Story perspectives

Budget Cuts Risk Lives, Cost Economy $16 Trillion

4/7/2026

Center

Advocates Highlight Health Disparities

During National Public Health Week, public health advocates emphasize historical perspective amid budget cuts and demoralized workers.
They cite the 1920s dismantling of community clinics and maternal health funding as causing human costs.
A 2023 study shows more than one million deaths in 2021 could have been prevented with better health outcomes.
Closing health disparities could have generated $16 trillion in economic output, bolstering national security.

Left

Advocates Launch Health Platform

Defend Public Health launched the People’s Health Platform to push universal healthcare, climate preparedness, and equitable access to reproductive care.
Leaders Richard Pan and Nina Schwalbe, public health advocates, call for stable funding and protections against interference.
The platform cites rising costs and rural hospital closures to justify reform and cross-party support.
It aims to unite candidates across party lines to prioritize public health and address systemic inequalities.

1 of 2

Advocates Highlight Health Disparities

During National Public Health Week, public health advocates emphasize historical perspective amid budget cuts and demoralized workers.
They cite the 1920s dismantling of community clinics and maternal health funding as causing human costs.
A 2023 study shows more than one million deaths in 2021 could have been prevented with better health outcomes.
Closing health disparities could have generated $16 trillion in economic output, bolstering national security.

1 / 2