CDC Layoffs Impact Over 1,000 Staff Amid Ongoing Restructuring

More than 1,000 employees of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) received layoff notices yesterday, October 11, 2025, as part of a broader restructuring effort within the agency.

The layoffs, described by some as a “reduction-in-force,” affect staff across multiple divisions of the CDC, with notices delivered Friday evening. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has indicated it is working to rehire some of those impacted, though the number and timeline remain unclear. This staffing reduction comes as the CDC navigates evolving public health priorities and budgetary constraints, potentially impacting the agency’s ability to respond to future health crises.

Sources familiar with the situation report the cuts are intended to streamline operations and refocus the CDC’s mission. While some positions were eliminated entirely, others are being consolidated or redefined. The agency has faced scrutiny in recent years regarding its response to various public health challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic; you can learn more about the CDC’s structure and functions on its official website.

Officials have stated the restructuring is necessary to ensure the CDC remains effective and adaptable in a changing landscape. The HHS is actively working to mitigate the impact of these changes and maintain essential public health services. For further information on federal workforce changes, see the Office of Personnel Management website.

The HHS expects to provide further updates on the re-hiring process and the long-term impact of these changes in the coming weeks.