Dear District Four Community,

Like many of us, I’ve been feeling increasingly frustrated with the government’s devastating response to Covid-19. Our neighbors have lost friends and family and tragically were unable to say goodbye in person. Many have recently found themselves without income or health insurance, and for communities that were already struggling, the future is daunting. And yet, the Federal government still doesn’t have an adequate plan based on science to protect us while preventing the collapse of our economy.  

As a social epidemiologist, I have been warning that this health crisis is only amplifying the deep inequities our country has yet to solve.  It is very clear to me that this isn't a health crisis that will resolve itself in the next few months and we cannot “go back to normal.” The direct and indirect impacts on people's health, their livelihoods, the economy, and even human rights will be felt for years. But I also see an opportunity. This is a moment to re-imagine what kind of society we want to live in and re-build our economy and our country with one guiding principle: it must work for everyone. 

So I decided to run for Massachusetts' 4th Congressional seat to do this -- because we can no longer afford to hope that politicians will listen to the scientists. While it is crucial to have advocates, academics, and others hold our politicians to account, we also urgently need people with my background to step into elected politics to push for better laws and evidence-based decision making. We need political ‘outsiders’ to offer new ideas and perspectives. So in April I asked residents in our district to help put me on the ballot. Over 1000 people signed my nomination papers in under 5 days and I am so grateful. Now, I ask you to join us in making this a movement for science and equity.

Put simply, our health—and I truly mean our physical, mental, economic, and planetary health—can’t wait.

Sincerely,