Public health departments throughout the United States faced confusion this weekend when the Trump administration temporarily suspended critical funding from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Just as preparations were underway for a significant winter storm, grant recipients received notices indicating that spending on pivotal public health initiatives would be halted.
Shortly after the notifications were sent, a spokesperson for the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) confirmed to CNN that the funding pause had been lifted. Despite this announcement, many health departments reported they had not yet received formal updates from HHS. Dr. Phil Huang, director of Dallas County Health and Human Services in Texas, expressed his concern, stating, “It’s just more chaos, more uncertainty. It just interferes with our ability to provide these public health services to our community.”
HHS clarified that no grants had been terminated. The funding was paused to allow for a new review process aimed at ensuring that funds are used effectively and in alignment with agency priorities. HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon emphasized, “HHS will continue to protect taxpayer money and ensure they are used for legitimate purposes.”
The Public Health Infrastructure Grants play a vital role in supporting health departments across 50 states, Washington, DC, eight territories, and 48 large localities. As of December 2025, these grants have awarded approximately $5.1 billion—$4.7 billion of which went to 107 health departments and $382 million to national partners. The funds support essential services such as lab testing, emergency preparedness, and direct patient care.
In Dallas County, the grant amounting to over $2 million is critical for various initiatives, including disease investigation systems, vaccine management, and patient transportation. Public health officials have indicated that existing systems already track spending to ensure the funds are utilized appropriately.
The abrupt funding pause has drawn parallels to recent decisions by the Trump administration, which previously announced cuts to grants for substance abuse and mental health before reversing those actions. Chrissie Juliano, executive director of the Big Cities Health Coalition, noted that while a short pause may not have severe implications, it adds unnecessary complexity during a time of heightened emergency response. She stated, “It takes people away from preparing for helping people in the middle of a winter storm.”
Concerns linger about the stability of funding that public health agencies rely on to address local needs. Juliano emphasized the anxiety surrounding potential future cuts, saying, “It makes people question what’s coming next. Which shoe is going to drop, and what program is going to be cut?”
Brian Castrucci, president and CEO of the de Beaumont Foundation, described the Public Health Infrastructure Grant funds as a once-in-a-generation investment in staffing and training. He warned that if funding is frozen, health departments will quickly lose essential staff, including epidemiologists and outreach workers.
“Not investing in public health infrastructure after the pandemic is like defunding the military after losing a war,” Castrucci asserted. “It’s just not smart.” The situation underscores the need for steady funding and support to maintain the public health workforce, especially as communities prepare for ongoing challenges.
