On today’s special edition of Closer Look with Rose Scott, we’re joined by a roundtable of former employees of the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since taking office for a second time, the Trump Administration has reportedly committed to cutting 10,000 federal employees from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The mass layoffs began April 1st, with a projected reduction of 2,400 workers at the CDC. That’s about 18% of the staff, reportedly impacting some of the agency’s vital research and health provisions. Today, we ask our panel of professionals about the mass layoffs and how it could impact the work of the CDC and your health.

On today&rsquo;s special edition of <a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">Closer Look with Rose Scott</a>, we&rsquo;re joined by a roundtable of former employees of the Atlanta-based <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/index.html">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>. Since taking office for a second time, the Trump Administration has reportedly committed to cutting 10,000 federal employees from the <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/">U.S. Department of Health and Human Services</a>. The mass layoffs began April 1st, with a <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/04/05/g-s1-58312/hhs-layoffs-rif-cdc-fda-nih">projected reduction of 2,400 workers at the CDC</a>. That&rsquo;s about 18% of the staff, reportedly impacting some of the agency&rsquo;s vital research and health provisions. Today, we ask our panel of professionals about the mass layoffs and how it could impact the work of the CDC and your health.

"Closer Look with Rose Scott" brings you the issues that impact where we live, how we interact, and how we can all thrive. It’s not just about Atlanta; it’s a program for Atlanta. Rose connects with community leaders, CEOs, policymakers, and people who don't often get a platform, and she brings you in on the conversation.

"Closer Look with Rose Scott" brings you the issues that impact where we live, how we interact, and how we can all thrive. It’s not just about Atlanta; it’s a program for Atlanta. Rose connects with community leaders, CEOs, policymakers, and people who don't often get a platform, and she brings you in on the conversation.