{
  "id": 18137218,
  "title": "I’m ready.",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/im-ready",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-11-04T14:48:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Your Local Epidemiologist",
    "slug": "your-local-epidemiologist",
    "url": "https://yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/p/im-ready"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Last evening, I joined the festivities in the streets of Texas. The atmosphere was electric as people celebrated, danced, honked, and waved flags of both Texas and their nation. Alongside fellow health professionals, I felt an overwhelming sense of emotion, as this has been one of the most challenging seven years for public health in the United States. We had experienced a tumultuous period marked by a devastating pandemic, backlash, and the collapse of various systems, resulting in the loss of 1.6 million lives due to Covid-19. Additionally, jobs were lost, people were traumatized, and there were alarming spikes in diseases such as measles, whooping cough, and instances of hunger and medical debt, all while air quality worsened. The scientific community faced confusion and a lack of progress in critical areas like cancer and heart disease. Sadly, many people felt unheard during this time.\n\nHowever, I witnessed a remarkable change. This time, more American scientists and physicians ran for both state and federal offices than ever before, and many managed to win. Among the winners were a pediatrician from South Carolina, a public health physician from Michigan, a microbiologist from Georgia, a nuclear engineer from Virginia, a physician from Ohio, an ER nurse from Wisconsin, an environmental engineer from Iowa, and a mathematician from Illinois. These individuals sent a clear message to the United States: health, science, integrity, empathy, and people matter.\n\nIt is crucial to remember that change is necessary. The candidates running for office had a different focus, one that acknowledged that we cannot revert to the pre-pandemic state of 2019 or the state of 2024. The health system had failed for too long and needed an alternative approach. It was time for something bigger than simply repairing what was broken; it was time to reimagine what was possible and needed for a more robust, responsive, and accountable health ecosystem. This process would require a significant effort, but two key factors stood out: a collective response from everyone involved and the creation of a system that listens and fosters a healthy health ecosystem.\n\nThe road ahead would not be easy, as it would require the participation of people from all walks of life, including those with doctorate degrees, community expertise, and lived experience. It would necessitate prioritization, smart strategies, innovation, and historical knowledge, alongside fresh perspectives. Change would indeed take time, as an 8-year-old Texan said, but last night marked the beginning of a significant shift. While challenges may persist, the important thing is that progress is finally being made. I, for one, am ready for this journey. Love, Your Local (former Texas) Epidemiologist.",
  "summary": "Last night I took to the streets of Texas.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}