BOSTON, Mass. (SHNS)--Acknowledging the uncertainties posed by President-elect Donald Trump, Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein vowed Wednesday that state officials will continue to champion health equity and access to care. Goldstein, reflecting on the election, said speculation over what a Trump presidency means for public health has focused on vaccinations, reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, water fluoridation, climate change and federal health agencies, Goldstein said. Massachusetts tracking increases in whooping cough, pneumonia "The truth is, we don't know what the next few years may hold. What we do know is that the Department of Public Health remains committed to its mission to promote the health and well-being of all our residents and communities," Goldstein told the Public Health Council Wednesday morning. "Public health is and must always be rooted firmly in truth, science, public service and humanity. Public health transcends party ideology," the commissioner continued. "All of us want individuals, families and communities across our state to have access to the care, services and resources they need to be healthy and safe. No matter what party is in office, DPH will continue to advocate for the policies and practices that promote health equity and access to care." Gov. Maura Healey, asked about the prospect of a federal abortion ban last week, said Massachusetts residents and providers already have strong protections for reproductive health care. The Legislature passed a shield law in 2022 designed to insulate providers and patients, including those traveling from out of state to Massachusetts, from legal action after the Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade. Healey also has issued executive orders affirming residents' access to emergency abortion care, and the commonwealth has a massive stockpile of medication abortion. Trump has said he opposes a national abortion ban. Senate President Karen Spilka on Wednesday could not pinpoint preventive legislation lawmakers may be pursue ahead of Trump returning to the White House. "I think we will take whatever action necessary to protect our residents, the health and welfare of our residents," Spilka told reporters after a leadership meeting. "It's kind of hard to know what he might do." Spilka agreed Massachusetts has been "aggressive and proactive" in safeguarding abortion protections in Massachusetts.  "We'll continue to be looking at the areas and assess what might be necessary, but it's hard to know exactly what path. He does sometimes say a lot and don't know what path he may take," she continued. "So we will work closely with the federal government, even once he becomes president. We will continue to work closely with his administration and take whatever action is necessary to protect the health and welfare and civil rights of our residents." At the Public Health Council meeting, Goldstein touted Massachusetts's public health history and accomplishments.  "We've achieved remarkable milestones, including preventing millions of deaths through vaccines, supporting strong tobacco control policies, preserving clean water, protecting our food supply and limiting environmental toxins," Goldstein said. "These are more than just good ideas. They are fundamental rights for the people in the state, and we are dedicated to upholding them." Council member Dr. Edward Bernstein of the Boston University School of Medicine said public health "has been on the chopping block" of the incoming administration. Still, Bernstein and fellow council member Steward Landers, who represents the Massachusetts Public Health Association, highlighted some good news for public health in Massachusetts. In Massachusetts, public health infrastructure is poised to see significant improvements under the compromise economic development bill that lawmakers are expected to approve this week. The compromise bill contains a policy dubbed SAPHE 2.0, which requires DPH to establish a set of baseline public health standards and provide adequate resources for boards of health at the local and regional levels. "We're very excited that it was included in this package," Landers said. "We hope it will continue to support equity across the state in local public health departments." Goldstein said health officials have already begun preparations to implement SAPHE 2.0, as he cited collaborations with MPHA and the Massachusetts Municipal Association. "More to come," the commissioner said. "We've been prepared for this moment, and we're looking forward to implementation."