New Hampshire House Bill HB614

New Hampshire 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/23
• Refer: 1/12/23
• Report Pass: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/22/23

Caption

Making an appropriation to the department of health and human services to fund the Merrimack, New Hampshire Kidney Cancer Incidence Phase 3 Feasibility study.

Impact

By funding this feasibility study, HB614 seeks to enable the DHHS to contract an academic or research organization, which will analyze potential exposure risks to environmental contaminants in Merrimack. This is an important step in collecting localized data that could inform public health initiatives and possibly lead to changes in state laws regarding environmental health protections. If significant relationships between environmental factors and health outcomes are established, the study's findings may help shape future regulations and health policies in New Hampshire.

Summary

House Bill 614 (HB614) is an act aimed at addressing local health concerns in Merrimack, New Hampshire, particularly related to a statistically significant increase in kidney cancer cases. The bill allocates $500,000 to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for a Phase 3 feasibility study focusing on the potential environmental and health factors contributing to this rise. This study is critical for determining whether a more extensive epidemiological study is warranted and will help identify specific health outcomes for further examination.

Contention

While the bill reflects a proactive response to health concerns in Merrimack, there may be differing opinions regarding its necessity and implementation. Proponents argue that the study could lead to essential insights for the community and enhance public health safety, especially in areas impacted heavily by environmental pollutants. Critics, however, might question the use of state funds for this specific allocation in light of other pressing health and social issues, emphasizing the need for a broader consideration of health priorities across the state.