NIH and HHS Layoffs Spark Concerns Over U.S. Health and Research Capabilities

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have announced significant layoffs, raising alarms about the future of health and biomedical research in the United States. The NIH is set to reduce its workforce by 1,200 employees, a move that has sparked concerns among health professionals and researchers about the potential impact on ongoing projects and the nation's ability to respond to future health crises.

Simultaneously, HHS is cutting jobs that affect programs crucial for seniors and the disabled, including the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Administration for Community Living (ACL). These layoffs come at a time when the U.S. is also dealing with the bird flu, with the FDA announcing layoffs among veterinarians, further straining the nation's health infrastructure.

The layoffs have drawn criticism from various quarters, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has expressed concerns about the implications for public health. As the U.S. grapples with these cuts, the focus is on how these agencies will maintain their essential services and research capabilities amidst reduced staffing.

• Bird Flu
• HHS
• NIH
• Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

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How many HHS employees were fired?

The layoffs are expected to shrink HHS to 62,000 positions, lopping off nearly a quarter of its staff — 10,000 jobs through layoffs and another 10,000 workers who took early retirement and voluntary separation offers.

What federal health workers are being laid off?

The White House said last week that it planned to cut 3,500 full-time employees at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and 2,400 workers from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The administration has said it is cutting 1,200 employees from the National Institutes of Health, as well.

How many employees are in HHS?

HHS announced last week that its reduction in force would cut 10,000 full-time employees in addition to 10,000 employees who've left voluntarily, shrinking the workforce from about 82,000 full-time employees to 62,000.

How many FDA employees were fired?

HHS announced last week that it would cut 10,000 people, including around 3,500 FDA employees, or 19% of the agency.