Kennedy's Disease Focus Overshadowed by Health Program Cuts

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been promoting disease prevention in tribal communities in Arizona and New Mexico, yet has not publicly addressed the recent gutting of the Healthy Tribes program. This program, part of the CDC, used traditional medicine and foods to combat conditions like diabetes, and its recent cuts during federal health layoffs create a dissonance between Kennedy's priorities and actions. Native leaders are concerned about the cuts, fearing they reflect a broader push to end diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts initiated during the Trump administration. The program provided $32.5 million annually, and its termination is seen as a violation of the federal government's legal obligations to tribal nations. These cuts have disrupted essential collaborations and partnerships, further straining already underfunded health care systems. The confusion is exacerbated by unclear communication from government officials and key figures in the program being put on administrative leave or reassigned.