CDC Environmental Health Experts Reinstated Amid Partial Rollback of HHS Restructuring

In a significant reversal, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has rescinded layoff notices for hundreds of employees, sparing key personnel at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Earlier this year, HHS announced plans to place over 10,000 employees on administrative leave, with intentions to lay off 2,400 CDC staff, including the entire environmental health division. This division oversees critical programs on climate, water, food safety, lead exposure, air pollution, and emerging hazards.
However, HHS recently sent letters rescinding reduction-in-force (RIF) notifications to more than 450 employees, including some within the National Center for Environmental Health. Division Director Erik Svendsen announced the reinstatement on LinkedIn, thanking supporters for their solidarity during a "difficult time." Svendsen expressed optimism about resuming vital public health work.
This partial rollback marks a significant shift in HHS's restructuring efforts, which had raised concerns about the future of environmental public health programs in the U.S.

Published: 6/12/2025