HHS Announces Major Restructuring and Workforce Reduction
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is undergoing a significant transformation, reducing its workforce by 20,000 jobs, from 82,000 to 62,000 employees. This sweeping change is projected to save $1.8 billion annually. Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. revealed these modifications as part of a broader initiative aimed at creating a more efficient organization.
The reorganization includes:
- Reducing the agency’s 28 divisions to 15
- Introducing the Administration for a Healthy America (AHA)
- Focusing on key health concerns such as wholesome food, clean water, and environmental toxin mitigation
Kennedy emphasized, “This Department will do more—a lot more—at a lower cost to the taxpayer.”
The CDC and FDA face the most significant impacts:
- CDC: Losing approximately 2,400 roles
- FDA: Cutting about 3,500 positions
The CDC will shift its focus more towards epidemic readiness, while the FDA ensures that cuts won’t affect its crucial drug and device review processes.
Kennedy described the current system as a “sprawling bureaucracy” that required a complete overhaul to become accountable. The Health Resources and Services Administration and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration will be integrated into the new AHA.
As HHS proceeds with its restructuring strategy, Kennedy stressed the importance of recalibrating priorities to reverse chronic disease trends. While many employees express concern about the impact on efficiency and service delivery, officials insist that essential services, including Medicare and Medicaid, will remain intact.
Impact on HHS Subsidiary Agencies
The anticipated changes within HHS will have far-reaching effects on its subsidiary agencies. Here’s a breakdown of the workforce reductions:
| Agency | Job Cuts |
|---|---|
| Food and Drug Administration (FDA) | 3,500 |
| Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) | 2,400 |
| National Institutes of Health (NIH) | 1,200 |
| Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) | 300 |
Despite these significant reductions, HHS has assured that critical processes such as medical drug reviews, inspections, and Medicare and Medicaid services will continue uninterrupted. However, concerns persist about maintaining efficiency and thoroughness in these processes.
Public health experts have voiced apprehensions about a potential ‘brain drain’ resulting from these staffing reductions. Georges C. Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, suggested that “cutting back on experienced staff could hinder the department’s ability to address public health issues effectively.”
As HHS implements this restructuring, two critical questions emerge:
- How will the department maintain high standards of public service while pursuing fiscal prudence?
- Will the focus on epidemic readiness and streamlined operations lead to improved health outcomes for Americans?
The answers to these questions will likely unfold in the coming months as the reorganization takes effect.
Public and Political Reactions
The Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) restructuring efforts have elicited mixed reactions from various stakeholders:
Supporters
Advocates of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative, including Vani Hari and Calley Means, have expressed approval of the cost-cutting measures. They view the restructuring as an opportunity to:
- Eliminate inefficiencies
- Prioritize the health of American citizens over corporate interests
Critics
Public health officials and certain politicians have voiced concerns:
- Georges C. Benjamin from the American Public Health Association warned that reducing staff could impair the department’s ability to address key public health issues effectively.
- The American Federation of Government Employees criticized the cuts, fearing:
- A decline in the quality of public health services
- Increased burdens on remaining staff
Political Landscape
The political response has been divided:
- Some lawmakers support the initiative, seeing it as a step towards fiscal responsibility and efficiency.
- Others view it as potentially compromising the country’s healthcare infrastructure.
Secretary Kennedy remains committed to the restructuring, asserting that it aligns with the broader objective of improving government accountability and effectiveness while maintaining essential health services.
As these changes unfold, two critical questions emerge:
- How will these changes impact public health and administrative operations in the coming months?
- Will the restructuring lead to a more efficient and responsive HHS, or will it compromise the department’s ability to serve the American people?
The answers to these questions will likely become clearer as the reorganization takes effect and its impacts are observed and analyzed.
- Kennedy RF Jr. HHS Restructuring Announcement. Department of Health and Human Services. March 27, 2025.
- Benjamin GC. Statement on HHS Workforce Reduction. American Public Health Association. March 28, 2025.
- American Federation of Government Employees. Response to HHS Job Cuts. AFGE Press Release. March 29, 2025.