Comments by newly appointed interim Health Department commissioner troubling
Statement of Alderman Michael J. Murphy - February 9, 2018
On a local radio show this week, newly appointed interim Health Department commissioner Dr. Patricia McManus stated “the science is still out” on a link between vaccines and autism. This is not true and it is a very troubling view from someone who has just been entrusted with the public health of our city and the future lives of untold thousands of children.
Our top public health official should be an advocate for the best public health practices and with the goal of ensuring the good health of all of Milwaukee’s children.
This is the very reason why I asked for her nomination to be taken up in a public confirmation hearing before the Common Council could take final action on her appointment. Anyone who watched Tuesday’s Council meeting knows that I feel strongly on this issue and it’s why I pushed for a public process for this important appointment.
In the future I believe we must resist the pressure to act quickly and instead allow a candidate’s views to be vetted thoroughly in a public process.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
More about the Lead Crisis
- MTEA Statement on Lead Exposure in MPS Buildings - Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association - Apr 30th, 2025
- Statement from Supervisor Juan Miguel Martinez on Lead Hazards in MPS Buildings - Sup. Juan Miguel Martinez - Apr 29th, 2025
- MPS Closing Two More Schools For Lead Hazards - Jeramey Jannene - Apr 28th, 2025
- Milwaukee Public Schools Enters New Phase of Lead Cleanup - Milwaukee Public Schools - Apr 28th, 2025
- What To Know and How To Keep Kids Safe From Lead Poisoning - Evan Casey - Apr 25th, 2025
- Congresswoman Gwen Moore and Senator Tammy Baldwin Urge HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to Reinstate Childhood Lead Poisoning Experts at CDC, Push for Approval of Milwaukee’s Request for Federal Assistance - U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore - Apr 23rd, 2025
- MPS’s Fernwood School to Reopen Following Lead Remediation Work - Milwaukee Public Schools - Apr 22nd, 2025
- Milwaukee School Board May Sue Paint Companies Over Lead Crisis - Evan Casey - Apr 19th, 2025
- Trump Administration Axed Federal Employees Needed for MPS Lead Crisis - Jeramey Jannene - Apr 14th, 2025
- New MPS Superintendent Dumps Beleaguered Facilities Director - Jeramey Jannene - Apr 3rd, 2025
Read more about Lead Crisis here
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Ald. Michael Murphy
Statement on the death of Prince McCree
Oct 26th, 2023 by Ald. Michael MurphyAlderman Michael J. Murphy October 26, 2023
A reminder to be safe and respectful during 4th of July celebrations
Jul 3rd, 2023 by Ald. Michael MurphyStatement of Alderman Michael J. Murphy July 3, 2023
Thanks for your sensible comments Mike Murphy.
Lucy Cooper
How dare Alderman Murphy question Dr. Mcmanus’ advocacy for the health and welfare of parents and children in Milwaukee. Immunizations are mandated . The ‘Interim’ Health Commissioner said science is still out there on whether there is a connection between shots and autism but she recommends all children be vaccinated. What’ s wrong with saying studies are still being on that and many other health concerns and issues.