Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s restructuring of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is drawing sharp criticism as it involves deep cuts to offices focused on minority and underserved populations. These changes could significantly undermine decades-long efforts to reduce health disparities across the U.S.
Key Minority Health Divisions Face Sweeping Reductions
At least seven minority health offices within HHS have been gutted, including major units within the CDC, FDA, NIH, CMS, HRSA, and SAMHSA. According to sources familiar with the matter, many of these departments have lost either all staff or a significant portion, including their directors.
This comes despite their vital roles in promoting health equity through research, access to care, and community partnerships aimed at improving outcomes for historically marginalized groups.
Experts Warn of Reversals in Health Equity Gains
Health policy scholars warn the cuts could reverse years of progress. Dr. Stephanie Ettinger De Cuba from Boston University emphasized that weakening these offices harms not only minorities but also the broader public. “It’s not a zero-sum game… people are going to get hurt,” she said.
Research shows that stronger equity in health care improves outcomes nationwide. A 2023 NIMHD-funded study estimated racial and ethnic health disparities cost the U.S. economy $451 billion in 2018 alone.
New Agency Plan Consolidates HHS Functions Amid Layoffs
Kennedy’s broader plan includes slashing 10,000 jobs and merging several agencies into a new body called the Administration for a Healthy America. This includes absorbing HRSA, SAMHSA, and others.
The proposed plan, which cuts HHS’s $1.7 trillion budget by a third, would require congressional approval. Critics say this could severely restrict the function and scope of minority health programs, many of which were authorized under the Affordable Care Act and thus cannot be eliminated outright.
Data Loss and Program Gaps Could Derail Long-Term Equity Efforts
The impact of the layoffs may not be immediate, but experts stress the long-term consequences could be severe. Samantha Artiga of KFF said that without targeted data and research, disparities become “invisible,” creating blind spots in policy design and service delivery.
Community-based organizations that depend on federal grants for localized care could be forced to shut down programs, further exacerbating inequalities. As Dr. Ettinger De Cuba noted, “Philanthropy can’t fill that void—only the government can.”
Can the U.S. Health System Afford to Gut Equity-Focused Programs?
While Kennedy argues his moves aim to streamline HHS operations, public health experts warn the opposite may occur: less efficiency, fewer safeguards, and ultimately worse outcomes for vulnerable populations. As Duke’s Nathan Boucher put it, “It’s actually an efficiency argument to keep these offices—they help us use taxpayer dollars wisely.”
