The Trump administration’s decision to eliminate all probationary positions at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has resulted in the termination of half of the CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) officers, known as the agency’s “disease detectives,” among other key positions. This move, part of a broader initiative to reduce the federal workforce, has jeopardized the CDC’s ability to respond effectively to public health threats.  especially in light of ongoing outbreaks like measles, tuberculosis (TB), and bird flu. 

The workforce reduction at the CDC will lead to a weakened public health infrastructure, reduced capacity for disease surveillance, delayed research, and a diminished global health presence. These cuts, framed by the administration as a routine workforce adjustment, are actually a direct threat to public health, endangering the nation’s preparedness for health emergencies, especially in light of the current measles, TB, and bird flu outbreaks.

We are not powerless in the face of these challenges. By using our collective voices, we can advocate for a robust and resilient public health system, ensuring that the CDC remains equipped to protect our communities, detect and respond to health threats, and continue its vital research. Together, we can prevent the crippling of the CDC and the other agencies that safeguard our nation’s health security for generations to come. 

• : HRSA focuses on improving access to health care services for people who are uninsured, isolated, or medically vulnerable.

• : AHRQ is responsible for improving the safety and quality of America’s healthcare system.

• : SAMHSA leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation.

• : ASPR leads the nation’s medical and public health preparedness for, response to, and recovery from disasters and other public health emergencies.

• : ARPA-H aims to accelerate health research and development.

• : CMS administers Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

• : ACF promotes the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals, and communities.

• : ACL supports the independence, well-being, and health of older adults, people with disabilities, and their families and caregivers.

US News and World Report: HHS Is Losing Thousands of Workers Under Trump Administration Probationary Job Cuts

Published by Robin Cogan, MEd, RN, NCSN, FNASN, FAAN

Robin Cogan, MEd, RN, NCSN, FNASN, FAAN is a Nationally Certified School Nurse, in her 24th year as a New Jersey school nurse in the Camden City School District. Robin is the New Jersey Director for the National Association of School Nurses. She is proud to be a Johnson & Johnson School Health Leadership Fellow and past program mentor. Robin has been honored by multiple awards for her work in school nursing and population health. She serves as faculty in the School Nurse Certificate Program at Rutgers University-Camden School of Nursing. Robin writes The Relentless School Nurse, a popular blog. Her extensive work in school nursing was included as a case study in the National Academies of Medicine Future of Nursing 2030 report. You can follow Robin on Twitter at @RobinCogan. View all posts by Robin Cogan, MEd, RN, NCSN, FNASN, FAAN