The Trump administration's aggressive budget cuts have significantly impacted the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), including the recent closure of its regional office in downtown Seattle. This decision has been confirmed by two members of Washington’s congressional delegation, drawing widespread concern over the implications for public health in the region.
The Region 10 office, located in the Columbia Center, served not only Washington but also Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska. This office played a crucial role in fostering collaboration with local organizations and academic institutions to address community health needs, as outlined by HHS. Washington Representative Suzan DelBene criticized the closure, comparing the actions of President Trump and entrepreneur Elon Musk to a "hatchet job" on HHS. She stated, “This doesn’t make America healthier or more efficient,” emphasizing the negative ramifications for public health in Washington and throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Amidst the Trump administration's ongoing plan to downsize HHS, the Columbia Center office presented a stark image of abandonment on Tuesday afternoon. Desks were left empty, stripped of personal belongings, as a custodian moved through the space with a trash barrel. According to a remaining employee, nearly all staff members received a “reduction in force” notice that day, resulting in approximately 200 job losses, as reported by U.S. Senator Patty Murray’s office.
In addition to the layoffs at the Region 10 office, another 90 employees were terminated from a Spokane research laboratory operated by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, a branch of HHS. Senator Murray described these firings as “infuriating and downright reckless,” calling for accountability in the decision-making process.
Details regarding the extent of the layoffs were minimal on Tuesday, as HHS failed to provide clear information about whether all jobs at the Region 10 office had been eliminated or if any positions might be relocated. An email from Thomas J. Nagy Jr., deputy assistant secretary for human resources at HHS, informed affected employees that they would lose access to the building. He reassured them that the layoffs were not a reflection of their personal performance, stating, “Leadership at HHS appreciates your service.”
The closure of the Region 10 office represents a significant reduction in federal support for public health initiatives in the area. This office was instrumental in promoting public health, facilitating access to affordable health coverage, preventing disease outbreaks, and enforcing civil rights protections, according to Rep. DelBene. She emphasized that the closure strips the region of essential “on-the-ground support,” leaving local health departments to confront numerous challenges without federal assistance.
In a recent announcement, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who now leads HHS, indicated plans to reduce the number of regional offices from ten to five, which includes significant layoffs of up to 10,000 professionals. These cuts encompass researchers, scientists, and healthcare professionals who have long been integral in shaping national health policies and responding to disease trends.
Furthermore, reports confirm that HHS has also closed its San Francisco-based Region 9 office, which serves several states and territories, raising alarms from former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who warned that these changes would harm vulnerable communities and exacerbate health issues across the nation.
According to Representative DelBene’s office, the closures have extended to other cities, including Boston, New York City, and Chicago, impacting services across 22 states and several U.S. territories. Senator Murray expressed grave concern over the long-term implications of these cuts, stating that they would “jeopardize Americans’ health and safety today, tomorrow, and years down the line.” The reduction in HHS presence in the Pacific Northwest marks a troubling trend in federal health policy, with potential consequences for public health that could resonate for years to come.
