HHS Rehires Over 450 Employees from CDC

In a recent development, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has brought back more than 450 former employees who were previously let go from various departments within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These individuals hail from several divisions, including the National HIV Centre, Viral Hepatitis, STD and Tuberculosis Prevention (NCHHSTP), the National Centre for Environmental Health (NCEH), the Office of Directors (IOD), and the Global Health Centre (GHC).

This rehiring effort is a response to the significant restructuring that occurred during the Trump administration, which led to drastic layoffs—reportedly affecting as many as 10,000 workers across various health agencies. Some of these layoffs prompted subsequent actions to rehire portions of the staff, including those from notable programs like the CDC’s World Trade Center Health Program and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health.

HHS has stated that its workforce will be reduced by 10,000 positions, which is aimed at saving approximately $1.8 billion annually.

According to HHS Director Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the decision to bring back these workers was part of a broader strategy. He mentioned in an interview that while the goal was to cut 80% of the positions, certain key employees should not have been let go. “We’re going to bring them back,” he noted, suggesting this rehiring was always intended.

Among the re-employed, the NCHHSTP is seeing the largest influx, with 214 positions being restored. The NCEH stands next, with 158 employees returning. Meanwhile, the IOD is reintroducing 71, while the GHC receives the fewest, with just 24 workers being rehired.

HHS is not alone in this effort; other government agencies like the Internal Revenue Service, Food and Drug Administration, and the Housing Authority are similarly reabsorbing employees who were laid off during a push for efficiency.

Under Kennedy’s leadership, HHS asserts that it continues to ensure key public health functions remain intact. The organization emphasizes its commitment to improve the health and well-being of all Americans, while still undertaking necessary operational changes.