NHC Submits Letter to Secretary Kennedy on Announcement Restructuring HHS and Key Health Agency Staff Reduction
NHC Submits Letter to Secretary Kennedy on Announcement Restructuring HHS and Key Health Agency Staff Reduction (PDF)
March 31, 2025
The Honorable Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Secretary of Health and Human Services
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
200 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20201
Dear Secretary Kennedy:
The National Health Council (NHC) expresses deep concern over the recent reorganization of key health agencies and staff reductions announced by your department. These changes threaten to disrupt critical programs and services that millions of Americans rely on for their health, well-being, and independence. As an organization that represents the entire healthcare spectrum, the NHC, like HHS, is committed to ensuring that the voices of patients are prioritized.
We respectfully request a meeting to discuss these concerns in greater detail and explore solutions that emphasize transparency and protect the voices of patients and nonprofit health organizations in health policy decisions. Additionally, we would welcome discussions on mutual areas of interest, including chronic conditions, improving nutrition, pediatrics, advancements in research, and ensuring the affordability and accessibility of care.
Created by and for patient organizations over 100 years ago, the NHC brings diverse organizations together to forge consensus and drive patient-centered health policy. We promote increased access to affordable, high-value, equitable, and sustainable health care. Made up of more than 180 national health-related organizations and businesses, the NHC’s core membership includes the nation’s leading patient organizations. Other members include health-related associations and nonprofit organizations including the provider, research, and family caregiver communities; and businesses and organizations representing biopharmaceuticals, devices, diagnostics, generics, and payers.
At a time when public health challenges are increasingly complex, the restructuring of essential health agencies and associated staff reductions risk undermining the capacity to effectively address urgent health matters. Areas of particular concern include chronic disease prevention, public health education, patient access to quality care, and continued advancement in health research.
The loss of experienced staff and institutional knowledge could severely limit our nation’s ability to respond promptly and effectively to emerging health crises and sustain ongoing health priorities and programs, which are vital to the well-being of the American people.
Given the significant potential impact these changes may have on patient care and public health, we strongly urge reconsideration of these actions. We call for increased transparency in decision-making and call for a collaborative approach that prioritizes patient health and safety.
Thank you for your attention to these critical matters. We look forward to collaborating with you to ensure patient needs remain central to HHS’s mission of improving the quality of life for all Americans.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Kimberly Beer, Senior Vice President, Policy & External Affairs at kbeer@nhcouncil.org.
Sincerely,
Randall L. Rutta
Chief Executive Officer
NHC Submits Letter to Secretary Kennedy on Announcement Restructuring HHS and Key Health Agency Staff Reduction
03/31/2025
NHC Submits Letter to Secretary Kennedy on Announcement Restructuring HHS and Key Health Agency Staff Reduction (PDF)
March 31, 2025
The Honorable Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Secretary of Health and Human Services
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
200 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20201
Dear Secretary Kennedy:
The National Health Council (NHC) expresses deep concern over the recent reorganization of key health agencies and staff reductions announced by your department. These changes threaten to disrupt critical programs and services that millions of Americans rely on for their health, well-being, and independence. As an organization that represents the entire healthcare spectrum, the NHC, like HHS, is committed to ensuring that the voices of patients are prioritized.
We respectfully request a meeting to discuss these concerns in greater detail and explore solutions that emphasize transparency and protect the voices of patients and nonprofit health organizations in health policy decisions. Additionally, we would welcome discussions on mutual areas of interest, including chronic conditions, improving nutrition, pediatrics, advancements in research, and ensuring the affordability and accessibility of care.
Created by and for patient organizations over 100 years ago, the NHC brings diverse organizations together to forge consensus and drive patient-centered health policy. We promote increased access to affordable, high-value, equitable, and sustainable health care. Made up of more than 180 national health-related organizations and businesses, the NHC’s core membership includes the nation’s leading patient organizations. Other members include health-related associations and nonprofit organizations including the provider, research, and family caregiver communities; and businesses and organizations representing biopharmaceuticals, devices, diagnostics, generics, and payers.
At a time when public health challenges are increasingly complex, the restructuring of essential health agencies and associated staff reductions risk undermining the capacity to effectively address urgent health matters. Areas of particular concern include chronic disease prevention, public health education, patient access to quality care, and continued advancement in health research.
The loss of experienced staff and institutional knowledge could severely limit our nation’s ability to respond promptly and effectively to emerging health crises and sustain ongoing health priorities and programs, which are vital to the well-being of the American people.
Given the significant potential impact these changes may have on patient care and public health, we strongly urge reconsideration of these actions. We call for increased transparency in decision-making and call for a collaborative approach that prioritizes patient health and safety.
Thank you for your attention to these critical matters. We look forward to collaborating with you to ensure patient needs remain central to HHS’s mission of improving the quality of life for all Americans.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Kimberly Beer, Senior Vice President, Policy & External Affairs at kbeer@nhcouncil.org.
Sincerely,
Randall L. Rutta
Chief Executive Officer