CDC Firings Endanger the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Key Takeaways:

• CDC employees essential to NHANES operations were let go.
• The American Society for Nutrition is demanding the Administration rescind these firings.
• The move endangers a national survey monitoring health and nutrition.
• The story comes from Newswise, published on October 16, 2025.

The Firings in Focus

Recent firings at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) have raised widespread concern. According to the American Society for Nutrition (ASN), the work of these dismissed employees is critical to running the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a key resource for understanding the nation’s health.

A Crucial National Survey at Risk

“CDC Firings Endanger the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey,” reads the title of the original news piece, setting a stark tone. NHANES polls and examines diverse segments of the U.S. population to track health and dietary trends, relying on specialized staff with the necessary expertise to interpret data and ensure its reliability.

ASN’s Call to the Administration

In its statement, the ASN urges the Administration to “immediately rescind the firings” of these CDC NCHS employees. The group emphasizes that rescinding the decision is vital to preserving the integrity of NHANES. While the full ramifications of the staff losses remain unspecified in the available content, ASN’s urgent appeal highlights the survey’s potential vulnerability in collecting timely, accurate health data.

What Lies Ahead

Without a swift reversal of the firings, NHANES may face disruptions that hinder its ability to examine key nutrition and health indicators. The American Society for Nutrition insists that these employees’ knowledge and expertise are essential, underscoring the broader implications for public health if the survey’s work is compromised.