Hundreds of laid-off CDC employees are being reinstated
Whole CDC programs were essentially shut down, including some focused on smoking, lead poisoning, gun violence, asthma and air quality, and workplace safety and health. The entire office that handles Freedom of Information Act requests was shuttered. Infectious disease programs took a hit, too, including programs that fight outbreaks in other countries, labs focused on HIV and hepatitis in the U.S., and staff trying to eliminate tuberculosis.
Get Starting Point
A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday.
Enter Email
Sign Up
An estimated 200 of the reinstated workers are based in the CDC's National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Prevention, HHS officials confirmed. Staffers at a CDC lab that does testing for sexually transmitted diseases are being brought back, said one CDC employee who wasn't authorized to discuss what happened and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.
Advertisement
Also reinstated are an estimated 150 employees at the CDC's National Center for Environmental Health, including people staffing a lab that works on lead poisoning, according to the union and employees.
Layoffs at federal agencies were challenged in lawsuits, with judges in some cases ordering federal agencies to halt terminations of employees.
Advertisement
Officials at HHS have never detailed how they made the layoff decisions in the first place. And they did not answer questions about why the notices went out, or how decisions were made about who to bring back.
HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon said the agency was streamlining operations and that 'the nation's critical public health functions remain intact and effective.'
'The Trump Administration is committed to protecting essential services — whether it's supporting coal miners and firefighters through NIOSH, safeguarding public health through lead prevention, or researching and tracking the most prevalent communicable diseases,' he said.
The reinstatements don't undo the damage being done by Kennedy and the Trump administration to federal public health, said members of Fired But Fighting, a group of affected CDC workers who have helped organize rallies in Atlanta. The most recent was in the rain on Tuesday, at which some attendees called for Kennedy to resign.
'Bringing a few hundred people back to work out of thousands fired is a start, but there are still countless programs at CDC that have been cut, which will lead to increased disease and death,' one of the group's founding members, Abby Tighe, said in a statement.
This is not the first time that employees at the Atlanta-based agency were told they were being terminated only to then be told to come back. After an earlier round of termination notices went out in February, about 180 CDC employees in March were told to come back.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Journals
43 minutes ago
- Business Journals
Wake Forest's Charlotte campus redefines medical education with inaugural class
When Wake Forest University School of Medicine Charlotte opens this July, Charlotte will welcome its first class of 49 medical students to the new campus in The Pearl innovation district. The program will debut a pioneering, case-driven curriculum that immerses students in real-world patient scenarios from day one—reshaping how future physicians are trained. This campus builds on the Winston-Salem-based program and makes problem-based learning the cornerstone of its educational approach. Students and faculty at both campuses share resources, research opportunities and rotations. The connection allows students and faculty to tap into the full resources of the school across both locations, says Roy E. Strowd, M.D., vice dean for undergraduate medical education at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, who travels weekly between both sites. 'There's not that traditional lecture piece that many would be familiar with from their training,' Strowd said. 'The week starts with a case, and that becomes the springboard for self-guided instruction with faculty oversight.' The medical community's response has been unprecedented. When Strowd started recruiting for the first 30 teaching positions, he received nearly 170 applications. With enrollment expected to reach approximately 100 students per class over the next five years, the first Charlotte students will work with as many as 1,000 area physicians during their final two years of clinical rotations. expand Anatomy instruction relies on advanced tools rather than traditional cadaver labs, which allows students to learn anatomy longitudinally throughout their training rather than in isolated blocks. Students use virtual reality systems and plastinated specimens. (Plastination refers to the process of replacing water and fat in biological tissue with durable plastics.) The students also begin ultrasound instruction from day one. 'Wake Forest University School of Medicine is going to have the ability to really change the landscape of what we know about medical education,' Strowd said. The Charlotte campus' home at The Pearl sits just steps from Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, a Level I trauma and academic hospital. That proximity supports early clinical exposure through advanced technology and specialized services. The Pearl also hosts IRCAD North America, a world-renowned surgical training center providing expertise in robotics and minimally invasive surgery. Ensuring educational excellence across both locations remains a priority. The School of Medicine maintains consistent academic standards across both campuses. Graduates from Charlotte and Winston-Salem complete the same exams, residency match benchmarks and graduation requirements. Student performance in courses and phases is closely monitored and used to refine instruction. expand This expansion responds to a clear regional need. Charlotte was the nation's largest city without a four-year medical school. North Carolina also has one of the biggest rural populations in the country. The School of Medicine graduates enter primary care at high rates, and many stay in state for residencies. Once both campuses reach full enrollment, the Wake Forest University School of Medicine expects to graduate about 245 doctors per year, making it the largest medical school in the state by enrollment. The model also expands research opportunities for medical students in both cities, with students and faculty engaging in basic science work primarily in Winston-Salem and implementation-based projects in Charlotte. Character development remains central to the School's mission. Like the Winston-Salem campus, the Charlotte campus will focus on developing physicians who demonstrate intellectual humility, curiosity, compassion and courage through community integration and strategic partnerships. 'We're not reinventing what's happening in Charlotte's medical community, we're becoming integrated into what's already there and helping it grow,' Strowd said.
Business Journals
an hour ago
- Business Journals
Innovation district, The Pearl, launches in Charlotte as a blueprint for health care transformation
The Pearl has officially opened its doors, marking the launch of a transformative new model in health care. Strategically uniting leading-edge medical training, academia and the most innovative names in health technology, The Pearl is designed to ignite collaboration, catalyze economic growth and drive innovative solutions for the city, region and beyond. The Charlotte-based innovation district was created by a visionary public-private partnership led by Atrium Health, Wexford Science & Technology, LLC and Ventas. Home to the Charlotte campus of Wake Forest University School of Medicine, the city's first four-year medical school, and the exclusive North American headquarters of IRCAD, a global network of advanced surgical training facilities, The Pearl will be a global destination for medical education and research. 'We built The Pearl to unlock the next era of clinical breakthroughs by uniting the brightest minds with the most advanced technologies in modern medicine,' said Eugene A. Woods, CEO of Advocate Health, of which Atrium Health is a part. 'It's where the world's top medical technology companies will work alongside surgeons, scientists, startups and students from Charlotte's first four-year medical school with the singular goal of finding new treatments and cures. Simply put, it will be a place where excellence lives — and excellence is learned.' Over the next 15 years, the district is projected to generate more than 5,500 on-site jobs and more than 11,500 total jobs across the region, making The Pearl a catalyst for economic growth and opportunity. 'Building vibrant, amenity-rich communities that spark innovation begins by bringing together visionary people and transformative ideas,' said Thomas Osha, executive vice president of Wexford Science & Technology, the developer of The Pearl. 'Grounded in research, discovery, entrepreneurship, corporate partnership and deep community engagement, The Pearl is more than a district — it's the beginning of a bold new chapter in Charlotte's innovation story.' expand At the heart of The Pearl is the Charlotte campus of Wake Forest University School of Medicine. The school of medicine is the academic core of Advocate Health. With its first class of students starting in July, enrollment is expected to increase to 100 students per class over the next five years. 'Complete with a state-of-the-art simulation center, we're reimagining education at Wake Forest University School of Medicine for the next generation of medical professionals,' said Dr. Julie Freischlag, chief academic officer of Advocate Health and CEO of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. 'By integrating traditional learning with real-world experience and community engagement, The Pearl fosters an environment where learning extends far beyond the classroom.' Appealing to different learning styles, the school of medicine's Charlotte campus curriculum takes a unique, problem-based approach to learning, known as integrated biomedical sciences. The approach uses weekly clinical cases as springboards for students to learn foundational science and evaluate possible diagnoses, in addition to considering outside factors that may impact patient outcomes. The Pearl also is home to IRCAD North America, which includes a surgical training curriculum with the latest techniques in cardiovascular, neuro and orthopedic surgeries, among others, all of which are unique to the network. With programs set to begin in September, it's expected to draw thousands of medical professionals from across the globe annually. 'I congratulate Advocate Health on the grand opening of The Pearl, which will help provide lifesaving care to the Charlotte community and foster cutting-edge medical innovation,' said North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein. 'With an estimated 5,500 onsite jobs, The Pearl will also be a boon to Charlotte's economy, strengthen North Carolina's health care network and position our state as a global destination for advancing complex medical care.' expand The commitment to educating the next generation of medical professionals also is evident through Atrium Health's partnership with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Together, with support from other partners, they've launched a science, technology, engineering and mathematics — or STEM — program designed to help middle school students get excited about careers in health care through free learning opportunities in an on-site lab. 'This innovation district is a powerful symbol of Charlotte's commitment to creating opportunities for everyone who calls this city home,' said Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles. 'Not only does it honor our past by recognizing the rich history of Brooklyn, but it also looks to create space for inclusive growth.' Located in the area historically known as Brooklyn — once a thriving African American community that was displaced in the 1960s and 1970s — the district is designed to reflect that legacy of resilience. With exhibits that pay homage to Brooklyn's enduring legacy, The Pearl aims to be a place where people from all walks of life will feel welcome and grow together. 'This is an important milestone for our entire community,' said Mark Jerrell, chair of the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners. 'This investment has the potential to foster greater opportunities for our residents, scholars and workforce in a way that honors this community's rich history, while also paving the way for a brighter future.' The grand opening, which marked the completion of the first of three phases and includes more than 700,000 square feet of space, included walking tours, performances by local artists, a showcase of community partners and exhibits that reflect both the technological aspirations and the cultural heritage of the neighborhood. National excitement: What others are saying North Carolina Senate President Pro Tempore Sen. Phil Berger: 'The Pearl is more than an innovation district in Charlotte — it's a launchpad for North Carolina's future. By attracting world-class partners like Wake Forest University School of Medicine and IRCAD North America, as well as investing in cutting-edge innovation, The Pearl is driving economic growth, expanding opportunity and helping shape a healthier, more prosperous state. Its impact will stretch far beyond city limits — fueling talent, research and progress that benefits all North Carolinians.' Dr. L. Ebony Boulware, dean of Wake Forest University School of Medicine, chief science officer and vice chief academic officer of Advocate Health: 'As our world is changing, especially with technology advances, we are challenged to rethink everything — how we teach, how students learn and how we prepare the next generation of physicians to lead. This challenge became an opportunity. And our new school of medicine campus at The Pearl is our answer. This is a place where medicine meets technology, where education meets entrepreneurship — and where talent becomes transformation.' Rep. Destin Hall, North Carolina House of Representatives speaker: 'The Pearl stands as one of North Carolina's most significant investments in decades, delivering profound impacts both economically and in human health. By bringing Wake Forest's world-class medical school and its partnership with Atrium Health to Charlotte, they are addressing the state's critical health care needs while generating substantial economic growth and opportunity.' John Kowal, president and head of the Americas at Siemens Healthineers: 'North Carolina is an increasingly important location for our business. The combination of IRCAD North America, Wake Forest University School of Medicine Charlotte and our U.S. Experience Center within The Pearl makes it the ideal site for innovation, collaboration and improved patient care.'
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Everything you need to bike to work safely, according to experts
Biking to work is the ultimate health flex — it lets you squeeze in exercise, skip traffic and start your day energized. Research suggests that cycling may lower your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and even premature death. It's also a powerful boost for your mental well-being. I live in a beach town where traffic is bonkers. Because a mere 5-mile drive can take up to an hour in the summer, I end up biking everywhere: to work appointments, the doctor's office, restaurants, the grocery store and more. Before I start pedaling away, I always make sure my safety bases are covered. After all, nearly 1,000 bicyclists die and more than 130,000 are injured in road crashes every year in the United States, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. My dad was in a bad bike crash when I was little, making me laser-focused on doing what I can to be as safe as possible on the road, including investing in gear to keep me safe and in one piece as I zip from place to place. With that in mind, here's what bike safety experts and an emergency room doctor want you to know about making your bike commute as safe as possible — plus some gear that can help support you on your journey. Again, biking to work is amazing for your health, but there are a few things to be aware of in terms of safety. "Commuting hours can be especially dangerous, given the increased volume of drivers on the road as well as the potential for altered visibility at sunrise and sunset," says Dr. Mark Conroy, emergency medicine physician at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Along with having the proper safety gear, Conroy recommends paying close attention to your surroundings. "Ride your bike as if drivers and pedestrians do not recognize you are there. Especially at busy times, your ride should be an active process where you are paying attention and trying to anticipate the unexpected," he says. Conroy also warns about the danger of parked cars, given that you can crash into a door that someone opens unexpectedly. "Nothing can be prevented completely, but just keeping aware of newly parked cars and the potential for doors to open can hopefully cut down on some of these accidents," he says. Following traffic laws is crucial too, says Alison Dewey, director of education for the cycling advocacy organization League of American Bicyclists. "When you're on a bike, you do have an obligation to follow traffic laws and ride responsibly to keep yourself and other people on the roadway safe," she states. It's also a good idea to stick to specialized bike areas when you can, recommends Martina Haggerty, vice president of infrastructure at PeopleForBikes, a nonprofit that supports bike safety. "When people can ride on bike paths, protected bike lanes or on slow streets that are truly connected, they don't have to rely solely on their reflexes to stay safe," she says. Dewey agrees, adding, "Protected bike lanes are a really great option. [They] can make a difference between safe riding and putting yourself in a riskier situation with traffic." And, of course, always wear a helmet. "Helmets are, by far, the most important piece of equipment outside of a bike that riders can purchase," says Conroy. Sure, you could just hop on your bike and start pedaling to work, but without the right gear, your commute might be more risky than rewarding. To stay safe on the road, here are a few essentials worth investing in. If you make only one purchase for your bike commute to work, make it a helmet. "A helmet keeps your head safe if you crash, fall or hit something," Dewey says, adding, "Your head is one of the most important parts of your body — you need to protect it." All helmets sold in the United States are required to meet standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. However, there's a surprising amount of variation between helmets. In other words, don't just grab the first helmet you see at the store and assume you're ready to go. At baseline, Conroy says it's crucial to find the right helmet for your head size, noting that it shouldn't be loose. Consider investing in an adjustable helmet for a more precise and snug fit. Another consideration? Price. "What drives up the price point is comfort features, like adjustability and vents," says Dewey. If you plan to ride your bike regularly, it's worth spending a little more to make sure you feel comfortable in your helmet. According to Dewey, if you'll be riding at night, dusk, early morning or in precipitation, a quality bike light is essential. Conroy agrees, adding that the farther you are from city lights, the brighter your light should be. "Additionally, there are options for flashing lights and different colors. These features can be helpful for riders to distinguish themselves, especially on more crowded roadways," he says. This one might not be a must, but it is handy to have, says Dewey. "Bells can be a nonaggressive way to help drivers and walkers recognize your presence," explains Conroy. If a bell isn't your thing, Dewey recommends making sure you're prepared to use your voice to let other people know you're approaching. Reflective gear is another one of Dewey's recommendations for alerting others to your presence. While your bike should have a white reflector in the front and a red one in back, Conroy says it's worth investing in a reflective vest, gloves or bag to improve your visibility from the sides. If you don't want to show up to work with a backpack-shaped sweat stain on the back of your shirt, consider investing in a roomy carrier. Dewey suggests considering a pannier — a bag that attaches to your bike's rear rack. "Just make sure you keep the straps tight and away from your wheels," she notes. While we're not endorsing texting while biking, having a phone holder can be helpful if you plan on using a navigation or fitness app. It's also safer than reaching into your pocket to check the time. Our top tip when shopping? Double-check that the option you choose is compatible with the diameter of your bike handles. Pop-up storms happen. While nothing will be able to fully protect you (especially your lower half) when you're biking in the rain, having a reliable rain jacket in your bag can make the difference between you being comfortable and spending your workday damp and shivering in the AC. Dr. Mark Conroy, emergency medicine physician at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Alison Dewey, director of education for the cycling advocacy organization League of American Bicyclists Martina Haggerty, vice president of infrastructure at PeopleForBikes, a nonprofit that supports bike safety Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
