Chicago's Department of Public Health (CDPH) has been informed that several COVID-era grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are to be terminated immediately. This sudden cessation, effective March 24, 2025, rescinds $125 million in previously awarded grant funds, affecting 22 contracts and over 100 staff positions.
Expressing concern, Mayor Brandon Johnson stated, “I am deeply concerned by this attack on funding that directly supports the health and wellbeing of our most vulnerable communities." He emphasized the importance of investing in preventative measures to safeguard communities from potential outbreaks, urging the federal government to restore the critical funds.
The funding changes have broad impacts on CDPH’s ability to prepare for and address future public health emergencies, such as measles and H5N1 avian flu. The COVID-era funds, initially allocated under the Trump Administration's CARES Act, aimed to provide public health agencies with resources to prevent long-lasting effects from pandemics like COVID-19.
CDPH Commissioner Dr. Olusimbo 'Simbo' Ige highlighted the inadequacies in public health funding exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, noting, “The COVID-19 pandemic shined a spotlight on how woefully underfunded public health was and these vital federal funds helped CDPH and other public health agencies around the nation to be better equipped to manage complex health challenges that impact Chicagoans."
The loss of funding restricts CDPH's ability to conduct critical investigations related to surveillance data and immunization coverage, impacting the prompt response to outbreaks in various settings, including schools and healthcare facilities. Communities may face a reduction in immunization clinics, decreased monitoring of infectious diseases, and diminished preventative measures against disease spread in congregate settings like nursing homes and schools.
CDPH is collaborating with other government agencies to fully assess the impact of these cuts on public health efforts and the vulnerable communities they serve.