Last week, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a sweeping restructuring plan that would eliminate 10,000 public health jobs and consolidate key agencies. This Tuesday, thousands of HHS employees received notices of dismissal via email. These actions pose a serious threat to our nation’s public health infrastructure and to the critical work our members do every day.

ASPPH released a statement expressing our deep concern over these cuts and their long-term consequences. While we support efforts to improve efficiency, these reductions risk weakening essential programs and partnerships that safeguard community health. The reductions in staff will also impact our members who receive funding from these agencies and partner with them to research and address important public health issues.

We urge HHS to engage with public health experts before proceeding, and we remain committed to advocating for reforms that strengthen, not dismantle, the systems we rely on to protect and promote health.