The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) recognizes that the ongoing consolidation and funding reductions across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are intended to reduce wasteful spending and create a more efficient and responsive system. However, broad and sweeping cuts risk compromising the effectiveness and resilience of America’s public health infrastructure. While streamlining and prioritizing resources is important, it must be done strategically to avoid seriously weakening the nation’s ability to protect public health—a goal that should remain apolitical. SHEA strongly believes this reduction in force and funding cuts at HHS will undermine public health and patient safety, and should be approached with caution.
The dedicated professionals within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), serve with a profound sense of mission. Their work is not merely a job—it is a calling driven by a commitment to safeguard communities, prevent disease, and advance public health science. Reducing their ranks diminishes our nation’s capacity to prevent and respond to current and future health threats and endangers the health of our patients.
Further, these federal cuts, combined with the withdrawal of billions in public health funding for state and local health departments, erode our ability to respond effectively to current and future public health emergencies. While the COVID-19 public health emergency has ended, the need for robust local and state-level response capacity remains critical. Ongoing measles outbreaks and the persistent risk of emerging antibiotic-resistant organisms demonstrate that sustained investment is necessary to keep Americans safe and prevent avoidable harm.
SHEA urges Secretary Kennedy to approach these reductions with caution and precision, ensuring that efficiency efforts do not come at the expense of patient safety. Maintaining a well-funded, well-resourced public health infrastructure is essential to protecting the health of all Americans.
About SHEA
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) works to advance the science and practice of healthcare epidemiology and infection prevention. Founded in 1980, SHEA promotes education, research, and advocacy to improve patient care and safety. For more information, visit www.shea-online.org.
Contact: Lindsay MacMurray, lmacmurray@shea-online.org