The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—the leading federal agencies tasked with protecting public health—are facing catastrophic budget cuts under the Trump administration’s new federal spending proposal. These changes would significantly weaken America’s ability to respond to health crises, develop medical breakthroughs, and protect vulnerable communities.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Under the proposed restructuring of the Department of Health and Human Services:

• The NIH is facing a nearly $20 billion cut, slashing its budget from over $47 billion to around $27 billion. This would eliminate or stall critical medical research, including studies on cancer, HIV/AIDS, long COVID, reproductive health, and health disparities affecting women, LGBTQ+ people, and communities of color.
• The CDC is set to lose more than $4 billion, reducing its funding from over $9 billion to $5 billion. Entire divisions, including the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, are on the chopping block. On top of this, 2,400 public health employees are slated for termination.

These cuts will dismantle essential programs that prevent and control:

• Infectious diseases: COVID-19, HIV, viral hepatitis, TB, measles, STIs
• Chronic illnesses: cancer, diabetes, heart disease
• Reproductive and maternal health
• Environmental health, immunizations, and injury prevention
• Lead poisoning, workplace safety, and more

FLORIDA NOW RESPONDS

Debbie Deland, President of Florida NOW, said: “Public health is not negotiable. This is a fight for our lives. The Trump administration’s draconian cuts to the NIH and CDC will worsen health outcomes, endanger lives, and deepen inequities. Life expectancy in the U.S. is already among the lowest of wealthy nations—and this will drive it even lower. These agencies don’t just fund research—they employ thousands, protect our communities, and lead global health responses. Gutting them is not just bad policy—it’s sabotage. We cannot be silent. We cannot allow this to stand.”

CALL TO ACTION

CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS IMMEDIATELY
Call, email, or visit your U.S. senators and representatives. Demand a reversal of these reckless cuts. Public health must be protected—for every person, in every state.

SPREAD AWARENESS
Use social platforms—Facebook, Instagram, TikTok—to inform your community. Share op-eds, blog posts, and letters to the editor. Let your voice be heard.

ORGANIZE AND VOTE
Elections have consequences. Organize locally: host teach-ins, mutual aid events, or town halls. Build coalitions across communities. Hold decision-makers accountable—and make a plan to vote. Re-enroll now to vote by mail, and encourage your network to do the same.

This is not a partisan issue—this is a national emergency. Stand up. Speak out. Act now.

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Florida NOW: Is an intersectional grassroots organization that promotes feminist ideals, leads societal change, eliminates discrimination, and protects the equal rights of all women and girls in all aspects of social, political, and economic life. We envision a Florida where all people experience true equality, equity, safety, and no community is marginalized.