On April 1, 2025, as part of a major restructuring of the HHS driven by Trump-era policies, mass layoffs affected numerous agencies including the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). The move, aimed at reducing administrative bloat and DEI-related spending, has raised serious concerns about worker rights and the undermining of efforts to maintain equitable, effective public health services.

Amid an HHS announcement proposing a reorganization of federal health research and service agencies that could result in severe staff and scope reductions, AHRQ is celebrated for its critical function in translating evidence-based research into practical health system improvements. The article underscores the risk to patient safety and health system efficiency if AHRQ's unique, research-driven mandate is diminished, and it calls for support to preserve this essential public resource.

Amid proposed budget cuts and the potential elimination of its dedicated funding by the Trump administration, AHRQ’s proven record in reducing hospital-acquired infections and improving patient safety is highlighted as essential for healthcare delivery.