ASPPH has released Broken Lifelines: The Economic Consequences of Defunding Academic Public Health, a new report detailing how 2025 federal funding cuts are destabilizing the academic public health system and harming the broader US economy. The report documents the ripple effects of grant freezes, budget reductions, and agency restructuring, including shuttered clinics, canceled research projects, lost student opportunities, and workforce disruptions.

“This is not just about budgets. It’s about people’s lives, health, and futures,” said Dr. Laura Magaña, ASPPH President and CEO. “Our students are losing opportunities, our researchers are being forced to abandon lifesaving work, and communities are losing access to critical services. Now more than ever, we need strong federal support to protect the health of our nation.”

Key Findings:

• Economic Fallout: Every $1 in the National Institutes for Health (NIH) funding previously supported $2.56 in economic activity. Losses are projected to exceed $16 billion.
• Disrupted Research and Training: Hundreds of grants were canceled mid-project. Student scholarships, internships, and fellowships were cut.
• Community Impact: Clinics in over 10 states scaled back services or closed. Public health programs and emergency response efforts were halted.

The report features regional case studies and personal stories that underscore the urgent need for restoring stable federal investment. ASPPH calls on policymakers to renew funding for public health education, research, and services.