The Utah Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed that they will be laying off several employees due to the unexpected termination of federal grants. The grants, which were related to COVID-19 and had $98 million remaining, were supposed to last until the end of 2026. As a result, 37 staff positions funded by these grants will end on April 11, impacting public health functions and behavioral health services.
The department’s director, Tracy Gruber, expressed regret over the early end of these positions, calling the affected staff members “public health heroes” who stepped up during the pandemic. DHHS plans to provide resources to help these employees find work within the department if they are qualified and interested.
The announcement coincides with news of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services laying off 10,000 workers and closing agencies overseeing funding for addiction services and community health centers. Utah’s unemployment rate remains at 3.2%, highlighting the economic impact of these changes.
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