Medical workers have always provided health care using ethical codes and moral principles about right or wrong behavior. They were faced with a new disease, Covid-19, for which no one had immunity and had unknown health implications. Successful past treatments for similar viruses were used and revised as needed. Science is a self-correcting process which during the pandemic provided an opening for agenda-driven individuals to cultivate confusion and hostility then spread misinformation against the health care profession. This distrust is a symptom of right-wing ideology.
The Livingston County Board of Commissioners approved an oversight committee for our Health Department that politicizes science and belittles public health care. Will the committee appointees have advanced degrees and be able to assess the reliability and validity of scientific findings using the best evidence? Scientists do not rely on TV personalities, bloggers, friends, and community leaders to assess information.
Our county health workers are vital links between people and providers who should not be demoralized or face threats to protect people’s health. The Commissioners’ lack of confidence in Livingston County Health Department employees is disgraceful and makes recruitment and retention difficult for leadership. We are fortunate to have dedicated health care professionals that serve our community.
Evelyn Gallegos
Brighton
