Dana Bernson, MPH
@dlbernson.bsky.social
Tiny but Fierce
Epidemiologist / Gov Public Health
Advocate
*all opinions my own*
Epidemiologist / Gov Public Health
Advocate
*all opinions my own*
Really excited to share this issue brief from @pewtrusts.org on our Public Health Data Warehouse. From helping to build the initial proof of concept to now overseeing this program has a been a highlight of my career www.pew.org/en/research-...
Massachusetts Harnesses Data from Multiple Agencies to Improve Public Health
In Massachusetts, data from 2013 and 2014 revealed that when people are released from prison, their risk of dying from an opioid-related overdose is more than 50 times higher than that of the general ...
www.pew.org
July 16, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Really excited to share this issue brief from @pewtrusts.org on our Public Health Data Warehouse. From helping to build the initial proof of concept to now overseeing this program has a been a highlight of my career www.pew.org/en/research-...
Spending the day with @acscan.bsky.social at the MA statehouse advocating for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers 💙
June 10, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Spending the day with @acscan.bsky.social at the MA statehouse advocating for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers 💙
Reposted by Dana Bernson, MPH
"Not me tho"
A huge majority of Americans say that more people should work in manufacturing - but that they, personally, don't want to.
May 28, 2025 at 9:37 PM
"Not me tho"
Reposted by Dana Bernson, MPH
Just so many questions raised today and few clear answers from HHS/FDA. Can healthy adults get existing boosters this fall? Will Covid shots for kids and babies authorized under emergency use still be allowed? When will this all take place? Is any of this legal? www.statnews.com/2025/05/20/f...
New FDA framework on Covid vaccines leaves pediatricians confused and concerned
A new FDA framework for Covid-19 vaccines created confusion among physicians about what it means for young children
www.statnews.com
May 20, 2025 at 10:29 PM
Just so many questions raised today and few clear answers from HHS/FDA. Can healthy adults get existing boosters this fall? Will Covid shots for kids and babies authorized under emergency use still be allowed? When will this all take place? Is any of this legal? www.statnews.com/2025/05/20/f...
Reposted by Dana Bernson, MPH
Whether you get your forecast from an app on your phone, a website or a meteorologist on TV, most of the underlying information comes from the federal government.
By @rhersher.bsky.social
By @rhersher.bsky.social
Where does your weather forecast come from?
Whether you get your forecast from an app on your phone, a website or a meteorologist on TV, most of the underlying information comes from the federal government.
www.npr.org
May 19, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Whether you get your forecast from an app on your phone, a website or a meteorologist on TV, most of the underlying information comes from the federal government.
By @rhersher.bsky.social
By @rhersher.bsky.social
Reposted by Dana Bernson, MPH
So: let's talk about Medicaid work requirements.
The first thing to know is that most Medicaid recipients already work, and those who don't mostly have good reasons.
The second thing: what do work requirements actually require? They can't literally require work, if there are no jobs.
The first thing to know is that most Medicaid recipients already work, and those who don't mostly have good reasons.
The second thing: what do work requirements actually require? They can't literally require work, if there are no jobs.
5 Key Facts About Medicaid Work Requirements | KFF
Work requirements in Medicaid have resurfaced as part of a broader legislative package of potential changes to Medicaid designed to significantly reduce federal Medicaid spending. This brief highlight...
www.kff.org
May 19, 2025 at 3:19 PM
So: let's talk about Medicaid work requirements.
The first thing to know is that most Medicaid recipients already work, and those who don't mostly have good reasons.
The second thing: what do work requirements actually require? They can't literally require work, if there are no jobs.
The first thing to know is that most Medicaid recipients already work, and those who don't mostly have good reasons.
The second thing: what do work requirements actually require? They can't literally require work, if there are no jobs.
Cancer patients & their families rely on Medicaid for health insurance. Without it,
their lives could be at risk. @warren.senate.gov and @markey.senate.gov, your constituents are counting
on you to #ProtectMedicaid.
their lives could be at risk. @warren.senate.gov and @markey.senate.gov, your constituents are counting
on you to #ProtectMedicaid.
May 13, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Cancer patients & their families rely on Medicaid for health insurance. Without it,
their lives could be at risk. @warren.senate.gov and @markey.senate.gov, your constituents are counting
on you to #ProtectMedicaid.
their lives could be at risk. @warren.senate.gov and @markey.senate.gov, your constituents are counting
on you to #ProtectMedicaid.
Reposted by Dana Bernson, MPH
The proposed #Medicaid cuts would result in at least 8.6 million people losing health coverage.
That number could jump to 13.7 million by 2034 if the ACA enhanced premium tax credits expire at the end of this year, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
#ProtectMedicaid
That number could jump to 13.7 million by 2034 if the ACA enhanced premium tax credits expire at the end of this year, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
#ProtectMedicaid
Millions face losing health insurance under Republican proposal
CBO documents reveal that if enacted, the proposed subsidy rollback would strip coverage from millions, particularly hitting low-income adults.
www.newsweek.com
May 13, 2025 at 12:47 PM
The proposed #Medicaid cuts would result in at least 8.6 million people losing health coverage.
That number could jump to 13.7 million by 2034 if the ACA enhanced premium tax credits expire at the end of this year, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
#ProtectMedicaid
That number could jump to 13.7 million by 2034 if the ACA enhanced premium tax credits expire at the end of this year, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
#ProtectMedicaid
Medicaid cuts put kids with cancer at risk. 1 in 3 children with cancer are covered by
Medicaid. They need access to quality, affordable cancer care to survive. Any cuts
to Medicaid could jeopardize their chances of survival. @repauchincloss.bsky.social ,
please #ProtectMedicaid.
Medicaid. They need access to quality, affordable cancer care to survive. Any cuts
to Medicaid could jeopardize their chances of survival. @repauchincloss.bsky.social ,
please #ProtectMedicaid.
May 13, 2025 at 12:57 PM
Medicaid cuts put kids with cancer at risk. 1 in 3 children with cancer are covered by
Medicaid. They need access to quality, affordable cancer care to survive. Any cuts
to Medicaid could jeopardize their chances of survival. @repauchincloss.bsky.social ,
please #ProtectMedicaid.
Medicaid. They need access to quality, affordable cancer care to survive. Any cuts
to Medicaid could jeopardize their chances of survival. @repauchincloss.bsky.social ,
please #ProtectMedicaid.
Reposted by Dana Bernson, MPH
I would rather fund HIV research and care than a ridiculous military parade
www.medscape.com/viewarticle/...
www.medscape.com/viewarticle/...
HIV Crisis Looms Amid Global Aid Cuts
Global progress against HIV is at risk as aid cuts could trigger millions of new infections and deaths, potentially setting efforts back to 2010 levels, experts warn.
www.medscape.com
May 7, 2025 at 11:45 AM
I would rather fund HIV research and care than a ridiculous military parade
www.medscape.com/viewarticle/...
www.medscape.com/viewarticle/...
Reposted by Dana Bernson, MPH
Stephanie’s story is proof: cancer screening programs save lives. Millions have benefited from early detection and treatment. Cutting CDC funding doesn’t just weaken systems; it puts lives at risk. We must protect the prevention that works.
Trump’s Budget Cuts Funding for Chronic Disease Prevention
www.nytimes.com
May 7, 2025 at 8:53 PM
Stephanie’s story is proof: cancer screening programs save lives. Millions have benefited from early detection and treatment. Cutting CDC funding doesn’t just weaken systems; it puts lives at risk. We must protect the prevention that works.
Reposted by Dana Bernson, MPH
Seriously? Fuck these people. This is important information for me as a consumer. Even if I didn't care about the planet, which I do, I'm gonna care about the size of my power bill. This move helps nobody.
E.P.A. Plans to Shut Down the Energy Star Program
www.nytimes.com
May 7, 2025 at 12:45 AM
Seriously? Fuck these people. This is important information for me as a consumer. Even if I didn't care about the planet, which I do, I'm gonna care about the size of my power bill. This move helps nobody.
Reposted by Dana Bernson, MPH
NEW: Whistleblower records show that the NIH axed research grants – even after a federal judge blocked the cuts with an injunction.
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
🧵
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
🧵
Trump’s NIH Axed Research Grants Even After a Judge Blocked the Cuts, Internal Records Show
A lawsuit led by the Washington state attorney general offers an unprecedented view of the termination of more than 600 NIH grants, including transgender research grants threatened by Trump’s executiv...
www.propublica.org
May 7, 2025 at 10:11 PM
NEW: Whistleblower records show that the NIH axed research grants – even after a federal judge blocked the cuts with an injunction.
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
🧵
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
🧵
Cancer is non-partisan, it doesn’t care how you voted. Upholding funding for cancer research should be too - this is devastating news for literally every American.
Cuts now hitting cancer research www.statnews.com/2025/05/07/t... By @angusrohan.bsky.social and @jasonmast.bsky.social
Despite its cancer-fighting mission, NCI starts to feel Trump administration budget ax
Trump cuts are hitting the National Cancer Institute, affecting a hotline for patients, cancer.gov, advisory panels, clinical trial recruitment.
www.statnews.com
May 7, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Cancer is non-partisan, it doesn’t care how you voted. Upholding funding for cancer research should be too - this is devastating news for literally every American.
Reposted by Dana Bernson, MPH
Foodborne illnesses surged in 2024, with bacterial cases increasing by 25% and hospitalizations and deaths more than doubling.
Maybe not the best time to dismantle the FDA and USDA safety systems.
Maybe not the best time to dismantle the FDA and USDA safety systems.
May 7, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Foodborne illnesses surged in 2024, with bacterial cases increasing by 25% and hospitalizations and deaths more than doubling.
Maybe not the best time to dismantle the FDA and USDA safety systems.
Maybe not the best time to dismantle the FDA and USDA safety systems.
Reposted by Dana Bernson, MPH
Deeply saddened that the ENTIRE TEAM at NCI PDQ Cancer Information has been eliminated.
Our evidence-based summaries were updated throughout the year with the latest research and supported informed decision making between clinicians & patients with cancer across the US. 🇺🇸
Our evidence-based summaries were updated throughout the year with the latest research and supported informed decision making between clinicians & patients with cancer across the US. 🇺🇸
May 7, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Deeply saddened that the ENTIRE TEAM at NCI PDQ Cancer Information has been eliminated.
Our evidence-based summaries were updated throughout the year with the latest research and supported informed decision making between clinicians & patients with cancer across the US. 🇺🇸
Our evidence-based summaries were updated throughout the year with the latest research and supported informed decision making between clinicians & patients with cancer across the US. 🇺🇸
This isolationist approach to research is dangerous. So many important projects rely on the expertise of foreign collaborators. In the end, it’s the American People who lose.
May 2, 2025 at 1:00 PM
This isolationist approach to research is dangerous. So many important projects rely on the expertise of foreign collaborators. In the end, it’s the American People who lose.
Reposted by Dana Bernson, MPH
NIH has cancelled its participation in Safe to Sleep, a 30-year campaign to prevent babies from dying in their sleep
www.statnews.com/2025/04/30/n...
www.statnews.com/2025/04/30/n...
NIH cancels participation in Safe to Sleep campaign that decreased infant deaths
NIH has cancelled its participation in Safe to Sleep, a 30-year campaign to prevent babies from dying in their sleep
www.statnews.com
May 1, 2025 at 1:26 PM
NIH has cancelled its participation in Safe to Sleep, a 30-year campaign to prevent babies from dying in their sleep
www.statnews.com/2025/04/30/n...
www.statnews.com/2025/04/30/n...
Reposted by Dana Bernson, MPH
Today on Capitol Hill, ACS CAN cancer advocates from across the country attended the Senate Appropriations hearing, Biomedical Research: Keeping America’s Edge in Innovation, to emphasize the critical need for bipartisan support for medical research in the fight against cancer. #CancerResearch (1/3)
ACS CAN volunteers show support for cancer research
YouTube video by American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
youtube.com
April 30, 2025 at 10:58 PM
Today on Capitol Hill, ACS CAN cancer advocates from across the country attended the Senate Appropriations hearing, Biomedical Research: Keeping America’s Edge in Innovation, to emphasize the critical need for bipartisan support for medical research in the fight against cancer. #CancerResearch (1/3)
Reposted by Dana Bernson, MPH
Stephen Lynch, aiming to be top Dem on the Oversight Cmte, blew up at a constituent who asked him to oppose the GOP.
"I get to decide that. I get to decide that. I get to decide that. I'm elected. I get to decide that. You wanna decide that? You need to run for Congress, okay? I get to decide that"
"I get to decide that. I get to decide that. I get to decide that. I'm elected. I get to decide that. You wanna decide that? You need to run for Congress, okay? I get to decide that"
April 30, 2025 at 1:36 AM
Stephen Lynch, aiming to be top Dem on the Oversight Cmte, blew up at a constituent who asked him to oppose the GOP.
"I get to decide that. I get to decide that. I get to decide that. I'm elected. I get to decide that. You wanna decide that? You need to run for Congress, okay? I get to decide that"
"I get to decide that. I get to decide that. I get to decide that. I'm elected. I get to decide that. You wanna decide that? You need to run for Congress, okay? I get to decide that"
Maternal mortality is increasing in the US (17% from 2018 to 2022) and most of the CDC department that monitors and works to improve maternal & child health were placed on leave last week. Tell me again how these people slashing our government are “pro life”?
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Pregnancy-Related Deaths in the US, 2018-2022
This cross-sectional study examines the age-standardized national rate of pregnancy-related deaths from 2018 to 2022 in the US, by state, race, ethnicity, and age.
jamanetwork.com
April 10, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Maternal mortality is increasing in the US (17% from 2018 to 2022) and most of the CDC department that monitors and works to improve maternal & child health were placed on leave last week. Tell me again how these people slashing our government are “pro life”?
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Reposted by Dana Bernson, MPH
In the name of tax cuts for America's wealthiest, the #NIH is cutting potentially lifesaving #research.
Let me be clear: There is no responsible way to conduct #publichealth research without understanding the impact on marginalized communities.
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/03/26/m...
Let me be clear: There is no responsible way to conduct #publichealth research without understanding the impact on marginalized communities.
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/03/26/m...
‘It breaks my heart’: New wave of cuts to NIH research grants hit Mass. hard - The Boston Globe
Fenway Health lost five grants in one day.
www.bostonglobe.com
March 27, 2025 at 1:38 PM
In the name of tax cuts for America's wealthiest, the #NIH is cutting potentially lifesaving #research.
Let me be clear: There is no responsible way to conduct #publichealth research without understanding the impact on marginalized communities.
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/03/26/m...
Let me be clear: There is no responsible way to conduct #publichealth research without understanding the impact on marginalized communities.
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/03/26/m...
“There’s millions of dollars that have been spent that essentially, the projects will never be able to be finished,” the official said. “This is just like throwing money out the window; it’s a total waste.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/03/26/h...
www.nytimes.com/2025/03/26/h...
Trump Administration Abruptly Cuts Billions From State Health Services
States have been told that they can no longer use grants that were funding infectious disease management and addiction services.
www.nytimes.com
March 27, 2025 at 1:23 PM
“There’s millions of dollars that have been spent that essentially, the projects will never be able to be finished,” the official said. “This is just like throwing money out the window; it’s a total waste.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/03/26/h...
www.nytimes.com/2025/03/26/h...
www.mass.gov
March 26, 2025 at 8:18 PM
Reposted by Dana Bernson, MPH
New: HHS confirms to that CDC just pulled $11.4 billion in funds allocated to state and community health departments, nongovernment organizations and international recipients in response to the pandemic. www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
CDC is pulling back $11B in Covid funding sent to health departments across the U.S.
“Now that the pandemic is over, the grants and cooperative agreements are no longer necessary," federal health authorities wrote to funding recipients this week.
www.nbcnews.com
March 25, 2025 at 7:46 PM
New: HHS confirms to that CDC just pulled $11.4 billion in funds allocated to state and community health departments, nongovernment organizations and international recipients in response to the pandemic. www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...