Following the removal of more than 8,000 webpages from federal websites related to LGBTQ health, gender and reproductive issues, clinical trials, vaccine guidance, HIV/AIDS research, and more, AcademyHealth joined a new federal lawsuit to restore access to these critical data. On behalf of a coalition of plaintiffs, including nonprofits representing doctors, nurses, researchers, and public health advocates, the lawsuit highlights the substantial and ongoing harm that has accumulated over nearly four months since the initial data removals and seeks to not only to halt further deletions but also to restore a broader range of critical public health data.
AcademyHealth has long championed of open, accessible data under both Democratic and Republican administrations, and as the foundation of evidence-based research. In Health Affairs Forefront, AcademyHealth CEO Aaron Carroll outlines the role of public ally available data on saving lives, improving care, meet the needs of marginalized populations, and safeguard evidence for future generations.
“Our participation in a lawsuit is unusual precisely because AcademyHealth is not a litigation-oriented advocacy organization. Instead, we remain firmly nonpartisan and committed to public health science. However, when data, evidence, and transparency are directly attacked, defending them aligns perfectly with our mission: the advancement of evidence-based practice and scientific integrity,” Dr. Carroll wrote.
AcademyHealth is unwavering in our commitment to ensure that evidence drives decisions, influences policy, and improves health and health care for all. We will continue to be a resource to all those involved in health care and health services research—but we can’t do this alone. We need support from those who understand the value of evidence-based policies and the critical role AcademyHealth plays in shaping a data-driven health care system. You can make a donation today by texting AcademyHealth to 44-321.