The Health Department has abruptly terminated more than half of the existing grants managed by its office dedicated to improving the healthcare of minorities, per NOTUS. This move comes as the administration shifts its focus toward new priorities, specifically targeting infertility and the promotion of exercise. These changes mean that programs previously funded to support postpartum health, cancer screenings, and suicide prevention among first responders are losing their financial backing.
The decision affects 16 county, state, and nonprofit organizations. These grants totaled $38 million over a four-year period, with the affected groups having already received two years of funding. Many of the organizations were caught off guard by the termination letters, which were sent out on August 25. These letters were signed by Eric West, the acting chief grants officer at the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, and Mahyar Mofidi, the deputy assistant secretary for minority health.
