We are health care providers concerned about the consequences of the Trump administration’s attempts to restrict or eliminate critical health-care programs. We have taken oaths to protect and defend our patients’ well-being. We believe that the following issues are of paramount importance for our population’s health. By signing this letter, Vermont’s health care providers are expressing our deepest concerns about these issues:

NIH funding of scientific research is the foundation of our efforts to control and combat significant ills in America. NIH funding is the lifeblood of scientific research. These funds cannot be turned on and off like a spigot. Science and scientists suffer.

WHO membership: It is the WHO that protects us against pandemics and other world-wide health crises. Though not without its challenges, on balance, WHO provides critical, integrated knowledge and responses to health crises.

Vaccines are our lifeboats in a microbial sea. Loss of trust in vaccines and the elimination of mandated school vaccines will allow parents to opt out of vaccine programs and lower our herd immunity. This will increase the likelihood and seriousness of outbreaks of infectious diseases like measles, which we are already experiencing.

We call for health care facilities to be a safe space, free from fear of ICE apprehension and deportation. Vermont’s dairy industry depends on our migrant workforce, some of whom are undocumented.

USAID is a vital force for good in the world. It extends assistance to countries recovering from disasters, ameliorates poverty, and engages in democratic reforms. USAID feeds starving children and works to prevent infectious diseases such as polio and epidemic diseases. It deserves our support.

Protection of vulnerable populations such as LGBTQ+, immigrants, and BIPOC.

Fully funding the CDC to carry on its lifesaving public health initiatives. Censorship of communication and information must end.

Jack Mayer, MD, MPH, Middlebury

Laura Forman, MD, Middlebury

Kate Williams (Open Door Clinic)

Roberto Veguez (Open Door Clinic)

Sara Grandstrom, Bristol