Health agencies face major layoffs under RFK Jr.’s plan

Health agencies across the U.S. are preparing for significant job cuts as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. plans a major restructuring of the department. Officials expect decisions on layoffs within the next couple of weeks. Many agencies, including the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), will face changes. For instance, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality could see up to 90% of its staff cut, reducing its workforce from about 300 to just a few employees. At the CDC, officials are bracing for layoffs that could reduce their workforce by 30%. Currently, the CDC employs around 12,800 people, and some workers there are already experiencing burnout due to high demands. Many employees have sought early retirement or buyout options recently offered. The FDA is also preparing for possible cuts. Managers have stated they are uncertain about the extent of the layoffs. Employees expect that many reductions may occur due to a significant number of retirements and voluntary departures. The National Institutes of Health is anticipating similar cuts to those seen during the previous administration. There are around 21,000 employees currently, and some projections suggest up to 3,800 positions could be eliminated. While the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services might not face as severe cuts—since hiring was already limited—it is unclear how many positions will ultimately be affected. Meanwhile, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has not received clear information about potential layoffs. Overall, the restructuring has created an atmosphere of uncertainty across multiple health agencies, affecting morale and staffing levels as they prepare for the changes ahead.