Protect Health Equity and Research: Urgent Appeal
The Issue
My name is Portia J. Zaire, and I am a PhD-prepared Registered Nurse with nearly 18 years of experience, deeply committed to caring for populations in low-resource communities. These populations are often the sickest and poorest, due to factors beyond their control, such as lack of access to healthy foods, neighborhoods without sidewalks, green spaces, and safe playgrounds. They may attend underfunded schools and are often siloed into low-paying, physically demanding jobs. Quality research tells us that these non-clinical and environmental challenges, known as social determinants of health, have the greatest impact on health. Tireless research has shown us how prolonged exposure to these stressors and conditions can wear on the body and cause disease. This is especially true for racial and ethnic minorities, sexual and gender minorities, those with low socioeconomic resources, and women—the same groups targeted by recent executive orders (E.O.).
This will exacerbate existing health inequities, undermining efforts to address the systemic barriers that impact the health and well-being of our nation. For instance, E.O. Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing signed on January 20, 2025, halting all DEIA initiatives significantly disrupts essential efforts to eliminate race-based differences in maternal health outcomes. Currently, in America, a Black woman is nearly 3 times more likely to die from childbirth-related complications, leaving her family without a partner and mother. Additionally, Black men face a significantly higher risk of dying from colorectal cancer compared to any other race or gender group. Moreover, 1 in 3 sexual and gender minority Americans postpone healthcare concerns due to issues associated with cost such as being uninsured. More concerning is the 1 in 5 sexual and gender minority Americans who have avoided medical care due to experiences of harassment or discrimination.
Impact of Health Equity Research
This recent E.O. is detrimental to health equity research. All federally funded grants were halted, leading to confusion and disruptions to funding that supports life saving research and programing. These grants are not merely financial aids; they are the lifeline of pioneering research, local, state, and territorial health departments, healthcare organizations, and non-profit organizations that provide vital services to communities. The abrupt halt not only disrupted progress, innovation, and education but also threatened the livelihoods of a dedicated workforce, including trainees, postdoctoral fellows, researchers, and clinicians. Similarly, prohibiting diversity-focused research poses a substantial risk to efforts aimed at bridging disparity gaps.
Health equity research has been the catalyst for significant legislative advancements, such as the Momnibus Act, which aims to improve maternal health outcomes and address disparities in maternal care. The US has the worst maternal health outcomes compared to similar countries, making this legislation crucial. Additionally, equity-focused research has highlighted racism as a critical public health crisis, leading to increased awareness and targeted interventions at the local, state, and federal levels. Health equity research has also resulted in expanded access to care through community health centers, ensuring that underserved populations receive the necessary support and services.
Moving America towards True Equity
If our goal is to truly make America great, we must ensure it is great for all Americans. Our nation's strength is reflected in how we care for those with the greatest need and who face the most barriers. I firmly believe that a great nation is a healthy nation, a healthy nation is a safe nation, and a safe nation is one that embraces the full spectrum of humanity.
As the country's nurses and healthcare professionals, we train the next generation of nurses and clinicians, helping them to actualize their potential so they provide safe, effective, and world-class care. As clinician scientists, we are dedicated to ensuring that all Americans have equitable access to healthcare and preventive services, which is the best way to make America healthy. The recent executive orders directly impact this work, halting much-needed funds and freedom to conduct mission-critical research.
Call to Action for Members of Congress
As elected representatives, you have taken an oath to support and defend the Constitution and to serve all Americans with integrity and fairness. We implore you to uphold these principles by speaking out against the E.O. Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing. This order threatens to undermine the essential work being done to address health disparities and promote equity for all citizens.
We ask that you take immediate action to protect and preserve the health and well-being of our nation by supporting initiatives that advance health equity. Your commitment to this cause is not only a reflection of your duty to your constituents but also a testament to your dedication to the foundational values of our Constitution.
Request to the President
We urge you to reconsider and revoke your E.O. Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing. This order undermines essential efforts to address health disparities and promote equity. By doing so, you would support the ongoing efforts to reduce health disparities and ensure equitable access to healthcare for all Americans. Let's work together to create a nation where everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the opportunity to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this petition are my own and do not reflect the official policies or positions of any affiliations or institutions with which I am associated. This is not a fundraiser.
[Thank you for your support! Please join our movement and sign the letter to help us create a healthier and more equitable future for all Americans. Additionally, reach out to your members of Congress to express your concerns and advocate for the revocation of this harmful executive order. Together, we can make a difference.]
Professionally,
Portia J. Zaire, PhD, RN, CNE
83
The Issue
My name is Portia J. Zaire, and I am a PhD-prepared Registered Nurse with nearly 18 years of experience, deeply committed to caring for populations in low-resource communities. These populations are often the sickest and poorest, due to factors beyond their control, such as lack of access to healthy foods, neighborhoods without sidewalks, green spaces, and safe playgrounds. They may attend underfunded schools and are often siloed into low-paying, physically demanding jobs. Quality research tells us that these non-clinical and environmental challenges, known as social determinants of health, have the greatest impact on health. Tireless research has shown us how prolonged exposure to these stressors and conditions can wear on the body and cause disease. This is especially true for racial and ethnic minorities, sexual and gender minorities, those with low socioeconomic resources, and women—the same groups targeted by recent executive orders (E.O.).
This will exacerbate existing health inequities, undermining efforts to address the systemic barriers that impact the health and well-being of our nation. For instance, E.O. Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing signed on January 20, 2025, halting all DEIA initiatives significantly disrupts essential efforts to eliminate race-based differences in maternal health outcomes. Currently, in America, a Black woman is nearly 3 times more likely to die from childbirth-related complications, leaving her family without a partner and mother. Additionally, Black men face a significantly higher risk of dying from colorectal cancer compared to any other race or gender group. Moreover, 1 in 3 sexual and gender minority Americans postpone healthcare concerns due to issues associated with cost such as being uninsured. More concerning is the 1 in 5 sexual and gender minority Americans who have avoided medical care due to experiences of harassment or discrimination.
Impact of Health Equity Research
This recent E.O. is detrimental to health equity research. All federally funded grants were halted, leading to confusion and disruptions to funding that supports life saving research and programing. These grants are not merely financial aids; they are the lifeline of pioneering research, local, state, and territorial health departments, healthcare organizations, and non-profit organizations that provide vital services to communities. The abrupt halt not only disrupted progress, innovation, and education but also threatened the livelihoods of a dedicated workforce, including trainees, postdoctoral fellows, researchers, and clinicians. Similarly, prohibiting diversity-focused research poses a substantial risk to efforts aimed at bridging disparity gaps.
Health equity research has been the catalyst for significant legislative advancements, such as the Momnibus Act, which aims to improve maternal health outcomes and address disparities in maternal care. The US has the worst maternal health outcomes compared to similar countries, making this legislation crucial. Additionally, equity-focused research has highlighted racism as a critical public health crisis, leading to increased awareness and targeted interventions at the local, state, and federal levels. Health equity research has also resulted in expanded access to care through community health centers, ensuring that underserved populations receive the necessary support and services.
Moving America towards True Equity
If our goal is to truly make America great, we must ensure it is great for all Americans. Our nation's strength is reflected in how we care for those with the greatest need and who face the most barriers. I firmly believe that a great nation is a healthy nation, a healthy nation is a safe nation, and a safe nation is one that embraces the full spectrum of humanity.
As the country's nurses and healthcare professionals, we train the next generation of nurses and clinicians, helping them to actualize their potential so they provide safe, effective, and world-class care. As clinician scientists, we are dedicated to ensuring that all Americans have equitable access to healthcare and preventive services, which is the best way to make America healthy. The recent executive orders directly impact this work, halting much-needed funds and freedom to conduct mission-critical research.
Call to Action for Members of Congress
As elected representatives, you have taken an oath to support and defend the Constitution and to serve all Americans with integrity and fairness. We implore you to uphold these principles by speaking out against the E.O. Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing. This order threatens to undermine the essential work being done to address health disparities and promote equity for all citizens.
We ask that you take immediate action to protect and preserve the health and well-being of our nation by supporting initiatives that advance health equity. Your commitment to this cause is not only a reflection of your duty to your constituents but also a testament to your dedication to the foundational values of our Constitution.
Request to the President
We urge you to reconsider and revoke your E.O. Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing. This order undermines essential efforts to address health disparities and promote equity. By doing so, you would support the ongoing efforts to reduce health disparities and ensure equitable access to healthcare for all Americans. Let's work together to create a nation where everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the opportunity to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this petition are my own and do not reflect the official policies or positions of any affiliations or institutions with which I am associated. This is not a fundraiser.
[Thank you for your support! Please join our movement and sign the letter to help us create a healthier and more equitable future for all Americans. Additionally, reach out to your members of Congress to express your concerns and advocate for the revocation of this harmful executive order. Together, we can make a difference.]
Professionally,
Portia J. Zaire, PhD, RN, CNE
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Petition created on January 29, 2025