American Lung Association: Proposed HHS Reductions Will Undermine Lifesaving Health Protections

Today, Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announced a significant restructuring of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including the elimination of thousands of roles dedicated to protecting the public’s health. In response, Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association, issued the following statement: 

“The American Lung Association’s mission is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease—and we rely on a strong public health infrastructure to help make that possible. The proposed reductions in HHS staffing and functions come at a time when our nation continues to face an epidemic of chronic lung diseases, including asthma, COPD, and lung cancer.

“Eliminating thousands of public health positions puts at risk the critical work that helps prevent chronic and infectious disease and ensure access to timely health data and resources. These changes, combined with recent reductions across public health and environmental agencies, would slow progress in improving health outcomes and leave communities more vulnerable.

“We urge Congress to ensure that any changes to public health agencies support the health of everyone in this nation.”