The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, began one of the largest staff reductions in its recent history, eliminating nearly 20,000 jobs nationwide, in compliance with the reorganization plan announced by its head, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The move affected long-time workers, scientists, supervisors and administrators at key agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Unannounced layoffs
Numerous employees received early morning e-mails notifying them of the termination of their contracts.
In many cases, access to buildings was blocked without warning.
Confusion was widespread, even among leaders and supervisors, who were not informed in advance about which staff members would be laid off.
“It’s a bloodbath,” stated an FDA employee. “We don’t know who’s next or who’s leaving,” expressed a CDC manager.
Agencies and areas most affected
Massive cuts in health agencies include:
3,500 employees at the FDA, although inspectors and drug reviewers are not affected.
2,400 employees at CDC, in units such as HIV, injury prevention, smoking, and occupational health.
1,200 employees at NIH, mainly in administrative areas such as procurement and communication.
300 employees at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Among those affected is Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
The measure affected long-term workers, scientists, supervisors and administrators
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“Healthy America”
The reorganization announced by Kennedy seeks to reduce bureaucracy and focus efforts on chronic diseases, according to the official statement.
As part of the plan, several agencies will be merged into a new entity called the Administration for a Healthy America, which will combine resources from:
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Health
Health Resources and Services Administration
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Agency for Toxic Substances
If you are a beneficiary of programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, mental health or disease prevention, it is key to monitor how these reductions could affect access and quality of services.
Although HHS assures that the massive cuts in health agencies do not impact essential services, there is still uncertainty about the long-term effects.
For more information, visit QueOnnda.com.
