HHS Restructuring Plan Sparks Major Controversy: 10,000 Jobs Cut

In March 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a significant restructuring plan aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing redundancy within the department. This overhaul includes the elimination of approximately 10,000 full-time positions and the consolidation of multiple agencies into a new entity, the Administration for a Healthy America (AHA). While the administration asserts that these changes will streamline operations and save taxpayers $1.8 billion annually, critics express concern over potential negative impacts on public health services and the nation's preparedness for future health crises.

The restructuring plan, unveiled on March 27, 2025, by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., involves reducing HHS's workforce from 82,000 to 62,000 employees. This reduction is achieved through a combination of layoffs and early retirements. Key agencies affected include the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which will see a reduction of approximately 3,500 positions; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with about 2,400 positions eliminated; and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), facing a cut of around 1,200 positions. Additionally, the number of HHS regional offices will be reduced from ten to five.

A central component of the restructuring is the creation of the Administration for a Healthy America (AHA). This new entity will consolidate several existing agencies, including the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The AHA aims to improve coordination among programs addressing chronic disease prevention and healthcare access for low-income populations.

Secretary Kennedy emphasized that the restructuring aligns the organization with its core mission and priorities, particularly in combating the chronic disease epidemic. He stated, "Over time, bureaucracies like HHS become wasteful and inefficient even when most of their staff are dedicated and competent civil servants. This overhaul will be a win-win for taxpayers and for those that HHS serves."

However, the restructuring has faced significant criticism from public health experts, labor unions, and Democratic lawmakers. Senator Patty Murray described the plan as "an absurd suggestion" that "defies common sense," citing ongoing outbreaks of bird flu, measles, and the fentanyl epidemic. Labor unions have also expressed apprehension. Doreen Greenwald, president of the National Treasury Employees Union, stated that the administration's claims that deep cuts to agencies like the FDA would not be harmful were "preposterous," and vowed to "pursue every opportunity to fight back."

The reduction in workforce and funding has led to the closure of numerous public health programs and clinics, particularly those serving vulnerable populations. For instance, in South Carolina, more than 70 staff were laid off in March due to funding cuts, impacting disease surveillance capabilities. An epidemiologist from the department highlighted the risks, stating, "Without us, outbreaks can fly under the radar, and the response can be delayed or disorganized. That’s the real danger when these roles get cut."

The restructuring has also prompted legal challenges from multiple states and public health organizations seeking to halt the funding cuts and preserve critical public health infrastructure. Nineteen states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit against the federal government on May 5, aiming to block the restructuring. The lawsuit argues that the restructuring is an "unconstitutional and illegal dismantling of the department" and contends that the government has violated hundreds of laws and bypassed congressional authority by enacting the plan.

The HHS restructuring represents one of the most significant overhauls in the department's history. While the administration argues that these changes will lead to greater efficiency and cost savings, the widespread criticism and legal challenges underscore deep concerns about the potential erosion of the nation's public health capabilities. As the restructuring unfolds, its true impact on public health services and preparedness will become increasingly evident.