To the editor:

The United States is facing a massive public health crisis. States are trying to respond to the shortages, strained budgets, and discordant responses in providing care to their constituents.

Meanwhile, the U.S. budget for nuclear weapons for one year would pay for 300,000 beds in intensive care units, 35,000 ventilators, and the salaries of 150,000 U.S. nurses and 75,000 U.S. doctors.

Why are we paying for weapons we never should use when we could be paying to save lives?

PAT WOLFF

Bainbridge Island