1A ICYMI: A Quarter Of HHS Workforce Lost Due To Cuts
Apr 3, 2025
Carolyn Johnson, a science reporter for The Washington Post, breaks down the significant layoffs at the National Institutes of Health and other key agencies like the FDA and CDC. She highlights the staggering impact on the federal workforce, with 10,000 positions cut this year alone. The discussion delves into how these reductions threaten critical biomedical research and future medical advancements, leaving many researchers disheartened. Johnson also addresses leadership changes at the NIH and their implications for the future of health research in the U.S.
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Haphazard Layoffs at NIH
- NIH employees experienced a chaotic layoff process, with some finding out upon arrival at work.
- Others discovered their fate through emails, leading to emotional scenes and uncertainty.
Reassignment as Removal
- Senior leaders at NIH, including Jeannie Mirazzo, faced reassignment to remote locations like Alaska and Montana.
- These reassignments were perceived as a tactic for removal rather than genuine offers.
Layoff Impacts on NIH Operations
- Layoffs targeted administrative staff at NIH, aiming to centralize functions for efficiency.
- However, concerns arose regarding scientists' ability to acquire lab supplies and the overall short-term functionality.