A coalition was formed recently by public health agencies and leaders from several Northeastern states and Western states to make their own guidelines on public health issues, including vaccines. I am proud of my home state of New Jersey for being part of this coalition whose goals are to protect the health and safety of its citizens by using evidence based on science and data. It appears that we cannot rely or trust the present Federal leadership with this task as they tend to undermine health guidelines and actions needed and dismiss the threats.

Many of the cases and deaths during Covid-19 were avoidable, including my brother’s. Approximately four decades of flaws, inefficiencies, lack of preparation and neglect in public health policies and mandates were evident during the pandemic. Sadly and tragically it appears that the present Federal administration has not learned anything from all the Covid-19 tragedies. Our citizens will not be safe in future pandemics. Every state presently needs a coalition to prepare and protect its citizens.