SEATTLE — Public Health – Seattle & King County officials are sounding the alarm after several of the agency’s critical federal grants were suddenly terminated this week—part of sweeping cuts unveiled by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
On a Friday morning press call led by U.S. Senator Patty Murray, local public health leaders warned of the serious consequences stemming from RFK Jr.’s restructuring of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The overhaul includes massive layoffs—reportedly around 10,000 employees—and the closure of several federal health agencies. Kennedy has said the goal is to “do more with less,” but public health professionals say the real impact will be devastating.
Approximately $11 billion in funding allocated to support public health in cities and counties across the nation has been rescinded, including grants vital to services in Washington state.
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Dr. Faisal Khan, Director of Public Health – Seattle & King County, revealed during the call that his agency had three federal grants pulled earlier this week without warning. These grants supported dozens of community health workers who help connect vulnerable populations with vital resources. Their future is now in jeopardy.
“These workers are not just employees—we’ve spent years training them and placing them with trusted community partners,” Dr. Khan said. “If these roles vanish, we can’t just snap our fingers and rebuild. The damage could be long-term.”
Other public health experts who joined the call—former staff from the FDA, NIH, and CMS—echoed Khan’s fears. They warned that the mass exodus of experienced professionals due to job uncertainty will leave gaps in the nation’s ability to respond to health crises.
“These people aren’t easily replaced,” Khan added. “They’re specialized, deeply embedded in our communities, and if they’re forced to leave public health, the consequences will be felt for years.”
Dr. Khan also raised concerns about King County’s ability to manage current and future outbreaks. He cited the ongoing measles outbreak in the U.S., noting that a single recent case involved tracking more than 300 close contacts. The elimination of grant-supported positions threatens the region’s ability to respond effectively to such emergencies.
“As of now, we’re hoping for a reversal of this decision,” Khan said. “But realistically, we’re staring down the dismantling of a system we’ve taken decades to build.”
Public Health – Seattle & King County is now evaluating next steps and assessing the broader impact the funding cuts will have on its services. For now, officials warn that the public may soon feel the consequences of a severely weakened health infrastructure.
