The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) is deeply troubled by the significant reductions in force announced across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) yesterday. These cuts impact agencies such as the Administration for Community Living, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Food and Drug Administration, Health Resources and Services Administration, and National Institutes of Health.
These cuts will have deep and lasting negative repercussions on the lives of all Americans. The loss of highly qualified subject matter experts, and the programs they oversee, is harmful to our long-term health and economic well-being, and undermines the nation’s global leadership position in the health and science arenas.
“The nation is weakened by these sweeping and capricious workforce cuts, in addition to the slashing of essential programs and life-saving research funding,” said GSA CEO James Appleby, BSPharm, MPH, ScD (Hon). “Drug discoveries will take longer; finding cures for diseases that impact us all, like Alzheimer’s and cancer, will take longer; and supports and services for older adults like nutritious meals, family caregiving resources, and transportation services for medical appointments will be compromised.”
For example, through congressionally approved funding, the work of dedicated staff across HHS agencies, and insights from experts across the country, we are beginning to understand the multi-faceted complexities of brain health. This has led to better ways to reduce our risk of Alzheimer’s disease, slow its progression, provide services for people living with Alzheimer’s, and support their families and caregivers. This progress will be stymied by the drastic cuts made yesterday.
GSA urges the administration to consult and engage with organizations serving the communities of interest affected, to prevent unintended negative consequences and safeguard everything that supports the well-being of all Americans as we age.