Press Release: Impact of Trump Administration’s Cuts on Rhode Island’s Health Research
Providence, RI – March 20 marked a pivotal moment for public health research in Rhode Island as the Trump administration halted a significant study led by Dr. Nabila Nunn at the Rhode Island Public Health Institute. This study targeted HIV prevention among gay Black and Latino men, whose infection rates exceed those of white men. Nunn expressed her shock at the decision, stating it undermines valuable progress made under previous administrations.
This cancellation is part of a broader pattern, with over 60 public health and scientific grants terminated across the state, particularly affecting institutions like Brown University and the University of Rhode Island (URI). As Rhode Island aims to boost its life sciences industry to stimulate economic growth, the timing of these funding cuts raises concerns, especially as neighboring Massachusetts has invested over $1 billion into the sector.
Nationwide, research grants totaling around $500 million have been eliminated since Trump’s presidency commenced. In Rhode Island, the impact has been significant, with essential projects in various fields being shelved, including research on hurricane impacts and LGBTQ+ health. Dr. Mark Turco, CEO of the new Rhode Island Life Science Hub, expressed hope that philanthropic and private investments could mitigate these funding losses, but warned that the integrity of research is at risk.
Brown’s substantial new lab project, costing $400 million and designed to house 700 researchers, faces uncertainty without federal support. URI also reports a loss of over $47 million in canceled grants, which will have further repercussions for its research capabilities and job security.
As Dr. Nunn notes, the cuts to healthcare research represent a direct threat to public health and equity, calling for advocates to challenge these political decisions. Local leaders emphasize the need to secure Rhode Island’s investment in health research if it aims to compete with other regions in life sciences.
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