Chaos and confusion characterized the recent restructuring at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which has impacted thousands of employees. Some individuals who were initially dismissed are being temporarily reinstated, while some managers remain uncertain about their current team members. With significant reductions in human resources teams, information is scarce for those receiving complex Reduction in Force (RIF) notices. This situation, as detailed in documents reviewed by NPR and interviews with various staff, many of whom chose to remain anonymous due to fears of reprisal, began in the early hours of April 1. Numerous employees discovered their termination when their security badges failed to grant them access to their office buildings.
The confusion intensified throughout the week. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. acknowledged that approximately 20% of the layoffs were mistakes, announcing plans for reinstatement. He stated that this was part of an original plan to reverse 20% of cuts due to potential errors. Among these errors was the elimination of a CDC division assisting public health departments in addressing lead contamination in water, which disrupted a significant testing project in Milwaukee schools.
Despite Kennedy’s announcement of reinstating the lead surveillance program, affected officials had not received confirmation about resuming work or reinstating their positions. In response, HHS mentioned the restructuring aimed to align with core missions, resulting in 10,000 job cuts focused on redundant administrative roles.
The National Institutes of Health saw six workers in the public records office recalled to work, although their jobs remained officially terminated. Similarly, FDA’s travel coordination staff faced rehiring under similar conditions, with their positions set to end in June. Some NIH staff had their dismissals entirely reversed, with 29 out of 82 workers, including 11 senior scientists, called back to work.
At HHS, confusion continues as some workers received warnings of potential impact without official layoff notices, causing uncertainty about employment status. The CDC experienced similar issues, with managers uncertain about the status of colleagues and various programs disrupted.
Vanessa Michener, a health communication specialist from the CDC, expressed shock at the chaotic execution of the layoffs, describing the process as random and disruptive to entire programs. In response to the restructuring, staff at HHS and beyond have resorted to crowdsourcing information on terminated positions. Workers have also shared advice recommending against premature resignation to preserve rights and potential benefits.
Additionally, HHS announced a 35% cut in contract spending, adding further challenges to the already disrupted staff. Some affected employees expressed concerns about future functionality, noting recovery would take weeks to months.
Fears extend to the future of health communications within HHS, with significant reductions in FDA’s press team and similar cuts across other health agencies. Communication staff play a vital role in public transparency, and their absence raises concerns about information flow to journalists and the public.
At NIH, where around 1,300 employees were laid off, there is significant concern about the impact on support roles crucial for scientific research. An NIH official warned of long-term consequences on infectious disease research and training, while highlighting China’s continued investment in these areas.
The department did not comment on the number of positions reinstated but is facing significant backlash and logistical challenges amid these sweeping changes.
