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New York's Department of Health is laying off about 50 workers and notifying over 160 others that their programs will end early due to federal health grant cuts. The Trump administration has cut over $11 billion in health grants nationwide, affecting New York with a loss of nearly $400 million, including $360 million for the state Health Department. These funds were crucial for disease surveillance, mental health, and addiction treatment services.
New York Attorney General Letitia James, along with a coalition of 22 other states and the District of Columbia, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration. The lawsuit argues that these cuts violate federal law and jeopardize public health. James stated that the cuts could reverse progress on the opioid crisis and disrupt mental health systems. The lawsuit seeks to stop the administration from rescinding the funding and to prevent the breakdown of essential health services.
The cuts have already led to layoffs and the loss of funding for over 200 local organizations addressing food insecurity, mental health, and maternal health. Programs for LGBTQ+ and immigrant health, as well as school immunization efforts, have been halted. The lawsuit contends that the federal government lacks the authority to rescind funding that states have relied on for essential health programs.
The New York City Corporation Counsel, Muriel Goode-Trufant, emphasized the risk of collapsing public health programs due to the funding clawback. The lawsuit seeks immediate relief to maintain these critical services.