×

Assessing Recent HHS Reductions in Force (RIF) Layoffs and Their Impact on the Hydrocephalus Community

April 15, 2025

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently implemented another round of mass layoffs, cutting approximately 10,000 positions across its regulatory, science, communications, and disease surveillance divisions. The reduction in force (RIF) efforts follow the previous workforce reductions that eliminated approximately 10,000 HHS staff members in early 2025. Staff losses span key health agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Administration for Community Living (ACL), and National Institutes of Health (NIH)—all of which play vital roles in advancing hydrocephalus research, care, and public health support.

Leaders in public health, patient advocacy, and biomedical research have expressed concern and uncertainty about the move. Significant staff reductions and the elimination of key health programs could severely impact HHS's ability to carry out core functions related to public health, disability support, and chronic disease research and assistance, including hydrocephalus-related issues.

Federal Drug Administration (FDA)

The FDA—a key agency for recent hydrocephalus innovation—experienced some of the most significant staff reductions. The FDA is responsible for protecting public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and approval of drugs, medical devices, and other health products. Approximately 3,500 employees, including key high-ranking scientists and senior reviewers across multiple divisions, are expected to or have already been laid off. These roles are critical to reviewing and approving new medical devices and therapies.

For the hydrocephalus community, this is especially concerning. The FDA’s Breakthrough Devices Program has supported the development and fast-track review of life-changing hydrocephalus technologies, including:

Without adequate staffing, the FDA’s ability to timely review and approve these and future innovations is compromised—leading to delays in treatment availability and potentially limiting access to transformative care for hydrocephalus patients.

Centers for Disease and Control Prevention (CDC)

The mass layoffs also affected the CDC, including in divisions with direct ties to conditions often co-occurring with or related to hydrocephalus. Reduction in force (RIF) layoffs within the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD) impacted the National Spina Bifida Patient Registry (NSBPR) and Spina Bifida Collaborative Care Network (SBCCN), which help track spina bifida occurrences and health outcomes. All staff within the CDC Epilepsy Program, the only public health program dedicated to epilepsy, were eliminated as well. The program works to improve seizure education within healthcare and education settings and facilitates national, state, and local grants for partners dedicated to patient awareness and support efforts.

The NCBDDD’s goal is to strengthen the understanding of disabilities and the causes of birth defects in children. They also work to integrate the needs of people with disabilities into larger health promotion programs. In addition to the Spina Bifida related cuts detailed above, the center saw the dissolution of the Disability and Health Promotion Branch, among other major staff cuts. Additionally, the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP) lost about a thirdof its staff, which has been integral in advancing preventative treatments, public health assistance, and surveillance efforts for patients with chronic conditions. The center funds state and local programs advancing strategies for disease intervention and management. Data collected by the program has been utilized to improve healthcare practices around diagnosis, treatment, and education for vulnerable Americans.

Together, these reductions limit the federal government’s ability to study, track, and respond to the complex health needs of disabled and chronic disease patients, including our hydrocephalus community.

Administration for Community Living (ACL)

More than 50% of the staff at HHS’s ACL was terminated. The ACL provides crucial grant support to programs that help the elderly and people with disabilities—including those living with hydrocephalus—remain independent and receive care in their communities. Cuts to this agency may reduce access to local services and support provided by:

  • Centers for Independent Living
  • State Disability Councils
  • Aging and Disability Resource Centers

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Approximately 1,300 NIH employees, including scientists, support, and communications staff, were laid off. Cuts impacted workers at the National Institutes of Neurological Disorder and Stroke (NINDS), where hydrocephalus receives the majority of federal NIH research funding. The administration has also ordered the agency to eliminate $2.6 billion in NIH contracts that help support research activities.

These reductions jeopardize ongoing studies into the causes, treatments, and long-term outcomes of hydrocephalus and may reduce the pipeline of federally funded innovation focused on improving quality of life for patients.

What’s Next: Reorganization and Ongoing Concerns

The RIFs represent a larger reorganization plan within the HHS, which will consolidate 28 agencies into 15 new divisions—including a proposed Administration for a Healthy America (AHA). Further staff reductions are anticipated as part of this restructuring.

While the administration has stated that the functions of eliminated programs will continue within the new structure, the Hydrocephalus Association remains deeply concerned. The loss of focused programs and staff roles dedicated to individual health topics could reduce federal attention to the unique needs of the hydrocephalus community.

Hydrocephalus Association staff will continue to monitor and assess the impact of the ongoing HHS reorganization efforts on the hydrocephalus community.

Posted in , ,