RFK Jr. plans to slash 10,000 health department jobs

In a significant move to reshape the health sector, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, announced a plan on March 27, 2025, to reduce the workforce of the Department of Health and Human Services by 10,000 employees. This decision follows an initiative aimed at streamlining operations within the department and reflects a broader strategy under the Trump administration to enhance government efficiency. The cuts are in addition to 10,000 employees who already accepted early retirement packages under recent offers. Following these reductions, the department's total workforce will decline from 82,000 to about 62,000. The announcement emphasized that the restructure is not merely about layoffs; it includes merging 28 divisions of the department into 15 new entities, one of which is the proposed Administration for a Healthy America. This new administration aims to centralize core functions such as human resources and information technology to combat chronic illness in America more effectively. Additionally, the restructuring is expected to save taxpayers approximately $1.8 billion annually and reorganize programs focused on health needs, especially for low-income populations. Kennedy stated that this overhaul is a necessary step towards improving public health outcomes and ensuring that no American is left behind amidst the changes. Health organizations and communities are observing these developments closely, as they could reshape public health responses and services in the near future.