Major Workforce Reduction and Agency Consolidation

In a bold move to streamline operations, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has unveiled plans to eliminate 10,000 federal jobs. This decision, as reported by the Wall Street Journal, is part of a comprehensive effort to consolidate agencies and reshape the department's structure.

Impact on HHS Workforce

When combined with earlier voluntary departures, this initiative will reduce the HHS workforce by a significant one-quarter, leaving the department with 62,000 employees. Among the key changes are the closure of five out of ten regional offices and the centralization of operations such as HR, procurement, and policy planning.

Realigning with Core Mission

Kennedy, a vocal critic of the agency's pandemic response and vaccine policies, aims to "realign the organization with its core mission." To this end, a new division named the Administration for a Healthy America will be established. This division will centralize programs focused on addressing chronic diseases and providing health resources to low-income populations.