Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced that it is withdrawing $11.4 billion in COVID-era grants that were supporting state and local public health departments across the country.
These grants, which were originally given during the COVID-19 pandemic, funded testing, vaccinations, and emergency preparedness. Many public health leaders are now warning that this decision could weaken healthcare systems, cause job losses, and leave communities unprepared for future outbreaks.
Why Are the Funds Being Pulled?
In a statement released Wednesday, HHS said:
“The COVID-19 pandemic is over, and HHS will no longer waste billions of taxpayer dollars responding to a non-existent pandemic… We are now focusing on chronic disease and long-term health goals as part of President Trump’s vision to Make America Healthy Again.”
These grants were originally meant to support pandemic response, but many agreements were extended beyond the emergency phase to strengthen public health systems for the future.
What Were the Grants Used For?
According to HHS, the funds supported:
- COVID-19 testing and vaccination
- Hiring community health workers for high-risk groups
- Monitoring infectious disease outbreaks
- Wastewater tracking, lab testing, and public education
- Chronic disease programs like diabetes education
What Are Public Health Experts Saying?
Many health officials across the country are warning of serious consequences:
Lori Tremmel Freeman, CEO of the National Association of County and City Health Officials:
“These cuts could lead to major layoffs and affect the way we track and respond to disease outbreaks right now.”
Brian Castrucci, President of the de Beaumont Foundation:
“People will lose jobs, programs will be cut, and communities will be less safe. This decision weakens the country’s ability to handle health emergencies.”
Impact on States and Communities
Texas
Dr. Philip Huang, Dallas County Health Director, said the cuts would affect lab testing, epidemiology, and contact tracing, as well as community education programs like those for diabetes.
Minnesota
The state said it will lose $226 million in grants. Officials described the cuts as “unprecedented” and said they came suddenly, with no time to prepare.
Colorado – Mesa County Public Health
Mesa County may lose $350,000, which could lead to the loss of up to 10 employees — 12% of its workforce. This money was used for COVID-19 vaccines, respiratory disease testing, and working with schools and child care centers.
Executive Director Xavier Crockett said:
“This funding isn’t just about COVID – it supports the entire public health system that protects us daily.”