagnostic results. Cancer stands as a primary focus area because the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that it causes almost 10 million deaths each year. The growing number of cancer cases increases the need for precise histopathological assessments which play a critical role in cancer staging and treatment planning as well as determining patient glass-slide microscopy requires extensive time commitment while demanding substantial labor effort and remains susceptible to mistakes by human operators. Digital pathology allows for complete slide digitization which supports storage capabilities as well as analysis and sharing functions. Digital platforms play an essential role in oncology and chronic disease management through improved diagnostic accuracy and simpler access to second opinions and telepathology. The requirement for high-throughput pathology services becomes even stronger when centralized laboratories need to serve extensive populations. For Detailed Market Insights, Visit: Innovations in Whole Slide Imaging (WSI) technology combined with artificial intelligence (AI) integration are driving major changes in digital pathology:Progress in imaging technology alongside improvements in data storage and artificial intelligence (AI) development is revolutionizing digital pathology. The development of Whole Slide Imaging (WSI) now enables the capture of ultra-high-resolution images which can be stored and distributed with very little delay. After digitization these images become suitable for AI analysis which helps detect patterns and anomalies while classifying tissue types with greater consistency than manual workflows now frequently utilize AI-powered tools to help pathologists identify diseases at early stages while simultaneously quantifying biomarkers and standardizing interpretations. The algorithms designed for breast and prostate cancer detection improve diagnostic efficiency and minimize inter-observer variability by highlighting suspicious regions and providing grading suggestions. Real-time slide sharing capabilities of cloud-based platforms allow institutions to collaborate on diagnostics without being limited by geographic distances. This technological progress improves diagnostic speed and accuracy while shortening turnaround time which is essential for treating life-threatening conditions. Growing Adoption of Telepathology and Remote Consultations:The pandemic hastened digital health technology implementation with digital pathology becoming another beneficiary of this trend. Telepathology has become an essential diagnostic tool due to increasing demands for remote consultations and second opinions. Digital platforms now enable hospitals and laboratories to share slides across regions and countries with specialists which allows for expert reviews and collaborations to occur promptly without needing to transport specimens is emerging as a critical solution to the worldwide inequality in pathology services. Rural regions and areas with limited resources experience a significant lack of trained pathologists. Through digital pathology centralized specialists review cases from distant locations which closes existing healthcare gaps to advance healthcare equity. Digital pathology platforms provide educational institutions with benefits for training and research because students and researchers can access actual slides from any location at any time. Stay Updated on The Latest Digital Pathology Market Trends: Geographical Insights: The North American market achieved a 40.7% share of the global market in 2023 because government-backed initiatives advanced pathology technology. The dominance resulted from continuous R&D funding and the growing implementation of digital imaging technologies. Their influence grew stronger in the region because prominent players focused on creating innovative solutions to meet the needs of the local population. Market expansion is propelled by academic research and disease diagnosis needs for digital pathology because institutions aim to use its capabilities to enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment results. Between 2024 and 2030 the Asia Pacific region will achieve the highest Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) thanks to increased digitalization activities combined with medical research investments and the growing use of digital imaging technologies in developing economies. The rising occurrence of cancer cases continues to drive market growth which highlights the necessity for new treatment options that will advance market expansion. Global Digital Pathology Market Segmentation and Geographical Insights: Based on Product, the digital pathology market is divided into, Software, Device, and Storage System. The device segment dominated the market share in 2023 with 51.72% and is expected to experience substantial growth over the projected period. Based on Type, the digital pathology market is divided into, Human Pathology, and Veterinary Pathology. The human aspect of digital pathology is playing a pivotal role, accounting for approximately 60.0% market share in 2023. Based on Application, the digital pathology market is divided into, Drug Discovery & Development, Academic Research, and Disease Diagnosis. The academic research segment led the market share in 2023, accounting for 45.7%, and is expected to continue its dominance from 2024 to 2030 due to ongoing research in cancer therapy development and high adoption rates of digital pathology in various studies. Based on End Use, the digital pathology market is divided into, Hospitals, Biotech & Pharma Companies, Diagnostic Labs, and Academic & Research Institutes. The healthcare sector led the market share in 2023 with a notable presence of 36.7%. The Digital Pathology Market is segmented into five major regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Purchase Premium Copy of Global Digital Pathology Market Size and Growth Report (2024-2030) at: Key Players and Competitive Landscape: The Global Digital Pathology Market is characterized by the presence of several major players, including: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH (Danaher) Hamamatsu Photonics, Inc. Koninklijke Philips N.V. Olympus Corporation F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. Mikroscan Technologies, Inc. Inspirata, Inc. Epredia (3DHISTECH Ltd.) Visiopharm A/S Huron Technologies International Inc. ContextVision AB CellaVision HANGZHOU ZHIWEI INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CO. LTD. (MORPHOGO) West Medica Produktions- und Handels- GmbH (West Medica) aetherAI IBEX (IBEX MEDICAL ANALYTICS) SigTuple Technologies Private Limited Morphle Labs, Inc Bionovation Biotech, Inc. These companies are adopting strategies such as new product launches, joint ventures, and geographical expansion to maintain their competitive edge in the market. Global Digital Pathology Market Recent Developments and Innovations: In March 2024: Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Netherlands) formed an expanded partnership with AWS to create secure, scalable cloud-based digital pathology solutions. The collaboration between AWS and Philips will improve workflow efficiency while ensuring smooth integration with current healthcare systems to provide complete patient care. In February 2024: Roche entered into a partnership with Path AI to build an AI-powered digital pathology algorithm for companion diagnostics. Through this partnership Roche will speed up its capacity to fulfill biopharma companies' needs who seek to create AI-driven companion diagnostics and deliver complete solutions. In March 2023: Agilent Technologies partnered with Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. Agilent Technologies teamed up with Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. to integrate the NanoZoomer range with the S360MD Slide scanner system into their comprehensive digital pathology solution. In March 2022: Roche Diagnostics partnered with SRL Diagnostics. In collaboration with Roche Diagnostics, SRL Diagnostics intended to upgrade its Fortis Memorial Research Institute laboratory facilities. For Region-Specific Market Data, Check Out Brief Sample Pages: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): What is the forecasted market size of the Digital Pathology Market in 2030? The forecasted market size of the Digital Pathology Market is USD 1.73 billion in 2030. Who are the leading players in the Digital Pathology Market? The key players in the Digital Pathology Market include, Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH (Danaher); Hamamatsu Photonics, Inc.; Koninklijke Philips N.V.; Olympus Corp.; F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.; Mikroscan Technologies, Inc.; Inspirata, Inc.; Epredia (3DHISTECH Ltd.); Visiopharm A/S; Huron Technologies International Inc.; ContextVision AB; HANGZHOU ZHIWEI INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CO. LTD. (MORPHOGO); West Medica Produktions- und Handels- GmbH (West Medica); aetherAI; IBEX (IBEX MEDICAL ANALYTICS); SigTuple Technologies Private Limited; Morphle Labs, Inc; and Bionovation Biotech, Inc. What are the major drivers for the Digital Pathology Market? Several key factors are driving this expansion, including the growing adoption of AI-enabled digital pathology. Which is the largest region during the forecasted period in the Digital Pathology Market? The North American market achieved a 40.7% share of the global market in 2023 because government-backed initiatives advanced pathology technology. Which is the largest segment, by product, during the forecasted period in the Digital Pathology Market? The device segment dominated the market share in 2023 with 51.72% and is expected to experience substantial growth over the projected period. Conclusion: Digital imaging advancements and AI along with data analytics improvements lead to major transformations within the global digital pathology market which meets healthcare systems' needs for swifter and more precise diagnostic procedures. The spread of chronic diseases combined with telepathology demand growth and pathologist workforce deficits has sped up the implementation of digital pathology technologies. Modern systems provide the ability for immediate remote medical consultations alongside more efficient data exchange and better-informed decisions through artificial intelligence that analyses medical images. The combination of EHR integration with advanced interoperability and cloud storage solutions leads to better diagnostic precision and operational efficiency. Digital pathology stands as a fundamental component of precision medicine and laboratory automation while global healthcare digitization progresses alongside evolving regulatory frameworks and advanced data security technologies. The market's growth momentum continues as it connects with wider digital health movements and shifts towards value-based care approaches. Need A Diverse Region or Sector? Customize Research to Suit Your Requirement: The report from The Research Insights, therefore, provides several stakeholders—healthcare providers, diagnostic laboratories, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and regulatory agencies—with valuable insights into how to successfully navigate this evolving market landscape and unlock new opportunities. With projected growth to US$ 1.73 billion by 2030, the Global Digital Pathology Market represents a significant opportunity for AI technology developers, cloud service providers, medical imaging software companies, digital health startups, and telepathology platform vendors. Check out more related studies published by The Research Insights: U.S. And Europe Digital Pathology Market - The US and European digital pathology market is poised for significant growth, driven by increasing efforts to harness this technology for enhanced disease diagnosis and improved pathology practices. Currently valued at USD 578.6 million in 2022, the market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2% from 2023 to 2030. In the US, the FDA has classified digital pathology as Class II devices suitable for primary diagnosis, paving the way for wider adoption. Pathology Laboratories Market: The Global Pathology Laboratories Market is expected to reach at USD 612.22 billion by 2030, according to a new report by The Research Insights. It is projected to expand at a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period. This growth is driven by the expanding healthcare infrastructure in developing countries, as well as an increasing demand for regular medical check-ups and enhanced reimbursement policies for diagnostic tests. AI in Pathology Market - The AI in Pathology Market size is set to grow from USD 92.32 million in 2025 to USD 434.16 million by 2034, at a CAGR of 19.07%. The AI for Pathology Market describes how artificial intelligence technologies including machine learning algorithms and neural networks process pathology data to aid clinical decision-making while boosting diagnostic precision and workflow productivity. The medical field of pathology which focuses on disease study and diagnosis through tissue, organ, and fluid examination is experiencing a digital shift through AI integration. Anatomic Pathology Market - The global anatomic pathology market continues to expand its reach, with valued sales reaching USD 30.16 billion in 2022. As we look ahead, the market is projected to experience a significant compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7% from 2023 to 2030. This surge in growth can be attributed to the increasing adoption of biomarkers in clinical settings, which has revolutionized the way pathologists analyze molecular-level mechanisms. Precision Pathology for Cancer Market: The Research Insights report reveals that Precision pathology for cancer applies advanced technological methods to produce customized diagnostic and therapeutic approaches based on individual tumor biology. This innovative method combines histological, genomic and bioinformatic knowledge to enable healthcare providers to develop individualized treatment plans which lead to improved patient results. Browse More related reports on Healthcare Industry Market Reports – About Us: The Research Insights provides thoroughly conducted research which is backed up by real-time statistics and data. Our experts are eager to help you with any information required under the sun. The key to our success is keeping abreast with the markets, industries, and ever-changing consumer trends that matter. Our market research professionals have in-depth knowledge and expertise across various domains that includes IT and Telecom, Emerging Technologies, Consumer Offerings, Manufacturing and Others. We are committed to reviewing the scope and procedure of the research studies that you select and provide you with an accurate guidance in order to assist you in taking the correct business decisions. Contact Us:If you have any queries about this report or if you would like further information, please contact us: Contact Person: Kaushik RoyE-mail: sales@ +1-312-313-8080Blog: Release: News: | Logo: View original content: SOURCE The Research Insights
Politico
31 minutes ago
- Politico
The HHS transformation
Presented by Driving the Day A SWEEPING OVERHAUL — In his first few months on the job, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has moved to upend the people and processes that have guided decision-making about vaccines, POLITICO's Lauren Gardner and Sophie Gardner report. The sweeping actions underscore the broad mandate President Donald Trump gave him to remake the federal health department. Kennedy has said his mission is to reestablish trust by rooting out corruption in the health agencies — stemming, he believes, from the symbiotic relationship between regulators and industry. 'Secretary Kennedy is restoring trust by demanding radical transparency and ending the complacency that defined past public health failures,' HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon told POLITICO in a statement Thursday, noting that Kennedy's commitment to putting 'accountability and radical transparency first' will 'restore trust in our public health system.' But leaders in the public health establishment say his actions are more likely to do the opposite, arguing he distorts scientific data to suit his message. 'What he's doing is undermining trust,' said Tom Frieden, who led the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during Barack Obama's presidency. Background: This week, Kennedy purged a government panel of outside vaccine experts and appointed eight replacements, some of whom share his view that the government has covered up vaccine side effects. He skipped the advisory process in changing who the government says should get Covid vaccines and stoked confusion when he issued updated guidance that gave parents room to decide for themselves. He's hired an anti-vaccine activist to scour government records on vaccine safety and launched a search for autism's cause. Kennedy has long believed vaccines are one cause of the neurological disorder. 'If we have a system that has been dismantled — one that allowed for open, evidence-based decision-making and that supported transparent and clear dialogue about vaccines — and then we replace it with a process that's driven largely by one person's beliefs, that creates a system that cannot be trusted,' said Dr. Helen Chu, a University of Washington School of Medicine professor who was dismissed from the vaccine panel this week. Why it matters: Public health experts worry that Kennedy's hyper-skepticism about vaccine safety, which could be amplified now by like-minded members of his vaccine advisory panel, will mislead more people into believing the shots are unsafe, causing immunization rates to dip and infectious diseases to spread. Even so: To Kennedy's supporters, he's just doing what Trump asked him to do. 'Frankly, the experts really got an awful lot wrong about Covid in particular, so I think in general, the American population right now is pretty darn skeptical of the so-called experts,' said Mary Holland, president and general counsel at Children's Health Defense, the anti-vaccine nonprofit Kennedy founded. WELCOME TO FRIDAY PULSE. Have a tip about one of the new ACIP members? Send it my way to khooper@ and follow along @Kelhoops. In Congress FENTANYL BILL PASSES — Legislation enshrining tougher sentences for fentanyl traffickers is headed to President Donald Trump's desk after the House voted to pass the bill Thursday. The HALT Fentanyl Act will permanently classify street versions of fentanyl, the killer synthetic opioid, as Schedule I substances. The deadly and addictive drug has been temporarily classified as such since 2018. The House passed its version of the legislation in February, and the Senate passed its version in March. The chambers had to resolve minor differences in the legislation before the House's 321-104 procedural vote Thursday that sent the bill to Trump's desk. Why it matters: The bill's quick passage in the early days of the GOP's control of Congress and the White House suggests the party sees cracking down on the opioid epidemic as a political winner and top policy priority. Republicans have often tied the issue to the push to beef up border security and stem the flow of illegal drugs into the United States. But the legislation is also bipartisan, with dozens of Senate and House Democrats joining Republicans to vote for the bill's passage. Even so: Many other Democrats have complained the bill would lean too heavily on law enforcement and exacerbate what they see as a mass incarceration crisis. HOUSE NARROWLY APPROVES RESCISSIONS PACKAGE — In a 214-212 vote Thursday, House lawmakers advanced a request from the White House to claw back $9.4 billion that lawmakers have already approved for public media and foreign assistance, including global health programs, POLITICO's Katherine Tully-McManus and Jennifer Scholtes report. The vote is a major victory for President Donald Trump, who had lobbied hard for lawmakers to pass the legislation, including in a social media post shortly before members went to the floor. It's also a huge relief for House Speaker Mike Johnson, who hours earlier was projecting cautious optimism that the package of funding cuts would pass despite knowing his margins were exceedingly narrow. The legislation would revoke $8.3 billion in foreign aid and $1.1 billion for public broadcasting. It faced opposition from some Republican lawmakers concerned about slashing the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR. Key context: The final margin was narrow — as many as six Republicans had been recorded as opposing the bill, two of whom ultimately changed their votes. What's next: The package now heads to the Senate, where Republicans are discussing whether they can amend it — despite the complicated mechanics for doing so. The rescissions process was created under the decades-old law enacted to block presidents from withholding federal cash Congress has already approved. Asked by POLITICO whether he'll push for changes, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), chair of the state-foreign operations funding panel, said, 'I'm a big fan of PEPFAR, so I'll get back with you about that.' Tobacco EU WEIGHS TOBACCO TAX HIKE — The European Commission is weighing a tax increase of 258 percent on rolling tobacco and 139 percent on cigarettes, according to an impact assessment obtained by POLITICO. The body wants to start taxing vapes and heated tobacco products too. The document attributes about 40 percent of the decline in smoking in the EU over the past decade to taxes. But it states the 'current minimum tax rates have lost traction in terms of making an effective contribution to reducing tobacco consumption.' WHAT WE'RE READING POLITICO's David Lim and Robert King report on Sen. Bill Cassidy circulating a draft bill resembling the Trump administration's push for a most-favored nation drug policy. The Associated Press' Lindsay Whitehurst reports on a Supreme Court win for a teenage girl with a rare form of epilepsy that could make disability lawsuits against schools easier.
