1. United States
2. Md.
3. Letter

Over 10,000 dedicated public health professionals at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including epidemiologists, mental health experts, and safety reviewers, have been laid off. These highly skilled individuals play a critical role in safeguarding public health and ensuring effective disease prevention and response efforts. Their expertise is invaluable, especially in the midst of a pandemic. Losing this workforce will severely undermine HHS's ability to fulfill its mission and protect the well-being of all Americans. I urge you to take immediate action to reinstate these essential employees and prioritize maintaining a robust public health infrastructure. Their continued service is vital to our nation's preparedness and security.