Government Cuts & Changes Alarm Pediatric Cancer Community

Policy
Written By Steve Wosahla
 

The last few months have brought substantial change to the federal government and sweeping cost cutting across federal agencies by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). On March 27th, the Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary announced a major restructuring, including laying off 10,000 employees, reducing the workforce (including voluntary departures) from 82,000 to 62,000. In addition, HHS will consolidate its 28 divisions into 15, including the creation of a new Administration for a Healthy America (AHA).

The cuts and terminations of this week became dramatically real across the Department of HHS as reductions in force (RIFs) were reported at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). As an example, we understand that the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), where we have been successful in securing funding for several survivorship studies, has just lost significant staff. In addition, FDA has lost many senior leaders responsible for developing drug development strategies, leaving it in disarray.

The continuing efforts to cut government oversight of vital research and programs will mean delays in safe, effective treatments being developed and coming to market. As we recently published, we stand with the broader healthcare community in opposing any changes that threaten the long history of stable, uninterrupted, and robust federal support for cancer research.

All of us in the patient advocacy community will need to forge ahead and keep the focus on better treatment and care for cancer patients and the lifetime needs of the country’s more than 500,000 childhood cancer survivors.

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Steve Wosahla

Steve Wosahla | Chief Executive Officer
swosahla@childrenscause.org

As the Chief Executive Officer of Children’s Cancer Cause, Steve is responsible for the strategic management and operations of the nation’s preeminent childhood cancer policy organization.  

Steve identifies and advances issues that will improve the treatment and lives of childhood cancer patients and their families with Congress, the Administration, federal agencies and state governments.  He is also responsible for ensuring that families have the opportunity to participate as advocates in the policy process.

In his three decades of executive leadership at health organizations and nonprofits, including positions with the American Diabetes Association, HopeLink, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Wosahla has demonstrated steady, effective leadership and an aptitude for creating value-added partnerships. Prior to joining the Children’s Cancer Cause in 2020, Wosahla served as Vice-President of Corporate Alliances & Solutions for the American Cancer Society.

Steve can be contacted on any questions concerning organizational management, public policy positioning or program development.

https://www.childrenscancercause.org/team
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