United States: The federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) cuts will cost Washington state more than USD 150 million in funding.
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Washington Attorney General Nick Brown parallelled the moves of 24 other states by filing a Tuesday lawsuit against HHS funding cuts, which alleges an immediate termination of USD 11 billion in public health funds violates the law.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as Secretary of Health, revealed his intent to convert HHS into the new Administration called the Administration for a Healthy America, which aims to achieve greater results with reduced funding.
The budget cuts affected various agencies by terminating grants along with the implementation of layoffs for 20,000 health personnel while 10,000 employees accepted retirement packages or separation benefits.
Abrupt cancellations of federal grants causing 'chaos' at WA health agencies
— @Nshrubs@mstdn.social (@NShrubs) April 1, 2025
Washington stands to lose over $150 million to public health initiatives if the grant cancellations are deemed legal. #waleg https://t.co/mHkgMZWFxl
Brown announced that the grant cancellations had introduced turmoil in state agencies that depend on these funds to implement responses for infectious diseases and emergency preparedness and mental health services, king5.com reported.
“We can’t make America healthy by spreading preventable diseases,” Brown added.
“Aside from the illegality of these actions, the administration is also choosing to neglect the biggest public health challenges, including substance abuse and mental health crises, facing our communities,” he continued.
King County notified the public last week about grant eliminations that threatened the employment positions of numerous community outreach workers.
Washington Department of Health forced to park Care-a-Van – Canceled grant funding leads to suspension of services including Grays Harbor County Public Health immunization events … https://t.co/FCPbpdFtAg pic.twitter.com/OwwJTUArmi
— Daily World (@GHDailyWorld) April 1, 2025
The Washington Department of Health terminated its mobile care clinics, designated Care-A-Vans, to offer healthcare services, vital vaccinations, and education across underserved rural communities.
The Washington State Health Care Authority risks losing its Behavioral Health Administrative Service Organizations network that delivers behavioral health services to low-income patients with severe mental illnesses and substance abuse problems, king5.com reported.
The funds originated from Congress; therefore, RFK Jr. lacks the appropriate legal authority to revoke the budget for this program. The grants received termination on March 24 due to the claim they were no longer essential.