The U.S. Public Health Service, whose mission is “to protect the health of the nation,” is under attack.

Our physical, mental and fiscal health is threatened due to unprecedented cutbacks and elimination of federal protection agencies; for example, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Park Service, the Department of Education, the Social Security Administration, the Defense Department, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and on and on.

Tariffs on imports from previously friendly countries and allies (e.g. Mexico, Canada and the European Union) will escalate food prices and threaten jobs essential for the working class. Good nutrition, affordable health care and living wages are essential to public health.

We are indebted to the U.S. Public Health Service, and its commissioned corps of highly trained officers, for important health advances based on scientific studies — improved sanitation, air and water quality control, vaccinations for highly contagious diseases and mental health, in addition to advanced treatment of chronic disease.

Please remind our congressional senators and representatives of both parties to respect the crucial need for good public health policies.

NANCY BELL ANDERSON
HEATHER BELL HENRY
Custodians, U.S. Public Health Service Columbia River Quarantine Station
Knappton, Washington