Dallas County Health and Human Services canceled 50 immunization events for 2025 and laid off 11 full‑time and 10 part‑time staff following major federal funding cuts. This action risks reducing access to essential vaccines for vulnerable communities amid a measles outbreak, highlighting the impact of politically driven budget cuts on public health and worker security.

Due to steep federal funding cuts originally allocated for pandemic response, Dallas County Health and Human Services was forced to cancel over 50 free vaccination clinics and lay off 21 workers, potentially leaving the community vulnerable in its fight against measles outbreaks. The agency's inability to contest or mitigate these cuts has significant implications for both worker rights and community health.

Following the loss of two federal COVID-19 grants totaling $70 million—a decision driven by the Trump administration's efforts to reduce government spending—Dallas County Health and Human Services faces potential layoffs affecting up to 80 employees and a reduction in critical immunization and public health services. The department is now exploring alternative funding avenues to protect its workforce and maintain community health services.

Dallas County officials, including leaders from the Health and Human Services Department, are evaluating the potential impact of a proposed federal funding freeze initiated by the Trump administration. With about $275 million of its $350 million budget coming from federal tax dollars, the department is actively planning contingency measures ahead of the March 14 deadline for the current continuing resolution.

The Dallas County Commissioners Court approved a $120,000 settlement to resolve a sexual harassment lawsuit against former Health and Human Services chief Zach Thompson. The decision came 11 months after the department had faced serious allegations of abusive conduct and improper handling of employee grievances, highlighting long-standing issues in workplace safety and worker rights.

An accuser of fired Dallas County Health and Human Services Director Zachary Thompson alleges a pattern of coerced sexual abuse, harassment, and workplace retaliation, including adverse job changes and mishandled grievance procedures by HR, raising serious concerns about the protection of worker rights within the department.

Zachary Thompson, the director of Dallas County Health and Human Services, was removed from his position following accusations of harassment. The agency confirmed his departure and appointed an interim director, demonstrating accountability in the wake of the allegations.

Dallas County Health and Human Services removed Director Zachary Thompson following allegations of harassment, with an interim director, Ganesh Shivaramaiyer, being appointed. The decision came after reports of misconduct and internal review, emphasizing accountability within the department.