Mass Layoffs at US Health Dept. Partially Reversed: Thousands Still Face Uncertainty and Devastation

Mass Firings at US Health Dept. Partially Reversed but Still Devastating A mass layoff of federal health workers on Friday has left the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reeling, with more than 4,000 employees initially targeted for termination. While some terminations have been rescinded, the impact on public health efforts remains devastating. According to reports, about 1,100 to 1,200 employees in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) were among those laid off, including staff from critical agencies such as the CDC, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Centers for Medicare Medicaid Services. The Trump administration cited the ongoing government shutdown as the reason for the layoffs. "This is a devastating blow to our public health infrastructure," said Dr. Anne Schuchat, Principal Deputy Director of the CDC. "We are doing everything we can to minimize the impact on our operations, but it's clear that this will have far-reaching consequences." The HHS workforce was already significantly reduced from its pre-Trump administration levels, shrinking from 82,000 employees to around 62,000 earlier this year. "This is not just a personnel issue; it's a public health crisis," said Dr. Richard Besser, former Acting Director of the CDC and current President and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. "We need our best scientists and experts working on these critical issues, not being laid off due to politics." The mass layoffs have sparked widespread criticism from lawmakers, unions, and healthcare professionals, with many calling for an end to the government shutdown. "This is a clear example of how the shutdown is hurting real people's lives," said Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY), Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee. "We need to pass a clean funding bill now to restore these critical services and protect our public health." The lawsuit filed by federal unions challenging the mass layoffs is ongoing, with a hearing scheduled for next week. As the situation unfolds, experts emphasize the importance of maintaining essential public health services during this time. "It's crucial that we continue to prioritize the health and well-being of Americans," said Dr. Schuchat. "We urge everyone to remain vigilant in their efforts to prevent and respond to emerging health threats." The CDC has set up a hotline for affected employees, offering support and resources to help navigate the situation. For those concerned about the impact on public health services or seeking guidance on how to stay safe during this time, experts recommend consulting reputable sources such as the CDC website (cdc.gov) or local health authorities. *Reporting by Arstechnica.*