We’re Speaking Out on Health Issues

NCHR scientists and health policy experts provide written and oral statements on a wide range of topics.

Here are many of the ways we have been Speaking Out on Health Policy Issues for the last few years. Whether the topic is legislation intended to cure diseases, proposed bans on BPA or other chemicals that disrupt your hormones, the importance of including women, people of color, and patients over 65 in clinical trials, or many other topics, you’ll gain a better understanding of our evidence-based analyses by reading these letters, statements, and testimony.

Here are the ways we have been Speaking out on Medical Treatments and Products, such as prescription drugs and medical devices that the FDA is considering approving, or is considering taking off the market because of serious risks. Whether the topic is Chantix, Addyi, Yaz, Essure, or medical products you’ve never heard of, you can find out more about what is known and not known about the safety and effectiveness of a wide range of products by looking through this section of our website.

NCHR’s Statement on the Lutonix 014DCB Device

February 17, 2021. There is no reasonable assurance that the Lutonix 014DCB device is effective and therefore no reasonable assurance that the benefits outweigh the risks.

NCHR’s Comments on AHRQ’s Draft Report on Improving Patient Safety

Identifying and implementing strategies to improve patient safety and reducing medical errors is of utmost importance, and we strongly support this draft report. However, we have concerns over the limited scope of the report, and the title should be revised to better reflect that scope.

NCHR’s Statement on Keytruda for Early Stage Triple Negative Breast Cancer

We agree with FDA scientists that Keytruda is not proven to be effective for women with early stage triple negative breast cancer, but can cause serious health problems.

NCHR’s Comments on Modified Risk Tobacco Product Application for Camel Snus

We strongly oppose the approval of this modified risk application for six Camel Snus smokeless tobacco products. If Camel Snus are declared to be a MRTP, there is a risk of increased use of these products, due to perceptions of safety as well as the appeal of flavored products.

Statement of Dr. Diana Zuckerman, resident of Chevy Chase, Maryland and president of the National Center for Health Research

December 23, 2020. Montgomery County should only approve the abadonment of Ellsworth Dr. if they provide a surface other than artificial turf or other artificial rubber products.