New: A 64-page HHS restructuring proposal outlines sweeping cuts to US public health.
Here it is, in its entirety.
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Earlier today, Inside Medicine published a screenshot showing what appears to be a draft of a massive reorganization at HHS, including major cuts to critical public health infrastructure. Shortly before that, The Washington Post also reported on the existence of a 64-page document outlining major budget cuts. It turns out that the first two pages of that document were the screenshot I shared. Because they are the same document (which is now confirmed), both the screenshot and the remainder of the 64-page document have now been authenticated by the Post.
Anyway, here’s the whole damn thing, first in Inside Medicine12:
Have at it. Take a look and let’s discuss. If you’re a public health expert or a federal employee with knowledge or insight on any of this, please either contribute to the Comments section below, or contact me via email or on Signal at InsideMedicine.88. As always, anonymity is always assured.
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I believe.
Some highlighting was added in by me to obscure original changes to the document.
My quick reaction: this is a bloodbath. Some stunning examples:
- Complete elimination of the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (From the guy who keeps talking about chronic diseases as leading killers?)
- Elimination of the Office of Population Affairs. This funded the Title 10 program, which provides contraception for low-income and uninsured women. (So...they want poor women to have more unintended pregnancies?)
- Elimination of HIV prevention. (So, they'd rather let people get infected and pay the cost of antiviral treatment for life?)
- Elimination of newborn screening programs for genetic diseases and hearing loss. (We no longer care about saving babies from lifelong disabilities?)
The Constitution says that Congress, not OMB, writes the budget. Call you representative and send a copy of this proposed act of abject cruelty to them.
Thank you for sharing this Jeremy! I already called my congressional representative’s office and will be sharing this information with as many people as I can to get everyone taking about it!