The Trump administration’s push to reduce federal spending has begun to have far-reaching consequences in North Texas, with mass layoffs underway at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) affecting critical services nationwide.
Dallas County Health & Human Services Director Philip Huang revealed that three grants valued over $40 million would be affected by federal cuts, including a grant for epidemiology and lab capacity. The layoffs have resulted in 21 full-time staff being let go, with 10 more part-time positions also eliminated.
The loss of vital staff threatens to slow down efforts to prevent diseases like measles, particularly when the state grapples with potential outbreaks. Huang warned that canceling 50 vaccine events scheduled for next year could lead to increased measles cases in schools with lower vaccination rates.
While HHS officials have assured the public that layoffs will not impact Medicare and Medicaid services or FDA reviews of drugs, medical devices, and foods, concerns remain about the future of public health preparedness. The cuts raise serious questions about the ability of smaller public health departments to cope with ongoing health issues.
In response to the federal cuts, some agencies and programs will be folded into a new entity called the Administration for Healthy America (AHA). However, Huang expressed concern that this move is not a planned effort, but rather haphazard and may set back decades in terms of public health infrastructure.
Source: https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/health/dallas-county-cancels-50-community-vaccination-events-doge-cuts-cdc-fda-jobs/3805663