To the editor:

Thanks for the heads up about the recent meeting about global health. (‘Global Health: Progress and Challenges’ at this weeks Great Decisions’ in the Bainbridge Island Review, Feb. 2.)

This is a timely discussion since the world has become so connected and diseases globally matter locally. This was illustrated by both the Ebola and Zika outbreaks which did reach our shores.

Tuberculosis, though seldom talked, about is always a lurking danger. TB spreads easily (airborne) and though is normally treatable, drug resistant varieties are much more difficult and expensive to treat.

Currently, local health clinics many depend on are in danger of running out of funding. Both Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell are aware and working on this situation. Additionally, America’s public health organizations have also experienced budget cuts over the past years. This combination leaves Americans even more vulnerable.

Our calls and letters can help turn this around: Thank the senators for their work and ask your representative to work with them to make sure our health infrastructure is fully funded and ready to protect us all from whatever health threat may come next.

WILLIE DICKERSON

Snohomish