In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark takes a deep dive into the high-stakes lawsuit against Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Six major medical organizations, and a pregnant physician are challenging Kennedy’s directive to remove COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for children and pregnant people — and they’re asking the courts to intervene. Steven unpacks the legal arguments, explains key concepts like standing and injunctions, and explores what’s at risk for public health, the rule of law, and the integrity of vaccine policy in the U.S.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:24: Steven introduces a major legal battle against HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who removed COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for children and pregnant people

00:53: Overview of the lawsuit filed by top medical organizations and a pregnant physician in Massachusetts

01:27: Steven explains how Kennedy bypassed the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and why that matters

03:02: What the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) is and why the plaintiffs argue Kennedy violated it

03:17: The importance of legal standing: How the plaintiffs demonstrate direct harm from the directive

04:11: Steven describes how the directive undermines doctors’ ability to provide evidence-based care and increases patient confusion

05:17: Public health implications: vaccine confidence, potential erosion of trust, and the danger of political interference in scientific guidance

06:09: Steven wraps up with the legal stakes and what this case could mean for future public health policymaking

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 week’s episode of The Health Advocates, host Steven Newmark unpacks a whirlwind of health news that could reshape the foundation of U.S. public health. From a major lawsuit against HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to record-high measles cases and the quiet cancelation of a critical preventive care meeting, Steven explains what’s at stake. Plus, he shares a hopeful update on bird flu and the importance of defending science-based health policy amid political disruption.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:56: Steven explains the lawsuit against HHS Secretary RFK Jr. for bypassing CDC and ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) input in changing COVID-19 vaccine guidance

01:33: Steven emphasizes how sidelining scientific advisors erodes public health trust and transparency

02:02: Measles cases hit a 30-year high; Steven explores how vaccine hesitancy has contributed to this preventable public health failure

02:47: Steven discusses how vaccine misinformation puts vulnerable groups like children and immunocompromised people at risk

03:06: Steven shares encouraging news: the CDC has ended its emergency response to the bird flu outbreak due to declining animal infections

03:36: Steven explains how a well-functioning public health system should respond to outbreaks like H5N1

04:11: A last-minute cancellation of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force meeting raises concerns about potential political interference

04:37: Steven connects this move to a recent Supreme Court ruling that allows the HHS Secretary to replace members of this influential panel

04:47: Steven warns that this could lead to fewer no-cost preventive services covered by insurance under the ACA

05:12: Steven announces the new season of Let’s Get Personal, which focuses on rheumatoid factor levels in RA. Tune in to the new episodes and explore our related resources at: https://creakyjoints.org/lets-get-personal/

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 of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark breaks down two urgent public health threats: a Senate proposal that would deeply cut Medicaid funding and an extreme heat wave affecting more than 265 million Americans. Steven explains how the Senate bill could gut essential health services for millions, all to fund tax cuts—and how this could impact everyone, not just Medicaid enrollees. He then turns to the record-breaking heat, sharing crucial safety tips and resources. Finally, Steven discusses a new COVID-19 variant known for its painful “razor blade throat” symptom.

Tune in to stay informed and take action.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:15: Steven outlines the Senate bill’s key provisions, including stricter work requirements, caps on funding, and efforts to undermine state Medicaid expansions

02:30: Steven explains the motivation behind the cuts: funding extensions for Trump-era tax breaks and limiting government support

03:13: Why Medicaid is more efficient than private insurance and how the cuts could increase mortality and reduce care access

04:29: A real-world example of how the cuts could harm families caring for medically complex children

05:29: Steven warns that the broader fallout will impact hospitals, insurance premiums, ER costs, and jobs—even for people not on Medicaid

06:03: How to take action: call your Senator, share your Medicaid story, and put public pressure on policymakers

06:18: Steven discusses the brutal U.S. heat wave: who is at risk and why early-season heat can be especially dangerous

07:48: Key symptoms of heat-related illness and advice for hydration, using cooling centers, and checking on vulnerable people

To learn more about NOAA’s new tool, visit: NWS HeatRisk at https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/heatrisk/

08:47: Introduction of the new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, known for causing a severe sore throat—“razor blade throat”

09:55: Final reminders: stay up to date on vaccines, and be vigilant if you get sick

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.