The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued immediate stop-work notices canceling $11.4 billion in federal grants used by state and local health departments to track infectious diseases, support mental health services, monitor health disparities, and manage vaccination efforts.
The move, which began late Monday night, targets grants initially created for COVID-19 response. HHS said the pandemic’s official end justified terminating the funding, stating the grants “are no longer necessary.”
While much of the funding has been spent, the department said it intends to begin recovering funds 30 days after the notices. HHS did not specify how it would retrieve money already appropriated by Congress.
Critics, including local health officials, say the funding supported broader health needs beyond COVID, such as managing measles outbreaks and modernizing data systems. “It has a ripple effect across public health practice,” said Adriane Casalotti of the National Association of County & City Health Officials.
HHS stated it is redirecting funds to chronic disease prevention in line with President Trump’s health priorities.
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