Trump Administration Slashes $425 Million in Health Funding in Virginia

Congresswoman Jen Kiggans Silent as Constituents Lose Healthcare

Virginia Beach, VA – The Department of Health and Human Services has abruptly canceled over $12 billion in federal grants that states rely on to track infectious diseases, provide mental health care, and address urgent public health challenges. This comes in the midst of growing measles outbreaks and rising mental health and addiction challenges across the US and in Virginia.

These drastic cuts will come at a steep price for the Virginia Department of Health, which will lose up to $425 million in grant funding, leading to mass layoffs and cancellation of ongoing projects related to infectious disease testing and initiatives addressing health disparities in high-risk communities.

“The Virginia Department of Health is already underfunded, and families in Hampton Roads are already struggling to access basic health services. The Administration has made their priorities clear – these cuts to basic services are happening so that billionaires can get another round of tax giveaways,” said Emily Yeatts, Affordable Virginia Campaign Director. “Rep. Kiggans has a choice: protect the health and safety of her constituents or keep siding with billionaires. We urge her to speak out and oppose these cuts.”