CDC faces criticism over reduction of key health programs—here’s what you need to know
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Recent changes at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have drawn attention from researchers, healthcare professionals, and advocates across the country.
Several long-running public health initiatives—many of which supported individuals with chronic illnesses and disabilities—have been significantly reduced or discontinued.
These included programs focused on developmental disabilities, sickle cell disease, and early hearing detection.
Understandably, the news has sparked frustration and deep concern, especially among those who rely on these services every day.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening and why it’s raising questions from families, caregivers, and health experts alike.
The impact of the cuts
According to CBS News, nearly half of the CDC’s staff working in areas related to developmental disabilities and birth defects have been laid off.
This includes research teams focused on adults with cognitive disabilities and individuals affected by sickle cell disease—a chronic blood condition that disproportionately affects Black Americans.
“These changes may disrupt public health efforts and affect people who depend on this research,” said Dr. Belinda Avalos, president of the American Society of Hematology.
She noted that cuts to these programs could lead to preventable hospitalizations and complications.
Along with the blood disorders division, the layoffs under Secretary Kennedy also removed the entire leadership team of the CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities.
The cuts extended to the center’s support staff and its Disability and Health Promotion Branch.
That branch managed a key federal database used to track adult disability rates by state, helping experts allocate resources and study trends.
A major data release was in the works to help understand why cognitive disabilities have been increasing among younger adults — but that, too, is now on hold.
Also read: Is fluoride in tap water safe? RFK Jr. raises new questions for the CDC
A current CDC official, speaking anonymously, noted, "There seems to be a step back to see developmental disabilities, like autism, being only in childhood."
They emphasized that the branch offered crucial public health insight into disabilities in adulthood, which is the longest stage of life.
Meanwhile, the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention programs have also ended.
These efforts have been vital in ensuring nearly all US newborns are screened for hearing loss—a huge improvement compared to 25 years ago.
Also read: The USDA’s latest move—how it could shake up your food habits and grocery list
More than just numbers
The Special Olympics, which has long partnered with the CDC to provide health screenings and collect data on people with intellectual disabilities, has also seen its program cut.
Just a small number of researchers remain at the center, specifically within the agency’s Child Development and Disability Branch and the Division of Birth Defects and Infant Disorders.
Among them are researchers involved in the CDC’s autism monitoring network, which provides data that Secretary Kennedy has previously referenced when discussing rising autism rates.
Also read: Even the biggest skeptics are rethinking Measles vaccines—here’s why one major figure is urging action
What’s Next?
These changes come as the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reviews its structure, aiming to streamline operations in alignment with broader government reorganization efforts.
“HHS is following the Administration’s guidance and taking a careful look at all divisions to see where there is overlap that could be streamlined,” said HHS spokesperson Vianca Rodriguez Feliciano. “This is to ensure that HHS better serves the American people at the highest and most efficient standard.”
Some CDC staff may transition into the newly formed Administration for a Healthy America, which will take on a broader approach to chronic disease management.
However, the consolidation of specialized teams has raised questions about whether conditions like autism, cognitive disabilities, and sickle cell disease will continue receiving focused attention.
Read next: Is your Medicare coverage changing? Unveiling the latest update
Have you or a loved one relied on any of these programs? Are you concerned about what this might mean for the future of public health research and support? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Several long-running public health initiatives—many of which supported individuals with chronic illnesses and disabilities—have been significantly reduced or discontinued.
These included programs focused on developmental disabilities, sickle cell disease, and early hearing detection.
Understandably, the news has sparked frustration and deep concern, especially among those who rely on these services every day.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening and why it’s raising questions from families, caregivers, and health experts alike.
Recent CDC program cuts have sparked concern among health advocates. Image Source: YouTube / CBS Evening News.
The impact of the cuts
According to CBS News, nearly half of the CDC’s staff working in areas related to developmental disabilities and birth defects have been laid off.
This includes research teams focused on adults with cognitive disabilities and individuals affected by sickle cell disease—a chronic blood condition that disproportionately affects Black Americans.
“These changes may disrupt public health efforts and affect people who depend on this research,” said Dr. Belinda Avalos, president of the American Society of Hematology.
She noted that cuts to these programs could lead to preventable hospitalizations and complications.
Along with the blood disorders division, the layoffs under Secretary Kennedy also removed the entire leadership team of the CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities.
The cuts extended to the center’s support staff and its Disability and Health Promotion Branch.
That branch managed a key federal database used to track adult disability rates by state, helping experts allocate resources and study trends.
A major data release was in the works to help understand why cognitive disabilities have been increasing among younger adults — but that, too, is now on hold.
Also read: Is fluoride in tap water safe? RFK Jr. raises new questions for the CDC
A current CDC official, speaking anonymously, noted, "There seems to be a step back to see developmental disabilities, like autism, being only in childhood."
They emphasized that the branch offered crucial public health insight into disabilities in adulthood, which is the longest stage of life.
Meanwhile, the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention programs have also ended.
These efforts have been vital in ensuring nearly all US newborns are screened for hearing loss—a huge improvement compared to 25 years ago.
Also read: The USDA’s latest move—how it could shake up your food habits and grocery list
More than just numbers
The Special Olympics, which has long partnered with the CDC to provide health screenings and collect data on people with intellectual disabilities, has also seen its program cut.
Just a small number of researchers remain at the center, specifically within the agency’s Child Development and Disability Branch and the Division of Birth Defects and Infant Disorders.
Among them are researchers involved in the CDC’s autism monitoring network, which provides data that Secretary Kennedy has previously referenced when discussing rising autism rates.
Also read: Even the biggest skeptics are rethinking Measles vaccines—here’s why one major figure is urging action
What’s Next?
These changes come as the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reviews its structure, aiming to streamline operations in alignment with broader government reorganization efforts.
“HHS is following the Administration’s guidance and taking a careful look at all divisions to see where there is overlap that could be streamlined,” said HHS spokesperson Vianca Rodriguez Feliciano. “This is to ensure that HHS better serves the American people at the highest and most efficient standard.”
Some CDC staff may transition into the newly formed Administration for a Healthy America, which will take on a broader approach to chronic disease management.
However, the consolidation of specialized teams has raised questions about whether conditions like autism, cognitive disabilities, and sickle cell disease will continue receiving focused attention.
Read next: Is your Medicare coverage changing? Unveiling the latest update
Have you or a loved one relied on any of these programs? Are you concerned about what this might mean for the future of public health research and support? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
