WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) wrote a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., inquiring about reports indicating that nearly all of the Division of Blood Disorders and Public Health Genomics staff were put on administrative leave. The letter is cosigned by U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).

“This division oversees essential programs relied on by individuals living with blood disorders, like sickle cell disease, and could have severe consequences if eliminated. The Division of Blood Disorders and Public Health Genomics oversees the Sickle Cell Data Collection Program (SCDC), the only national public health surveillance initiative solely focused on individuals living with SCD,” the Senators wrote.

In light of these significant changes, the Senators requested answers to the following questions:

  1. On Tuesday, April 1, as part of the HHS-wide staffing reductions all but two members of the CDC’s Division of Blood Disorders and Public Health Genomics were put on administrative leave. Will HHS maintain the grants for the SCD Data Collection program?
  2. What was the rationale behind the decision to terminate CDC personnel working at the Division of Blood Disorders and Public Health Genomics?
  3. Is there a staffing or funding plan in development to ensure that the work of the Sickle Cell Data Collection Program (SCDC) continues?
  4. How will the consolidation of several agencies into the new Administration for a Healthy America impact the Health Resources and Services Administration and programs like the Sickle Cell Disease Treatment and Demonstration Program and the Sickle Cell Disease Newborn Screening Follow-up Program? Can you confirm that these two programs will be maintained? 

“The loss of these programs would undermine more than a decade of progress in building a national infrastructure for SCD surveillance, best practices and trained personnel. We ask that the administration take a careful and considerate approach to sickle cell disease programs at HHS and ensure the continuity of the government’s investment in SCD. Thank you again for your attention to this critical issue,” the Senators concluded.

To read the full text of the letter, click here.