The Department of Health and Human Services is amidst a significant transformation, sparking curiosity about how the department will handle the unprecedented challenges ahead.
Key Insights
- The Health and Human Services Department (HHS) plans to lay off 10,000 employees, affecting 25% of its workforce.
- Specific job cuts include 3,500 at the FDA, 2,400 at the CDC, 1,200 at the NIH, and 300 at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
- The restructuring aims to save $2 billion annually and reduce HHS divisions from 28 to 15.
- Entire agencies, such as the Health Resources and Services Administration and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, will be shut down or consolidated.
Significant Workforce Changes
The Health and Human Services Department announced it will lay off 10,000 employees, affecting a quarter of its workforce. This includes specific job cuts at major agencies, with 3,500 at the FDA, 2,400 at the CDC, 1,200 at the NIH, and 300 at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This shakeup follows Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s efforts to eliminate 10,000 jobs across agencies. The changes also involve placing several senior officials on administrative leave, with impacts on workforce morale and capabilities during the transition.
The restructuring is set to save $2 billion annually by reducing HHS divisions from 28 to 15. Meanwhile, Secretary Kennedy emphasizes the need to recalibrate HHS to address the chronic disease epidemic despite increased spending. He noted, “We are realigning the organization with its core mission and our new priorities in reversing the chronic disease epidemic.” A spokesperson highlighted the importance of targeting “redundant or unnecessary administrative roles.”
Eliminating Redundancies
This comprehensive reorganization will centralize various functions such as external communications, procurement, IT, and HR under HHS. Entire agencies, including the Health Resources and Services Administration and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, will face shutdown or consolidation. The Administration for a Healthy America will prioritize areas like maternal and child health, environmental health, and HIV/AIDS work, while moving the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response into the CDC.
Reactions and Concerns
The restructuring aligns with President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency efforts. His executive order aimed to reduce government “bloat” and “insularity.” However, there is significant concern among HHS employees due to a lack of transparency and communication from leadership.
Democratic Sen. Patty Murray criticized the cuts, arguing they will lead to fewer services and longer treatment waits. This sentiment resonates with public health experts and congressional Democrats who express concerns over potential negative impacts on health and safety. The RIFs (Reductions in Force) are set for May 27, with employees advised to back up personal files in case of sudden loss of access.
Top Department of Health and Human Services officials have been put on administrative leave, with the option of relocating to a new job in Alaska, Montana, New Mexico or other postings.
"I did not see this coming at all," a senior HHS executive said. https://t.co/i7T3dFrBpa
— Alaska Public Media News (@AKpublicnews) April 7, 2025
Sources:
- Uncertainty grips HHS as employees await their fate and leadership is left in the dark: ‘It’s madness’ – Government Executive
- Health and Human Services will lay off 10,000 workers and close agencies in a major restructuring
- HHS announces 10,000 additional job cuts, restructuring aligned with DOGE | FedScoop
- Major shakeup at HHS: Top officials placed on leave amid mass restructuring – NaturalNews.com
