The move, the department has said, is expected to save $1.8 billion from the agency’s $1.7 trillion annual budget — about one-tenth of 1%.
This story has been corrected to show the savings is about one-tenth of 1%, not about 1%.
Good stuff AP, fixing their mistake and lampshading the idea that this has anything to do with budget.
Dismantling the Department of Health for a savings of ~0.1% will surely help all of the people suffering in debt or without treatment from the American healthcare system.
If you're a federal worker, please, do your best to force them to walk you out the door. Work together. If we get real lucky and things turn around, many of you will have one hell of a class action lawsuit on your hands. Talk to lawyers. Sue for wrongful termination, discrimination, etc.
Everyone else, but especially healthcare workers - talk to your unions and associations! If you don't have one, join or start one! Show up to the meetings! Doctors, nurses, aides, many of you are already organized around your shared interests. Take advantage of that.
The system was broken from the start but it took a beating during the pandemic. Many of you have seen how things have gotten worse than they were.
With leadership like this, it's only downhill. Less staff and support. More desperate, angry, or misinformed patients. ICE agents on the unit, police interrogating miscarriage survivors and OBGYN staff, medication and supply shortages even if we don't see a second pandemic.
Talk to each other, talk to your reps and your leaders and your politicians. Stay safe and stay strong.