epocrates

Massive layoffs hit U.S. health agencies amid restructuring

April 3, 2025

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) initiated a significant wave of layoffs, aiming to reduce its workforce by 10,000 full-time positions. This move, led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is part of a broader effort to overhaul the public health system. The cuts affect various divisions, including those responsible for tackling HIV, improving minority health, and preventing gun violence, among others. Employees received early morning emails notifying them of their job eliminations, and some were unable to access their workplaces. The restructuring has raised concerns among health experts about the future of medical research and public health services.

Many fear that the reductions could set back progress by decades. “It’s a bloodbath,” one FDA employee said. The Trump administration claims the cuts will save taxpayer money and streamline operations, but the impact on essential health services remains a significant worry. Critics argue that the layoffs could undermine efforts to address critical health issues and weaken the nation's ability to respond to future health crises.

Sources:

Lovelace Jr., B., Arkin, D., Zadrozny, B., & Edwards, E. (2025, April 1). NBC News. Widespread job cuts begin at health agencies. https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/widespread-job-cuts-begin-health-agencies-rcna198859

Valencia, N., Goodman, B., Marsh, R., & Tirrell, M. (2025, April 1). CNN. ‘It’s a bloodbath’: Massive wave of job cuts underway at US health agencies. https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/01/health/staff-cuts-at-federal-health-agencies-have-begun/index.html