Public-health system is eroding

Ohio ranks near the bottom of every health and healthrisk factor indicator. We are a sick state. Our infant mortality rates are unacceptable. Our opiate problem has drawn national attention. For these reasons, the Ohio Public Health Association urges Sen. Rob Portman to oppose the Senate version of the health-care bill.

This bill removes people from needed care and preventive services. Those most impacted would be our elderly, children, disabled, addicted and poor. For decades, the public-health system has been eroding. Ohio has ranked as low as 50th in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funding. Staffing has evaporated as funds have been lost. Years of inattention to the publichealth infrastructure is taking a toll on our population.

The Prevention and Public Health Fund component of the bill must be increased if we are to improve the health of Ohioans. This is a critical time and support for public health is imperative. This bill is not the way to improve health in Ohio.

I ask Portman to vote no, for the sake of those he represents. When this bill is defeated, let us in public health help address these issues and turn the tide. Many Public Health professionals in Ohio are eager to work with Portman to develop comprehensive approaches to improving Ohioans’ health.

We can do this, but not without the political will of our legislators.

Lois Hal Executive director Ohio Public Health Association Columbus