A New Dawn for Child Protection: HHS Champions Whistleblower Rights

 Empowering Voices to Safeguard Our Future

On April 14, 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) took a bold and inspiring step forward in protecting children by launching a groundbreaking initiative to support whistleblowers who advocate for young lives. This heartening move includes the creation of a new online portal and detailed guidance, enabling courageous individuals to report concerns about harmful medical practices involving children. By fostering a safe environment for whistleblowers, HHS is ensuring that those who speak out against the chemical and surgical mistreatment of minors are heard and protected, marking a significant milestone in safeguarding the well-being of future generations.

The HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has also embarked on its first conscience investigation, a powerful demonstration of the department’s commitment to upholding ethical standards in healthcare. This investigation focuses on a pediatric hospital accused of retaliating against a nurse who, guided by her deeply held beliefs, sought a religious accommodation to avoid administering treatments she viewed as harmful to children. By prioritizing the rights of healthcare workers to act according to their conscience, HHS is fostering a culture of integrity and compassion, where the safety and dignity of children are paramount. This initiative reflects a broader mission to create a healthcare system that values both ethical convictions and the protection of vulnerable lives.

The newly launched whistleblower portal, accessible at www.hhs.gov/protect-kids, offers a user-friendly platform for submitting tips and complaints, empowering individuals to take action without fear of retribution. With options to report concerns anonymously through the HHS Office of Inspector General’s hotline or online form, this system ensures that vital information reaches the right authorities while safeguarding whistleblowers from retaliation. The guidance provided by HHS clarifies protections under federal laws, such as the HIPAA Privacy Rule, which shields those who disclose information in good faith to protect children from harm. This accessible and supportive framework is a beacon of hope, encouraging more people to come forward and contribute to a safer future for kids.

HHS’s actions signal a transformative era in child advocacy, where ethical concerns are met with action and compassion. By empowering whistleblowers and investigating violations of conscience rights, the department is building a robust defense against practices that threaten the health and innocence of children. This initiative not only strengthens trust in healthcare but also inspires communities to rally around the shared goal of protecting the most vulnerable. As HHS leads with courage and clarity, it sets a powerful example for other institutions, proving that when we listen to those who speak out, we create a brighter, safer world for every child.

With the launch of a dedicated online portal, Whistleblower Tips and Complaints Regarding the Chemical and Surgical Mutilation of Children, accessible at www.hhs.gov/protect-kids, HHS is creating a safe and supportive avenue for individuals to report concerns about chemical and surgical treatments that endanger minors.

Crypto Chaos in Cincinnati: A Victim’s Tale and Dave Yost’s Fight for Ohio

 

How a Local Woman Lost Thousands and Why Dave Yost Could Be the Governor Ohio Needs.

In the quiet suburbs of Cincinnati, a chilling reminder of the digital age’s dark side unfolded this spring. A local woman fell prey to a cunning cryptocurrency scam, losing over $35,000 to faceless thieves lurking behind computer screens. But this story isn’t just about one person’s misfortune—it’s a testament to the relentless efforts of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, a man who’s spent decades safeguarding Ohioans from such predators and is now vying to lead the state as its next governor. As the Buckeye State gears up for the 2026 gubernatorial race, Yost’s track record and vision make a compelling case for why he could be the leader Ohioans deserve.

The Cincinnati Crypto Scam: A Modern Heist

The ordeal began innocently enough. On an ordinary day in early 2025, the Cincinnati-area woman—whose identity remains protected—received a pop-up alert on her computer, warning of a security breach. Panicked, she followed instructions from a supposed “tech support” agent who convinced her that her savings were at risk. The solution? Convert her money into cryptocurrency and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM for “safekeeping.” By the time she realized the ruse, $35,000 was gone—siphoned away by scammers exploiting her trust.

But this wasn’t the end of her story. Enter Ohio’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), a specialized unit under Attorney General Dave Yost’s office. On April 10, 2025, Yost and Delhi Township Police Chief Jeff Braun announced a breakthrough: the BCI’s Electronic Fraud Investigations team had tracked down and recovered the full $35,000, returning it to the victim. According to the official release from Yost’s office (ohioattorneygeneral.gov), this victory marked another win for a unit launched in summer 2024 to combat the rising tide of crypto-related crimes—a scourge that’s hit Ohio hard, with losses in the millions annually.

The scam itself followed a familiar playbook: a fake alert, a high-pressure pitch, and a demand for crypto payment. It’s a tactic Yost has seen too often, warning Ohioans, “Criminals are hitting cryptocurrency scams hard, which can have a lasting impact on your bank account and your credit history.” This Cincinnati case underscores the stakes—and Yost’s commitment to turning victims into victors.

Dave Yost: A Lifetime of Public Service

Dave Yost isn’t a newcomer to Ohio’s public stage. Born in 1956, this Columbus native has dedicated over 30 years to serving the state, blending a journalist’s curiosity—honed at Ohio State University—with a lawyer’s precision from Capital University Law School. His career kicked off in the 1980s as a reporter for the Columbus Citizen-Journal, but he soon pivoted to public service, working under Columbus Mayor Buck Rinehart and Governor George Voinovich.

Yost’s political journey began in earnest in 1999 when he was appointed Delaware County Auditor, a role he leveraged to root out inefficiencies. By 2003, he’d stepped up to Delaware County Prosecutor, sharpening his focus on justice. His statewide ascent came in 2010 as Ohio’s 32nd State Auditor, a position he held until 2019, when he became the 51st Attorney General. Now, in 2025, Yost has set his sights on the governorship, announcing his candidacy on January 23 to succeed term-limited Mike DeWine.

Accomplishments That Speak Volumes

Yost’s resume is a laundry list of wins for Ohioans. As Auditor, he uncovered $260 million in government inefficiencies—proving he was “DOGE before DOGE was cool,” as he quipped in a 2025 interview with News 5 Cleveland. Since taking the AG’s office in 2019, he’s racked up 170 criminal convictions for public corruption, including the high-profile House Bill 6 scandal, where he brought down FirstEnergy execs and saved taxpayers over $1 billion. His antitrust suit against Google, challenges to Biden’s border policies, and Supreme Court victory against a COVID vaccine mandate showcase his tenacity.

But it’s his protection of everyday Ohioans that stands out. In 2023, he shut down eight sham charities, fining their operators $190,000 for scamming donors (WLWT). In October 2024, his fraud unit clawed back $130,000 for a 75-year-old Worthington woman duped in a crypto scam—foreshadowing the Cincinnati recovery. And after the 2023 East Palestine train derailment, Yost’s 58-count lawsuit against Norfolk Southern demanded accountability for “glaring negligence.” Time and again, he’s been the shield between Ohioans and those who’d exploit them.

Why Yost Would Be a Great Governor

Ohioans, imagine a governor who’s walked every county, who knows your struggles—from kids graduating illiterate to a population graying faster than it’s growing. Yost’s not just a suit in Columbus; he’s a fighter who’s proven he can tackle big challenges. His goal-based approach to policy, as he told Ohio Capital Journal in February 2025, promises to shift from reacting to problems to setting a bold vision: better schools, safer streets, and a government that works for you.

Yost’s three decades in public service mean he’s no stranger to Ohio’s heartbeat. He’s battled criminals—digital and otherwise—while championing constitutional rights, like defending the Second Amendment and enforcing (then respecting) Ohio’s abortion laws post-2023 voter amendment. His independent streak—calling out fellow Republicans when needed—shows he’s not beholden to party lines but to Ohio’s people. And with Trump’s 2022 endorsement in his pocket, he’s got the clout to unify a red-leaning state without losing sight of the center.

A Call to Ohioans

The Cincinnati woman’s story could’ve ended in despair, but Dave Yost turned it around. That’s the kind of leadership Ohio needs in its next governor—someone who doesn’t just talk about protection but delivers it, from crypto scams to corporate corruption. With a proven record spanning over 30 years, Yost’s not just running for office; he’s running for you. As he said, “I believe it’s my duty to walk this path.” Come 2026, Ohioans have a chance to put a protector-in-chief in the governor’s mansion. Let’s make it happen.

More information: Cryptocurrency scams - Education and Prevention