Hello SPN Members,

Over the past few months, you have undoubtedly been watching with concern the news of a measles outbreak in western Texas, which as of this writing has spread to 309 individuals, with 40 requiring hospitalization and 1 confirmed death. The majority of the cases have occurred in children and youth under the age of 18, which serves as an important reminder of the responsibility we have as pediatric nurses to promote immunization as the key prevention strategy for vaccine-preventable diseases.   

I wrote last month about our important roles as advocates – for the profession of nursing and for the patients and families that we serve. As the new administration is taking shape and beginning to enact its priorities, the call for advocacy feels all the more urgent. In the past several weeks, we have learned of actions by the administration that will have significant potential consequences for children, youth, families, for our profession, the broader healthcare industry, and for the overall health of our nation.  

I am particularly concerned about three sets of actions: 1) limitations on the advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)-related work; 2) infringement on the healthcare needs and civil rights of transgender individuals; and 3) proposed cuts to Medicaid and other social safety net programs.