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Trump administration will allow pharmacies to make popular peptides
The Department of Health and Human Services will let small compounding pharmacies make six peptides that haven't been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. It may not be enough to meet demand.
Health Research Agency Head on Administrative Leave, HHS Says
The director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, Alicia Jackson, is on administrative leave, according to a Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson.
Mayor Sarno meets with DHHS Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris and Health and Racial Equity Coordinator and Former Mayoral Aide Shenell Ford for an Update and Review
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Chief of Staff Molly Shea met with Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris and Racial Equity Coordinator and former Mayoral Aide Shenell Ford for an update on the Youth Commission. Mayor Sarno stated, “It was great to be with DHHS Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris and Health and Racial Equity Coordinator, my former Aide Shenell Ford as they shared updates and review in regards to the youth commission. I look forward to continuing to work with them both, and all partners on the youth commission for the betterment of our City. I commend both Commissioner Caulton-Harris and Shenell on their steadfast work to bring back this commission.”
Cuyahoga County voters weigh Issue 11 health and human services levy
Issue 11 in Cuyahoga County supports a levy for the county-run Department of Health and Human Services.
Maine Department of Health and Human Services will hold public hearing on Prime Healthcare
Democratic Representative Julie McCabe requested the public hearing. She represents Lewiston, home to Central Maine Healthcare's flagship hospital.
Department of Health and Human Services and the Justice Department’s Civil Division Announce Anti-Fraud Healthcare Self-Disclosure Pilot Program
HHS launched a six-month Healthcare False Claims Act Self-Disclosure Pilot Program for healthcare companies
Executive order calls for creation of NIH Women’s Health Division
An executive order issued by the White House today directs the Department of Health and Human Services, through the National Institutes of Health, to establish a Women’s Health Division. The new division will focus on conditions that uniquely or disproportionately affect women.
In DOGE’s aftermath, federal health workers bristle at new performance reviews
Changes to the annual performance review process are the latest flashpoint in tensions between federal workers across the Department of Health and Human Services and the Trump administration, federal employees told STAT.
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. visits Virginia Beach to address healthcare shortages
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. joined Republican Congresswoman Jennifer Kiggans (VA-02) for a closed roundtable…
Va. lawmakers, Spanberger grapple with loss of federal healthcare funds for trans youth
Federal Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program money can no longer be used for certain gender-affirming care to young people in Virginia and other states, after a new U.S. Department of Health and Human Services rule took effect on Oct. 13.
July 2026 Healthcare Data Breach Report
In July 2026, 77 healthcare data breaches affecting 500 or more individuals were reported to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office In July 2026, 77 healthcare data breaches affecting 500 or more individuals were reported to the HHS Office for Civil Rights, involving the protected health information of more than 33 million individuals. That’s a 10% month-over-month increase in data breaches and a 642% increase in affected individuals.
Commissioners, Health Department held Camden County Local Boards of Health Summit
On Wednesday, the Camden County Board of Commissioners and the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services held the Camden County Local Boards of Health Summit, an event ... More
Choctaw Nation Doctor Appointed to Health Tribal Advisory Committee
Overview: The Chief of Staff of Choctaw Nations Health Service has been appointed to a federal tribal health advisory committee. Dr. Amanda Chisum-Price has been appointed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Tribal Advisory Committee as an At-Large Delegate. She currently serves […]
HHS declares public health emergency in Alabama, Florida following Hurricane Isaias
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. yesterday determined that public health emergencies exist in Florida and Alab
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Recommends Science-Based Thresholds to Target Dangerous Enhanced Kratom Products
Kratom products credit: CDPH DEA takes action based on updated recommendation from HHS October 11, 2026 - WASHINGTON - On Friday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services relesed the following: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provided a new recommendation to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) that establishes science-based thresholds for 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MGPI), potent opioid compounds associated with products marketed as kratom. The Department of Justice today announced that DEA issued new Notices of Intent reflecting HHS’ updated scientific analysis and recommendations, including a new Notice of Intent for 7-OH and MGPI incorporating HHS’ recommended concentration and ratio thresholds. Following a review of available scientific data and comments, HHS Assistant Secretary for Health Admiral Brian Christine, M.D., recommended that DEA use concentration or ratio-based thresholds to determine which products containing 7-OH and MGPI are subject to Schedule I control for purposes of temporary scheduling of these substances under the Controlled Substances Act. The recommendation is designed to target concentrated or chemically altered products while distinguishing them from natural botanical kratom products, which may contain trace amounts of 7-OH and MGPI. “We are drawing a clear line between natural kratom and dangerous, enhanced opioid products,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “We listened to the public, followed the science, and developed a clear recommended threshold for temporary scheduling that targets concentrated 7-OH and MGPI without sweeping natural botanical kratom into Schedule I. The Trump Administration will continue taking decisive action against dangerous products that fuel addiction while making sure our policies are grounded in rigorous science.” Under the recommendation, 7-OH and MGPI would be controlled in Schedule I for purposes of temporary scheduling when either substance alone, or their combined amount when both are present: Exceeds 1 milligram per gram in solid powders, encapsulated material, or other solid forms, or exceeds 1 milligram per milliliter in liquid preparations; or When the mass of mitragynine present divided by the mass of 7-OH, or MGPI, or the combined amount of 7-OH and MGPI if both present, is less than 100. The ratio-based approach reflects the alkaloid composition of natural kratom products and provides a way to identify products intentionally enhanced or concentrated with 7-OH or MGPI. Available scientific data indicate that 7-OH occurs naturally in botanical kratom at relatively low or trace levels, while some evidence reviewed by FDA suggests MGPI may also occur at trace levels in some natural or kratom-derived products. FDA's scientific review found that 7-OH is substantially more potent than morphine in preclinical studies, with available data indicating approximately two to nine times greater potency depending on the study. FDA also identified evidence supporting a meaningful risk of opioid-like physical dependence and withdrawal from MGPI. “Our recommendation gives DEA a scientifically supportable framework to distinguish natural botanical kratom from products that have been concentrated or manipulated to deliver dangerous levels of potent opioid compounds,” said Assistant Secretary for Health Admiral Brian Christine, M.D. “This approach allows us to focus on the products that pose the greatest threat to public health.” In July 2025, following an FDA scientific and medical evaluation, HHS recommended that 7-OH above a specified threshold be placed in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. In July 2026, DEA announced its intent to temporarily schedule 7-OH above a specified threshold, and HHS simultaneously sought public comment on the proposed threshold. DEA subsequently temporarily placed MGPI and two synthetic 7-OH derivatives, MGM-15 and MGM-16, in Schedule I. Since then, questions have emerged about how scheduling could affect natural botanical kratom products potentially containing trace amounts of MGPI. The new HHS recommendation responds to those concerns by providing DEA with a more precise threshold based on both the concentration of 7-OH and MGPI and their relationship to mitragynine, the predominant alkaloid in kratom. HHS and FDA will continue working with DEA to protect Americans from dangerous concentrated and synthetic opioid products while ensuring federal policy is grounded in the best available science. Source: HHS
Cuyahoga County asks voters to approve Health and Human Services levy increase
This November, the Cuyahoga County Department of Health and Human Services is asking voters to approve an increase to its levy to help continue funding essential services.
US health secretary Kennedy launches new push on vaccine injuries
US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. this week launched an agency-wide effort to study and document any health problems reported after vaccination, the Department of Health and Human Services said on Thursday.
RFK Jr. tasks researchers with studying vaccine injuries
The US Department of Health and Human Services launched a program this week to study and capture the breadth of vaccine injuries, reviving a longtime priority for HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and stoking concerns from some public health advocates.
HHS launches 4 new vaccine injury research, reporting initiatives
The U.S. | The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Thursday announced a series of actions aimed at strengthening the federal government's response to vaccine-related health concerns.
Kennedy offers federal support to New York over measles outbreak
New York Governor Kathy Hochul spoke with U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Tuesday, and he offered federal support as the state responds to a measles outbreak, the Department of Health and Human Services said on Wednesday.
Kennedy offers federal support to New York over measles outbreak
Oct 7 () - New York Governor Kathy Hochul spoke with U. on Tuesday, and he offered federal support as the state responds to a measles outbreak, the Department of Health and Human Services said on W...
Department of Health and Human Services audit states ‘Arkansas failed to comply’ with requirements for reports of child abuse
A federal audit by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that Arkansas failed to comply with legal requirements for screening and investigating reports of child abuse and neglect b…
Lawsuit settled over state’s management of in-home care program
In the settlement, the NH Department of Health and Human Services agreed to hire a third party to assess gaps in service.
State investing over $17M in mental health service grants
Governor Josh Stein and the state Department of Health and Human Services made the announcement today.
Cherokee Nation Among Eight Communities to Receive Millions to Expand Mental Health, Substance Use Treatment Services, Housing Support
The Cherokee Nation is among eight sites in the country to receive the federal STREETS grant through the new Safety Through Recovery, Engagement, and Evidence-based Treatment and Support (STREETS) program from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), STREETS will provide $96 million […]
RFK Jr.'s AI claims spark physician backlash as debate over medical AI intensifies
Robert F. | Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, said on Tuesday that artificial intelligence can provide patients a second opinion that is "much better informed than any doctor in the country."
NCDHHS rolls out updated four-year plan, sets four immediate health priorities
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has announced an updated four-year strategic plan and four immediate priority areas intended to guide
Trump administration seeks to rescind $2.1 million for GW healthcare equity fellowship program
The White House’s statement lists GW’s Health Equity Leadership Development Initiative as an example of programs funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health for promoting diversity, equity and inclusion, discrimination and “radical woke ideologies.”
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Awards Over $1.3 Million to North Dakota Universities
The Department of Health and Human Services awarded $1,330,665 to three North Dakota universities.
New Hampshire Receives Over $2 Million in Federal Grants to Support Mental Health Efforts Statewide
Governor Kelly Ayotte and Commissioner Lori Weaver of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) celebrated New Hampshire receiving over $2 million in federal grants aimed at expanding behavioral health crisis support and mental health services across the state. The grants will provide critical funding for New Hampshire’s 988 Lifeline and support mental health...
$31M in federal grants target Oklahoma tribal nations' mental health, substance abuse prevention
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced $31 million will support more than a dozen tribal nations and organizations in Oklahoma, providing mental health and substance use prevention resources.
$31M in federal grants target Oklahoma tribal nations’ mental health, substance abuse prevention
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awards $31 million to Oklahoma tribal nations for mental health and substance use prevention programs.
$31M in federal grants target Oklahoma tribal nations' mental health, substance abuse prevention
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced $31 million will support more than a dozen tribal nations and organizations in Oklahoma, providing mental health and substance use prevention resources.
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services prepares to launch TANF pilot program in October
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services will launch a redesigned Employment First Program on Oct. 1 as part of a federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families pilot.
GOP candidate Charles vows to dismantle DHHS
Charles drew loud claps and cheers when he talked about dismantling the state Department of Health and Human Services, saying the state has not done enough to protect children in the child welfare system.
HHS Invests $51 Million to Expand Dental Care for Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services , announced $51 million in awards to 28 HRSA-funded health centers to improve access to dental care for children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
KCCI Investigates: HHS revamping county health departments to regions
Iowa’s 99 public county health departments are set to shift budgets and services under a new regionalization plan led by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.
HHS cancels health insurance of 760,000 individuals enrolled in healthcare.gov plans
The Department of Health and Human Services announced something it's never done before - canceled the health insurance of 760,000 individuals enrolled in plans in the Affordable Care Act marketplace.
Indian Health Service Awards $3.5 Million for Tribal Food and Nutrition Initiatives
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Indian Health Service, has awarded $3.5 million to 14 Tribal and urban Indian communities.
Youth mental health improves, New Hampshire survey reports
Youth mental health has improved since the COVID-19 pandemic, when anxiety and depression spiked for teens, according to the results of a statewide survey. The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services recently released the results of its 2025 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. The anonymous and voluntary survey helps measure health-related behaviors among New […]
North Carolina gets nearly $7M from SAMHSA to boost mental health services
Nearly $7 million in grant funding is headed to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) to assist with mental health services.
Nebraska DHHS extends health alert for toxic algae at lakes in Gage and Jefferson counties
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has extended a health alert for toxic blue-green algae at Big Indian Lake in Gage County and Cub Creek Lake in Jefferson County.
Health officials clear part of Hastings apartment building after ricin exposure
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says a section of the Tyden Lofts apartment building in Hastings can be safely reoccupied following a ricin exposure incident earlier this month.
Health officials clear part of Hastings apartment building after ricin exposure
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says a section of the Tyden Lofts apartment building in Hastings can be safely reoccupied following a ricin exposure incident earlier this month.
Health officials clear part of Hastings apartment building after ricin exposure
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says a section of the Tyden Lofts apartment building in Hastings can be safely reoccupied following a ricin exposure incident earlier this month.
Health officials clear part of Hastings apartment building after ricin exposure
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says a section of the Tyden Lofts apartment building in Hastings can be safely reoccupied following a ricin exposure incident earlier this month.
Health officials clear part of Hastings apartment building after ricin exposure
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says a section of the Tyden Lofts apartment building in Hastings can be safely reoccupied following a ricin exposure incident earlier this month.
Health officials clear part of Hastings apartment building after ricin exposure
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says a section of the Tyden Lofts apartment building in Hastings can be safely reoccupied following a ricin exposure incident earlier this month.
Health officials clear part of Hastings apartment building after ricin exposure
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says a section of the Tyden Lofts apartment building in Hastings can be safely reoccupied following a ricin exposure incident earlier this month.
Health officials clear part of Hastings apartment building after ricin exposure
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says a section of the Tyden Lofts apartment building in Hastings can be safely reoccupied following a ricin exposure incident earlier this month.
Health officials clear part of Hastings apartment building after ricin exposure
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says a section of the Tyden Lofts apartment building in Hastings can be safely reoccupied following a ricin exposure incident earlier this month.
Health officials clear part of Hastings apartment building after ricin exposure
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says a section of the Tyden Lofts apartment building in Hastings can be safely reoccupied following a ricin exposure incident earlier this month.
Senate Hearing on Department of Health & Human Services Executive Nominations
The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee holds a hearing on three of President Trump's executive nominations for positions at the Department of Health and Human Services.
McCormick, Fetterman question termination of more than 150 health research grants
Pennsylvania's senators are demanding information about more than 150 health research grants canceled by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services this summer.
NCDHHS receives federal grants to improve mental health programs
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCT) — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services said it received three federal grants from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration that…
Pennsylvania senators McCormick, Fetterman seek answers on canceled health grants
Republican Sen. Dave McCormick and Democratic Sen. John Fetterman are pressing the Department of Health and Human Services for details about the cancellation of federal health research grants affecting institutions across the commonwealth.
McCormick, Fetterman question termination of more than 100 health research grants
Pennsylvania’s senators are demanding information about more than 150 health research grants canceled by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services this summer.
Gov. Stein Announces $1.25 Million to Expand School-Based Health Centers, Including Appalachian District Health Department
Gov. Josh Stein and the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services announced $1.25 million in federal funding through the North Carolina Rural Health Transformation Program to expand preventive and acute health care, provide nutrition support and address behavioral health needs at school-based health centers. Five organizations will receive funding: the Appalachian District Health Department, …
NC Dept. of Health recieves nearly $7 million to improve mental health services
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services received three federal grants from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) totaling almost $7 million.
Bill Directing Federal Health Officials To Track Testing For Marijuana And Other Drugs In Hospital ERs Set For House Vote This Week
The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote on a bill this week to require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to study how prevalent drug testing for marijuana, fentanyl and other drugs is in hospital emergency departments. The legislation, which cleared the House Energy and Commerce Committee in a unanimous 46-0 […]
UNC Charlotte expert shares what you need to know about rabies after recent North Carolina cases
In late August, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services confirmed multiple rabies cases in baby goats at a mobile petting zoo based in Iredell County, north of Charlotte. Hundreds of people may have been exposed to rabies from the goats when the zoo visited various locations over a five-week period. Rafael Vieira […]
The Cost of Cutting American Science: How Federal Cuts Diminish Public Health Capacity
Among the federal government’s many responsibilities is the work it does to protect public health. Federal agencies monitor our food supply to ensure safety, conduct research to better understand emerging health threats, provide funding for public health programs in communities and work to detect and respond to disease outbreaks. Americans rely on these efforts every day—in a 2024 online survey, 74% of respondents said that “if the federal government issued safety guidance about food you eat regularly,” they would follow it. Changes to Federal Public Health Capacity The Trump administration’s efforts to reshape the federal government have resulted in significant impacts on our nation’s public health capacity over the past 20 months, affecting the response to health concerns such as measles, Ebola and cyclosporiasis. Agencies with core public health, food safety and disease prevention responsibilities experienced large workforce decreases during the first year of the administration. At the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for instance, the workforce in February 2026 was 26.7% smaller than in September 2024 before the start of the Trump administration. The Food and Drug Administration saw a similarly steep decline of 21.6%. Agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and Food Safety and Inspection Service also experienced large workforce decreases. (function(){function e(){window.addEventListener(`message`,function(e){if(e.data[`datawrapper-height`]!==void 0){var t=document.querySelectorAll(`iframe`);for(var n in e.data[`datawrapper-height`])for(var r=0,i;i=t[r];r++)if(i.contentWindow===e.source){var a=e.data[`datawrapper-height`][n]+`px`;i.style.height=a}}})}e()})(); Changes can also be seen in crucial public health occupations. The number of federal food inspectors, for example, decreased by more than half between September 2024 and February 2026, going from 1,035 to 473. This is the lowest number of food inspectors employed by the federal government since at least 2005. By February 2026, there were also 33.3% fewer federal public health program specialists, whose work includes advising federal funding recipients on public health activities and analyzing the effectiveness of public health programs. Government’s capacity is diminished as employees with specialized knowledge and experience in protecting the public and responding to health risks depart, leaving agencies less prepared to carry out their public health missions. There also have been vacancies in critical high-level leadership positions at public health agencies, most notably at the CDC, which had a permanent Senate-confirmed director for less than a month between January 2025 and early August 2026. Although the CDC has previously been led by acting directors at the start of an administration, the nearly yearlong gap since the departure of the administration’s first permanent director in August 2025 is without precedent. As of August 2026, the FDA is also currently without a Senate-confirmed commissioner following the previous commissioner’s resignation in May 2026. Additionally, public health agencies are experiencing increased politicization of their leadership ranks. In agencies such as the CDC and Food Safety and Inspection Service, the number of individuals in the Senior Executive Service—the most senior career leaders in government—has declined significantly, while at the same time the number of political appointees has reached record levels. (function(){function e(){window.addEventListener(`message`,function(e){if(e.data[`datawrapper-height`]!==void 0){var t=document.querySelectorAll(`iframe`);for(var n in e.data[`datawrapper-height`])for(var r=0,i;i=t[r];r++)if(i.contentWindow===e.source){var a=e.data[`datawrapper-height`][n]+`px`;i.style.height=a}}})}e()})(); (function(){function e(){window.addEventListener(`message`,function(e){if(e.data[`datawrapper-height`]!==void 0){var t=document.querySelectorAll(`iframe`);for(var n in e.data[`datawrapper-height`])for(var r=0,i;i=t[r];r++)if(i.contentWindow===e.source){var a=e.data[`datawrapper-height`][n]+`px`;i.style.height=a}}})}e()})(); At the CDC, for example, the number of career SES decreased 42.9% between December 2024 and February 2026, while the number of non-Senate confirmed political appointees at the agency was six times larger than the agency’s historical average from 2009 and 2024. Knowledgeable career leaders are integral to the ability of public health agencies to carry out their work with scientific integrity and professional judgment, and rapid leadership turnover and increased politicization threaten agencies’ ability to make evidence-based decisions to protect our health. The upheaval and politicization in public health agencies have also negatively affected employee engagement. Strong employee engagement is crucial to the ability of agencies to carry out their mission and successfully provide essential services to the public. In the 2025 Public Service Viewpoint Survey conducted by the Partnership for Public Service, the Department of Health and Human Services—which encompasses major public health agencies such as the CDC and FDA—had an employee engagement and satisfaction score of 20.4 out of 100, one of the lowest among large agencies. Only 2.8% of HHS employees indicated trust in their political leaders and only 8.7% reported confidence that they could report a suspected violation of law or regulation without retaliation. Employees at HHS also reported that the agency’s ability to provide services to the public had suffered. Nearly half of employees at HHS, 47.5%, said their work unit was worse at delivering quality services compared to its performance in 2024. In addition, 57.8% said their work unit was performing worse at fulfilling stakeholder needs. In addition to the work done within federal agencies, the federal government also distributes significant funding for public health and disease prevention work to state and local governments, nonprofits and small businesses—funding which has been significantly disrupted. At the CDC, for example, there was a 71.9% decrease in the amount of project grant funding issued in fiscal year 2025 compared to fiscal year 2024. The FDA also issued far less funding in fiscal year 2025—a 21.3% decrease from its fiscal year 2024 funding. Changes in federal funding include the ending of grants to community organizations that worked on HIV prevention and the cancellation of funding for research into improvements to patient safety and healthcare quality. These changes go beyond federal agencies to impact the broader public health ecosystem, including the state and local health departments responsible for much of the on-the-ground public health work in their communities. About 80% of the CDC’s domestic funding is directed towards state and local partners—meaning that cuts to CDC funding can ultimately result in cuts to state and local public health capacity. Federal agencies also provide expertise and assistance to state and local health agencies as they deal with particular health challenges, but workforce cuts have resulted in fewer federal employees available to help. The Impact of Changes to Public Health Capacity These changes to federal public health capacity are not abstract concerns. Disrupted programs, reduced funding and lost expertise at public health agencies across all levels of government threaten the public’s physical well-being and safety. In some cases, this has already led to harm. The most immediate impacts of federal cuts were seen in interruptions to ongoing public health programs and crisis responses. In one instance, when CDC grants were canceled during the 2025 Texas measles outbreak—the most severe measles outbreak in 25 years—public health officials in Lubbock, Texas were forced to pause parts of their measles response work supported by the frozen funding. Lubbock’s director of public health further said that a lack of available CDC experts to reach out to for advice “definitely” impacted the department’s response to the measles crisis. Cuts to federal funding also forced Dallas County Health and Human Services to cut staff and cancel 50 community vaccination clinics during the outbreak. Public health work outside of major outbreak responses was also disrupted. For example, in April 2025, the Milwaukee Public Health Department was unexpectedly unable to reach experts on lead poisoning due to firings at the CDC when responding to concerns about lead contamination in Milwaukee public schools. Due to federal workforce cuts, several programs at the CDC, including Alzheimer’s and epilepsy programs, have also become trapped in limbo—existing on paper, but without the staff necessary to operate. More recent crises reveal how federal cuts have weakened the public health infrastructure needed to prevent and respond to dangerous new outbreaks. Internationally, cuts at the U.S. Agency for International Development eliminated funding for disease testing and contact tracing abroad, which delayed detection of and responses to the 2026 Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. While international outbreaks may seem far removed, the unchecked spread of disease in any country can quickly pose a danger to economic well-being, security and health around the world. Within the United States, public health cuts inhibited responses to the summer 2026 outbreak of the food-borne parasite cyclospora. At the federal level, cuts to funding for lab equipment and for CDC staff with expertise in parasitic infections—including 9 out of 11 staff members at the lab responsible for identifying parasitic outbreaks in 2025— contributed to the largest reporting delay in outbreak cases at the CDC in 15 years. Conflicting communications from the FDA about the source of the outbreak, which followed cuts to the agency’s communications department, additionally led to confusion among the public about how to best avoid infection. At the same time, cuts to HHS funding and support for local and state public health slowed some health departments’ responses to the crisis. The exact costs of these delays, constraints and confusion in public health responses are difficult to estimate. However, their message is clear: federal cuts have already made containing threats to public health even more of a challenge. Conclusion Protecting public health—from food safety to disease prevention—is one of the federal government’s most important missions. Dramatic and haphazard cuts to federal agencies and funding have already disrupted the public health system, impacting the response to challenges such as measles, lead poisoning and cyclosporiasis. The U.S. public health system needed improvement before these disruptions. Since 2022, federal leadership and coordination in response to public health outbreaks has been on the Government Accountability Office’s High-Risk List of areas in need of attention to improve government effectiveness and efficiency. Recent cuts only compound these concerns. The chaotic dismantling of government and resulting disruptions to crucial functions like public health and disease prevention highlight the need for meaningful reform and concrete policy proposals to reimagine how government can better serve the public and be more effective, responsive and accountable. To learn more about the impact of federal cuts to public health and science more broadly, visit The Cost of Cutting American Science. Learn more For more information on the Partnership for Public Service’s government reform initiative, visit Government for a New Era. View here In line with The Cost of Cutting American Science, federal workforce data in this brief is as of February 2026
The Cost of Cutting American Science: How Federal Cuts Diminish Public Health Capacity
Among the federal government’s many responsibilities is the work it does to protect public health. Federal agencies monitor our food supply to ensure safety, conduct research to better understand emerging health threats, provide funding for public health programs in communities and work to detect and respond to disease outbreaks. Americans rely on these efforts every day—in a 2024 online survey, 74% of respondents said that “if the federal government issued safety guidance about food you eat regularly,” they would follow it. Changes to Federal Public Health Capacity The Trump administration’s efforts to reshape the federal government have resulted in significant impacts on our nation’s public health capacity over the past 20 months, affecting the response to health concerns such as measles, Ebola and cyclosporiasis. Agencies with core public health, food safety and disease prevention responsibilities experienced large workforce decreases during the first year of the administration. At the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for instance, the workforce in February 2026 was 26.7% smaller than in September 2024 before the start of the Trump administration. The Food and Drug Administration saw a similarly steep decline of 21.6%. Agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and Food Safety and Inspection Service also experienced large workforce decreases. (function(){function e(){window.addEventListener(`message`,function(e){if(e.data[`datawrapper-height`]!==void 0){var t=document.querySelectorAll(`iframe`);for(var n in e.data[`datawrapper-height`])for(var r=0,i;i=t[r];r++)if(i.contentWindow===e.source){var a=e.data[`datawrapper-height`][n]+`px`;i.style.height=a}}})}e()})(); Changes can also be seen in crucial public health occupations. The number of federal food inspectors, for example, decreased by more than half between September 2024 and February 2026, going from 1,035 to 473. This is the lowest number of food inspectors employed by the federal government since at least 2005. By February 2026, there were also 33.3% fewer federal public health program specialists, whose work includes advising federal funding recipients on public health activities and analyzing the effectiveness of public health programs. Government’s capacity is diminished as employees with specialized knowledge and experience in protecting the public and responding to health risks depart, leaving agencies less prepared to carry out their public health missions. There also have been vacancies in critical high-level leadership positions at public health agencies, most notably at the CDC, which had a permanent Senate-confirmed director for less than a month between January 2025 and early August 2026. Although the CDC has previously been led by acting directors at the start of an administration, the nearly yearlong gap since the departure of the administration’s first permanent director in August 2025 is without precedent. As of August 2026, the FDA is also currently without a Senate-confirmed commissioner following the previous commissioner’s resignation in May 2026. Additionally, public health agencies are experiencing increased politicization of their leadership ranks. In agencies such as the CDC and Food Safety and Inspection Service, the number of individuals in the Senior Executive Service—the most senior career leaders in government—has declined significantly, while at the same time the number of political appointees has reached record levels. (function(){function e(){window.addEventListener(`message`,function(e){if(e.data[`datawrapper-height`]!==void 0){var t=document.querySelectorAll(`iframe`);for(var n in e.data[`datawrapper-height`])for(var r=0,i;i=t[r];r++)if(i.contentWindow===e.source){var a=e.data[`datawrapper-height`][n]+`px`;i.style.height=a}}})}e()})(); (function(){function e(){window.addEventListener(`message`,function(e){if(e.data[`datawrapper-height`]!==void 0){var t=document.querySelectorAll(`iframe`);for(var n in e.data[`datawrapper-height`])for(var r=0,i;i=t[r];r++)if(i.contentWindow===e.source){var a=e.data[`datawrapper-height`][n]+`px`;i.style.height=a}}})}e()})(); At the CDC, for example, the number of career SES decreased 42.9% between December 2024 and February 2026, while the number of non-Senate confirmed political appointees at the agency was six times larger than the agency’s historical average from 2009 and 2024. Knowledgeable career leaders are integral to the ability of public health agencies to carry out their work with scientific integrity and professional judgment, and rapid leadership turnover and increased politicization threaten agencies’ ability to make evidence-based decisions to protect our health. The upheaval and politicization in public health agencies have also negatively affected employee engagement. Strong employee engagement is crucial to the ability of agencies to carry out their mission and successfully provide essential services to the public. In the 2025 Public Service Viewpoint Survey conducted by the Partnership for Public Service, the Department of Health and Human Services—which encompasses major public health agencies such as the CDC and FDA—had an employee engagement and satisfaction score of 20.4 out of 100, one of the lowest among large agencies. Only 2.8% of HHS employees indicated trust in their political leaders and only 8.7% reported confidence that they could report a suspected violation of law or regulation without retaliation. Employees at HHS also reported that the agency’s ability to provide services to the public had suffered. Nearly half of employees at HHS, 47.5%, said their work unit was worse at delivering quality services compared to its performance in 2024. In addition, 57.8% said their work unit was performing worse at fulfilling stakeholder needs. In addition to the work done within federal agencies, the federal government also distributes significant funding for public health and disease prevention work to state and local governments, nonprofits and small businesses—funding which has been significantly disrupted. At the CDC, for example, there was a 71.9% decrease in the amount of project grant funding issued in fiscal year 2025 compared to fiscal year 2024. The FDA also issued far less funding in fiscal year 2025—a 21.3% decrease from its fiscal year 2024 funding. Changes in federal funding include the ending of grants to community organizations that worked on HIV prevention and the cancellation of funding for research into improvements to patient safety and healthcare quality. These changes go beyond federal agencies to impact the broader public health ecosystem, including the state and local health departments responsible for much of the on-the-ground public health work in their communities. About 80% of the CDC’s domestic funding is directed towards state and local partners—meaning that cuts to CDC funding can ultimately result in cuts to state and local public health capacity. Federal agencies also provide expertise and assistance to state and local health agencies as they deal with particular health challenges, but workforce cuts have resulted in fewer federal employees available to help. The Impact of Changes to Public Health Capacity These changes to federal public health capacity are not abstract concerns. Disrupted programs, reduced funding and lost expertise at public health agencies across all levels of government threaten the public’s physical well-being and safety. In some cases, this has already led to harm. The most immediate impacts of federal cuts were seen in interruptions to ongoing public health programs and crisis responses. In one instance, when CDC grants were canceled during the 2025 Texas measles outbreak—the most severe measles outbreak in 25 years—public health officials in Lubbock, Texas were forced to pause parts of their measles response work supported by the frozen funding. Lubbock’s director of public health further said that a lack of available CDC experts to reach out to for advice “definitely” impacted the department’s response to the measles crisis. Cuts to federal funding also forced Dallas County Health and Human Services to cut staff and cancel 50 community vaccination clinics during the outbreak. Public health work outside of major outbreak responses was also disrupted. For example, in April 2025, the Milwaukee Public Health Department was unexpectedly unable to reach experts on lead poisoning due to firings at the CDC when responding to concerns about lead contamination in Milwaukee public schools. Due to federal workforce cuts, several programs at the CDC, including Alzheimer’s and epilepsy programs, have also become trapped in limbo—existing on paper, but without the staff necessary to operate. More recent crises reveal how federal cuts have weakened the public health infrastructure needed to prevent and respond to dangerous new outbreaks. Internationally, cuts at the U.S. Agency for International Development eliminated funding for disease testing and contact tracing abroad, which delayed detection of and responses to the 2026 Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. While international outbreaks may seem far removed, the unchecked spread of disease in any country can quickly pose a danger to economic well-being, security and health around the world. Within the United States, public health cuts inhibited responses to the summer 2026 outbreak of the food-borne parasite cyclospora. At the federal level, cuts to funding for lab equipment and for CDC staff with expertise in parasitic infections—including 9 out of 11 staff members at the lab responsible for identifying parasitic outbreaks in 2025— contributed to the largest reporting delay in outbreak cases at the CDC in 15 years. Conflicting communications from the FDA about the source of the outbreak, which followed cuts to the agency’s communications department, additionally led to confusion among the public about how to best avoid infection. At the same time, cuts to HHS funding and support for local and state public health slowed some health departments’ responses to the crisis. The exact costs of these delays, constraints and confusion in public health responses are difficult to estimate. However, their message is clear: federal cuts have already made containing threats to public health even more of a challenge. Conclusion Protecting public health—from food safety to disease prevention—is one of the federal government’s most important missions. Dramatic and haphazard cuts to federal agencies and funding have already disrupted the public health system, impacting the response to challenges such as measles, lead poisoning and cyclosporiasis. The U.S. public health system needed improvement before these disruptions. Since 2022, federal leadership and coordination in response to public health outbreaks has been on the Government Accountability Office’s High-Risk List of areas in need of attention to improve government effectiveness and efficiency. Recent cuts only compound these concerns. The chaotic dismantling of government and resulting disruptions to crucial functions like public health and disease prevention highlight the need for meaningful reform and concrete policy proposals to reimagine how government can better serve the public and be more effective, responsive and accountable. To learn more about the impact of federal cuts to public health and science more broadly, visit The Cost of Cutting American Science. Learn more For more information on the Partnership for Public Service’s government reform initiative, visit Government for a New Era. View here In line with The Cost of Cutting American Science, federal workforce data in this brief is as of February 2026
Springfield Health Department partners with Big Y for free vaccine clinics
The Springfield Department of Health and Human Services and Big Y Pharmacy have partnered this season to offer vaccine clinics for community members.
HHS announces $383 million investment in mental health, crisis services
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced over $383 million in SAMHSA grants to expand the 988 Lifeline, crisis teams, and rural healthcare.
HHS Announces Key Leadership Selections at FDA to Promote Innovation, Reform, and National Health Priorities
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services today announced the selection of four senior leaders at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
HHS Awards More Than $380 Million to Strengthen America’s Behavioral Health System on 988 Day
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, announced on 988 Day that the agency has awarded $383.4 million in grants.
HHS Awards Over $225 Million to Improve Head Start Nutrition, Facilities and Services
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Administration for Children and Families, announced over $225 million in Head Start supplemental awards.
ABC11 Local Spotlight: NC Department of Health and Human Services
ABC11 Local Spotlight: NC Department of Health and Human Services
Proposed Changes to Head Start Undermine Its Role in Promoting Child Nutrition and Healthy Eating - Food Research & Action Center
Published September 8, 2026 For more than 60 years, Head Start has supported young children during their most important phase of growth and development. For families with limited resources, Head Start is a trusted source of care, education, nutritious meals, and health services. Despite Head Start’s long history of bipartisan support, and demonstrated success, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has a proposed new […]
Health Department urges safety and preparation during heat advisory
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services urges residents to stay hydrated, never leave children or pet in cars and limit outdoor activity.
$58M in federal funding boosts rural health training across Hawaiʻi
$45 million will go to the UH John A. Burns School of Medicine, and $13 million will go to the state Department of Health. The funds come from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Nebraska Department of Health and Human services detects two tickborne viruses
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services reported on Thursday detections of Heartland and Bourbon viruses in Nebraska.
Potential measles exposure reported at Asheville hotel, NCDHHS says
There was a measles case from an out-of-state person who traveled through Asheville in August, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services said.
North Carolina: Rabid baby goats at a mobile petting zoo prompts health warning
On Friday, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported confirmed multiple rabies cases in baby goats at a mobile petting zoo located in Iredell County. They were first notified of a potential rabies exposure among four baby goats at Farm Adventures in Harmony, North Carolina on August 27. The goats were most likely exposed to rabies by a skunk that had entered the pen where they were kept in late July. The NC State Laboratory of Public Health confirmed rabies viruses in three of the baby goats on August 28; a fourth goat was not tested but is also assumed to have been infected. Based on information gathered on August 28, it was determined that no other animals on the farm pose a risk of rabies exposure to people. Learn about rabies Anyone who had contact with baby goats from the Farm Adventures mobile petting zoo either at their location in Harmony, North Carolina, or at an off-site event, between July 28 and Aug. 27, 2026, may have been exposed while the animals were infectious. Impacted individuals should contact their local health department to determine whether medications are needed to prevent infection. Individuals are encouraged to call before visiting an emergency department or urgent care clinic to determine if treatment is needed and where it can be accessed. Known potential exposure dates and locations include: July 28: Jurney’s Assisted Living, 1942 Van Haven Drive, Statesville in Iredell County July 30: Private event in Mecklenburg County Aug. 1: Community Connections Back-to-School Bash, Breeden Amphitheater, 333 S. Main St., Lexington in Davidson County Aug. 6: Brookdale Peachtree, 2806 Peachtree Road, Statesville in Iredell County Aug. 8: Private event in Watauga County Aug. 9: Private event in Burke County Aug. 15: Masonic Picnic Grounds, 201 Poplar St., Mocksville in Davie County Aug. 16: Private event in Durham County Aug. 22: Private event in Iredell County Aug. 23: Private event in Durham County Rabies is a deadly disease that can spread from wild animals to pets and people, primarily through a bite, scratch or when infected saliva touches broken skin or mucous membranes. Human rabies infections are extremely rare in the United States. No human cases have been reported in North Carolina since 2011. Rabies is almost always fatal in mammals, including people, unless medications to prevent infections are given before symptoms develop. Symptoms can begin weeks to months after someone is exposed. Early symptoms are flu-like illness including weakness, fever or headache as well as a prickling or itching sensation where someone was bitten or exposed. In 2025, over 4,000 animals were submitted to the NC State Laboratory of Public Health for rabies testing, and of these, approximately 6% tested positive. In North Carolina the disease most often occurs in wild animals especially skunks, raccoons, bats and foxes. Outbreak News Today is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe
Four baby goats at mobile petting zoo in North Carolina test positive for rabies
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services said the petting zoo held events involving children and elderly people between July 28 and Thursday.
Healthcare costs, Medicaid cuts draw increased scrutiny from NC Democrats ahead of midterms
Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, North Carolina is expected to lose nearly $50 billion over the next 10 years, according to analysis by the NC Department of Health and Human Services. Democrats say families will be hard hit by the looming cuts.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visits Rochester to announce new autism initiative
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made autism a priority in his agency, but he consistently spreads false information about the condition, including claims that Tylenol causes it. He visited Rochester Friday to share his near autism initiative in partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Maine health department to review Medicaid oversight after Republican push
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services initiated rulemaking following a push for stricter oversight of the MaineCare program.
Measles Outbreak in Iowa
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) has confirmed 12 measles cases in Iowa with evidence of person-to-person spread. Around 5,000 exposures may have already occurred. Visit our Measles page for more information, including where exposures may have occurred.
Health officials urge precautions against mosquitoes following state’s first human EEE case in 5 years
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) confirmed the case on Wednesday. It is the first human case of EEE reported in the state since 2021.
HHS announces addition of behavioral health programs eligible for federal reimbursement
The Department of Health and Human Services Aug. 18 announced that its Administration for Children and Families has added two new peer support programs to the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse, allowing all states to claim federal reimbursement. One addition is the Family-Based Recovery program, which focuses on in-home clinical treatment for parents combatting addiction who have children ages 0-5.
HHS awards more than $96 million in behavioral health grants
The Department of Health and Human Services yesterday announced that it will award $96.7 million in grants through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for various behavioral health services.
ONC increases funding to expand TEFCA
The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology has awarded The Sequoia Project funding for the next year under its existing five-year contract to act as the Recognized Coordinating Entity implementing the nationwide Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement.WHY IT MATTERSThe Sequoia Project also received a 15% increase in funding for the next contract year, the non-profit organization said on Monday.
HHS seeks comments on collection of customer feedback for national health information exchange network
The Department of Health and Human Services Aug. 14 released a request for comments through the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT on a proposed three-year generic clearance to collect routine customer feedback on service delivery and performance related to the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement.
MetroHealth Community Health Centers Secures Federal Funding to Strengthen Community-Based Care
MetroHealth Community Health Centers (MHCHC) was among 158 organizations nationwide selected to receive funding through a $102 million investment announced Thursday, August 13, by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Health Resources and Services Administration.
Armstrong appoints senior advisor Conner Swanson to lead ND Department of Health and Human Services | North Dakota Office of the Governor
Gov. Kelly Armstrong appointed Conner Swanson to lead the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), effective Aug. 29, citing his experience with complex policy issues at both the state and federal levels and his guidance to the agency through the Governor’s Office these past two years.
HHS Secretary Kennedy in Atwater to unveil new funding opportunities for health centers
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. will visit Castle Family Health Centers in Atwater on Thursday.Secretary Kennedy
HHS Secretary Kennedy in Atwater to unveil new funding opportunities for health centers
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. will visit Castle Family Health Centers in Atwater on Thursday.Secretary Kennedy
State health officials report 906 cyclosporiasis cases since May, with 39 new since Aug. 4
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has reported 906 cases of cyclosporiasis since May, according to the latest data on their website.The
HHS Secretary declares public health emergency for wildfires in Washington
Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Aug. 7 declared a public health emergency for Washington state to address the impacts of ongoing wildfires.
MURKOWSKI CONGRATULATES INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE DIRECTOR MARK CRUZ ON SENATE CONFIRMATION
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, congratulated the Senate’s confirmation of Mark Cruz to serve as Director of the Indian Health Service (IHS) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as part of an en bloc package of nominations on August 7, 2026. “I congratulate Mark […]
MDHHS Issues Mental Health Framework Provider Enrollment and Billing Updates
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently released a final policy bulletin updating enrollment, supervision and billing requirements under the state’s Mental Health Framework.
Rural Health Transformation Program Reporting
August 5, 2026 Mehmet Oz, AdministratorCenters for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesDepartment of Health and Human ServicesAttention: CMS-10949P.O. Box 8010Baltimore, MD 21244-8010 RE: Rural Health Transformation Program Reporting Dear Administrator Oz: The Bipartisan Policy Center appreciates the opportunity to comment on CMS’s proposed Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) reporting requirements (file code CMS-10949). The work the … Continued
Governor Stein Highlights State Budget’s Investment in SUN Bucks Program at Durham Farmers’ Market
Today during National Farmers Market Week, Governor Josh Stein and Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai visited the Durham Farmers’…
Maine to award $30 million through federal rural health fund
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services said it has identified 11 rural hospitals that could participate.
Michigan reports first 2 U.S. deaths in outbreak of cyclospora
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said both people had underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by the intestinal illness and dehydration.
More than $50 million available in new rural health grants
Applications are open for a new wave of $50.5 million in Rural Health Transformation Program grants through the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services.
Nebraska issues health alert for Stanton County reservoir for Harmful Algal Blooms
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services issued a health alert for Harmful Algal Blooms at Maskenthine Reservoir in Stanton County.
CBO investigating feasibility of using healthcare fraud savings to fund Trump’s war
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office is looking into the effectiveness of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ crackdown on waste and abuse in safety net healthcare programs, and whether the efforts could effectively generate tax revenue the government could then spend elsewhere.