health

Trump administration orders US health programs to move away from overdose prevention

Experts say move signals greater political interference into public health and will exacerbate opioid overdose crisis

Trump administration orders US health programs to move away from overdose prevention

TL;DR

  • Federal funding for health programs now requires adherence to new Trump administration priorities.
  • New priorities include "parental authority" in education and a de-emphasis on harm reduction for overdose prevention.
  • Experts fear increased political interference in public health and a worsening of the opioid crisis.
  • The CDC has given programs five business days to agree to these new priorities.
  • The move could also signal pressure against vaccination requirements at schools.
  • Housing first and harm reduction programs, proven to save lives, are being deprioritized.