CNY pediatricians: Trump administration puts children’s health at risk (Guest Opinion)

Dr. Steven D. Blatt, Dr. Barbara Anne Morisseau and Dr. Robert Dracker, Syracuse-area pediatric doctors, write behalf of the health care professionals of the Pediatric Society of Central New York.

The health and well-being of our children are under assault. That was our conclusion during a recent meeting of the Pediatric Society of Central New York, an organization of pediatricians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants. We are the health care professionals tasked with caring for the children of our community. Our experience, knowledge and skill provide our community with expertise comparable with any community in the country. As individuals, we have our own set of values, political views and family cultures. However, as healthcare professionals, we are unified in our professional recommendations in what is best for children.

Economic security, proper housing, food security, safety, optimal development and education contribute to the physical and mental well-being of our children, in addition to the actual health care they receive. Since Jan. 20, presidential executive orders and federal government actions have placed the health and well-being of our children at risk. We feel it is our professional responsibility to share our medical expertise on behalf of our children.

As has been well documented by syracuse.com, Syracuse has one of the highest rates of children living in poverty and one of the highest rates of concentrated poverty in the nation. Governmental programs assisting those in poverty, including Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, free school meals programs and housing subsidies are essential in providing basic needs for our children and their families. We vehemently oppose any future budget cuts to these programs.

Children need to feel safe. In our community, many children have recently arrived from countries all over the world. Too many now live in fear of their families being separated and being expelled from this country. Children should be able to attend school without fear of not seeing their parents at the end of the day or learning their friends were deported. We cannot tolerate this inhumanity.

Ensuring development and education for our children is paramount to their well-being. Funding for early education programs, Head Start, preschools and public schools is at risk. We oppose any further delay in funding or cuts to our federal education programs.

Our health care system is the envy of the world. Immunizations are among the greatest protectors of our children, preventing deadly and devastating diseases. As your local pediatric health care providers, we understand the science, safety and efficacy of vaccines and strongly recommend them for all children. We oppose any past or future statements that disparage the necessity and safety of childhood vaccinations. Federal funding for the Vaccines For Children (VFC) program and vaccine research and development must be maintained.

Health care is expensive and historically was out of reach for too many children. Medical science and preventive health care saves lives and prevents illness. Fortunately, in New York state, we have a robust Medicaid program, Child Health Plus and other health insurance programs from the Affordable Care Act to provide children with the health care they require. It is essential to maintain funding for these vital programs.

Proper childcare and education, safe and affordable housing, healthy nutrition, health care, and a sense of safety are necessities for all children. Many of the programs that are crucial to the well-being of our children are under assault. As medical professionals, we base our recommendations on the science and facts available. Prior to any budget cuts or elimination of programs, our leaders and our neighbors, citizens of Central New York, need to ask themselves, is this best for our children? If the answer is no, then why would we do it?

We urge you to talk with your child health care expert, the health care professional you have entrusted to care for your children, and to do what is right for all children. Doing what is right for children is never the wrong thing to do.