U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Cut 10,000 Jobs
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced major job cuts on Thursday, slashing 10,000 full-time positions and consolidating its structure under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. These reductions, combined with 10,000 voluntary departures, will bring the department's workforce down to 62,000 from 82,000. Kennedy stated, "We are realigning the organization with its core mission and our new priorities in reversing the chronic disease epidemic," aiming to save the government approximately $1.8 billion annually.
The restructuring includes merging 28 divisions into 15, such as creating the new "Administration for a Healthy America" to centralize efforts around addiction, mental health, and occupational safety. Additionally, the department will close half of its regional offices, reducing them from 10 to 5. Notably, cuts at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and National Institutes of Health (NIH) are among the most significant, affecting thousands of employees. However, key functions like drug and medical device reviews will remain intact.
While Kennedy's plan is framed as a way to streamline the department and reduce bureaucracy, it is expected to face criticism from those concerned about its impact on public health initiatives. Critics warn that cutting staff in essential health services may compromise food safety, vaccine development, and medical treatment approvals, raising concerns about the long-term effects on Americans' well-being.
