(DCNF)—Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, former President Joe Biden’s Monkeypox response deputy coordinator, claimed on Sunday that Health and Human Services Secretary (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is steering U.S. health policy in a dangerous direction.
Daskalakis took over as acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases in Aug. 2023 but stepped down on Aug. 28. During an interview with “This Week,” Daskalakis, a longtime gay health activist, accused Kennedy’s team of reshaping vaccine guidelines to align with ideology rather than science.
“I’ll say that we’re seeing the tip of the iceberg. So right now I think probably the most prominent demonstration of that is what Secretary Kennedy did with changing the childhood schedule for COVID-19,” Daskalakis noted. “In that we were directed that only children with underlying conditions would be the ones that should qualify for vaccination. That’s not what the data shows. Six-month-old to two-year-old, their underlying condition is youth.”
Daskalakis claimed that limiting recommendations makes vaccines harder to access and risks leaving the most vulnerable children unprotected.
“The data say that in that age range you should be vaccinating your child. I understand that not everybody does it, but they have limited access by narrowing that recommendation. Insurance may not cover it,” Daskalakis told ABC News’ “This Week” co-anchor Martha Raddatz. “I mean from my vantage point as a doctor who’s taken the Hippocratic Oath, I only see harm coming.”
The former CDC official suggested that COVID-19 is only the beginning. He predicted Kennedy’s appointees would next target the hepatitis B vaccine, particularly the dose given to newborns.
“I may be wrong, but based on what I’m seeing, based on what I’ve heard with the new members of the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices or ACIP, they’re really moving in an ideological direction where they want to see the undoing of vaccination. They do want to see the undoing of mRNA vaccination,” Daskalakis continued.
“They have a very specific target on COVID, but I do fear that they have other things that they are going to be working on. Hepatitis B vaccine is on the agenda for the meeting in September,” he added. “I predict that what they’re going to do is try to change the birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine so that kids don’t get it when they’re born.”
In his resignation letter, Daskalakis accused the Trump administration’s CDC of pushing policies that “do not reflect scientific reality,” and one sentence later used the term “pregnant people” when warning those changes endangered lives. He wrote that narrowing vaccine recommendations for children and “pregnant people” would threaten the health of the youngest Americans and undermine public trust in science.
Daskalakis spent five years leading sexual-disease-related programs at the CDC and became known for his provocative messaging on public health. He resigned after saying he was “escorted off lovingly” by colleagues, later lamenting that CDC expertise was no longer reaching decision-makers.
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Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.