![]()
Dear ACOEM Members,
We are deeply concerned about the recent staffing reductions at agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). We are reaching out to provide you with an important update.
In the wake of these reductions, many of you have expressed concerns about the specialty of occupational and environmental medicine (OEM), the residency pipeline, and even the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) itself. The current climate is tenuous, and we want to keep you informed about the facts as we understand them.
What We Know
The staff cuts will impact the administration of nearly all NIOSH programs. However, it is unclear whether the cuts will affect current or future OEM residency funding provided through NIOSH.
We understand that two key NIOSH programs—the World Trade Center Health Program and the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program—remain unaffected, and a limited number of Public Health Service officers are being retained.
Our Response
This news strikes the heart of the ACOEM community, and we acknowledge the impact on medical professionals and scientists affected by these administrative changes. Your professional contributions are critical to the health and safety of workers across the country and the communities you serve.
ACOEM values the dedication of all members, the health and safety of workers, and the creation of safer environments for all. Given the critical nature of our work, ACOEM’s Executive Committee convened an emergency meeting today to discuss immediate actions in response to this news. We are actively monitoring developments, gathering insight from Capitol Hill through the Council on Government Affairs (COGA), collaborating with allied associations, and engaging directly with policymakers to safeguard funding for NIOSH and residency programs.
Actions Taken
1. Policymaker Engagement
ACOEM has contacted all members of Congress with oversight of HHS, including NIOSH, to express concern and request clarity regarding the ongoing restructuring and reported departmental cuts. Of particular importance are the potential impacts on critical NIOSH programs, including those that support our OEM residency training programs. We have and will continue to offer the expertise of ACOEM and our members as a resource to assist congressional leaders as they assess and respond to the potential impacts of these developments.
2. Collaborative Advocacy
ACOEM will partner with allied associations, including the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), the National Safety Council (NSC), and others in the Intersociety Forum (ISF) to present a unified response and amplify our advocacy against these proposed cuts.
3. Member Mobilization
We will provide talking points soon to help you contact your congressional representatives and senators, highlighting the importance of OEM and NIOSH.
Next Steps
ACOEM leadership and COGA will continue working with allied organizations and our advocacy consultants, Cascade Associates, to identify reliable sources of information. We will keep you informed through regular communication. Please watch for future updates on this topic.
This situation is certain to be a topic of discussion at AOHC later this month. If these recent events impact your ability to join us at AOHC, please contact Craig Sondalle, ACOEM CEO, at craig@acoem.org.
ACOEM is steadfastly committed to advocating for our members and our medical specialty, recognizing that our work directly impacts the health and safety of millions of workers every day.
Thank you for standing with us to protect the future of occupational and environmental medicine!
Sincerely,
Tanisha Taylor, MD, MPH, FACOEM
ACOEM President