FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
Sept. 18, 2026  
Contact: Jack Cardinal, jcardinal@communitycatalyst.org   

BOSTON, MA — Following the news that Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has appointed several new members to the traditionally scientifically independent United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) Shaina Goodman, Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs at Community Catalyst, issued the following statement:  

“Whether people know about it or not, the USPSTF is a major player affecting the health and pocketbooks of everyone. This traditionally independent board holds immense power in determining which preventive services – like cancer screenings, pregnancy care, and vision and dental services for kids – are delivered with no out-of-pocket cost. Appointing new members who do not have a medical background or have expressed unfounded skepticism about essential health services and their benefits is a cause for alarm. 

“The expectation of the new appointees will be to remain immoveable by any possible political pressure from the administration and to uphold the USPSTF’s role as an independent body making public health recommendations based on evidence, not ideology.” 

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About Community Catalyst  
Community Catalyst is a leading nonprofit national health advocacy organization dedicated to advancing a movement for racial equity and health justice. We partner with local, state and national advocates to leverage and build power towards a health system that is affordable, accessible and accountable to all people. Health systems will not be accountable to people without a fully engaged and organized community voice. That’s why we work every day to ensure people’s interests are represented wherever important decisions about health and healthcare are made: in communities, state houses and on Capitol Hill. For more information, visit www.communitycatalyst.org.