Massachusetts faces potential devastating cuts to children's hospital funding

Governor Maura Healey spoke out about severe funding cuts proposed for Boston Children’s Hospital. She held a press conference at the hospital to emphasize the serious impact these cuts could have. Healey highlighted that the hospital is a leading recipient of pediatric research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), receiving over $200 million annually. The proposed budget cuts by the Trump administration could reduce this funding in half. Healey explained that such reductions would halt crucial research on childhood diseases. “These cuts are going to cost jobs. They’re going to cost lives,” she stated. Many families facing tough medical diagnoses would lose hope for their children’s futures. Healey also mentioned the potential impact on Medicaid, which nearly two million residents in Massachusetts rely on for healthcare. In fact, about 46% of Boston Children’s patients are covered through Medicaid. The cuts proposed are set to provide tax breaks for the wealthy, according to Healey, stating that this decision risks the well-being of vulnerable children. The governor noted that the funding issues are already affecting local colleges and universities. Some are cutting their budgets, delaying research and clinical trials. She fears that researchers might leave the country for better opportunities abroad. Dr. Kevin Churchwell, executive officer of the hospital, highlighted the devastating effect of these cuts on vaccine development and disease monitoring. He reaffirmed the hospital's mission to provide compassionate care and groundbreaking research for every child. Healey toured the hospital, visiting units dedicated to the most critically ill children. She expressed her emotional concern for families affected by these cuts. “Who would want to take that hope away from any family?” she questioned, reflecting on the impact these decisions could have on young lives.