BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Department of Health says no employees have been laid off because of the federal government cancelling grants.
“HHS is assessing the impact on specific roles that are funded fully, or partially, by rescinded grants. We want to assure North Dakotans that the agency continues to deliver services that support health and well-being,” North Dakota Department of Health Interim Commissioner Dirk Wilke said.
The Minnesota Department of Health says 170 employees have been laid off because their positions were funded by $220 million in recently terminated federal grants.
MDH adds notices will be going out to 300 staff at-risk of layoffs because of seniority rules around layoffs. Nearly 20 employees scheduled to start with the department in the last week have had their offers rescinded.
MDH says layoffs will impact the state’s response to measles and bird flu, wastewater surveillance, the state’s public health laboratory, community clinics and vaccination efforts. They will also reduce support for nursing homes including HVAC upgrades and staff training around disease prevention.
