Major HHS Restructuring Eliminates 10,000 Federal Health Jobs in Agency Overhaul
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is implementing a major workforce reduction, cutting 10,000 full-time positions and reducing its total staff from 82,000 to 62,000 employees.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the restructuring aims to streamline operations and redirect focus toward addressing America's chronic disease epidemic. Key priorities include primary care, environmental health, clean water, wholesome food, mental health, maternal health, and reducing environmental toxin exposure.
Major organizational changes include:
- Reducing divisions from 28 to 15
- Consolidating regional offices from 10 to 5
- Creating the new Administration for a Healthy America
- Moving Strategic Preparedness under CDC control
- Establishing a new Assistant Secretary for Enforcement
- Merging Strategy Office with Healthcare Research and Quality
Specific workforce reductions by agency:
- FDA: 3,500 employees
- CDC: 2,400 employees
- NIH: 1,200 employees
- CMS: 300 employees
- Additional 5,200 probationary workers terminated in February
While HHS maintains that essential services like Medicare and Medicaid will continue uninterrupted, health experts express serious concerns. Dr. Georges Benjamin of the American Public Health Association warns this "attack on public health will hurt people across the United States every single day."
The layoffs are scheduled to take effect May 27, 2025, primarily affecting administrative positions, high-cost regional employees, and roles deemed redundant. Critics argue these cuts could lead to increased inefficiencies and compromised healthcare delivery across America's medical systems.
Secretary Kennedy acknowledges this transition period will be challenging but maintains it will result in a more efficient department. However, health policy experts remain skeptical about the long-term impacts on America's public health infrastructure.