In brief: HHS workforce reduction, AAH video campaign, free sleep screenings 

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced a restructuring that it says will save taxpayers $1.8 billion per year through a reduction in workforce of about 10,000 full-time employees, including 300 at CMS. 

When combined with the agency’s other efforts, including early retirement, the restructuring results in a total downsizing from 82,000 to 62,000 full-time employees. 

“We aren't just reducing bureaucratic sprawl,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “We are realigning the organization with its core mission and our new priorities in reversing the chronic disease epidemic. This department will do more – a lot more – at a lower cost to the taxpayer.” 

HHS believes the restructuring will also: 

• Streamline the functions of the department by consolidating 28 divisions into 15 new divisions, including a new Administration for a New America (AHA), and centralizing core functions, such as human resources, IT, procurement, external affairs and policy. It will also reduce the number of regional offices from 10 to five. 
• Advance the new priority of ending America’s epidemic of chronic illness by focusing on safe, wholesome food and clean water, and eliminating environmental toxins. 
• Make the agency more responsive and efficient, while ensuring that Medicare, Medicaid and other essential health services remain intact. 

Specific components of the restructuring that have already been announced so far are: 

• Creating the Administration for a Healthy America (AHA), which will combine multiple agencies — the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) — into a new, unified entity. This centralization, the department says, will improve coordination of health resources for low-income Americans and will focus on areas that include primary care, maternal and child health, mental health, environmental health, HIV/AIDS and workforce development. 
• Strengthening the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by transferring the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), responsible for national disaster and public health emergency response, to its oversight. 
• Creating a new Assistant Secretary for Enforcement to oversee the Departmental Appeals Board (DAB), Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals (OMHA), and Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to combat waste, fraud and abuse in federal health programs. 
• Merging the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to create the Office of Strategy to enhance research that informs the secretary’s policies and improves the effectiveness of federal health programs. 
• Splitting the critical programs within the Administration for Community Living (ACL) that support older adults and people of all ages with disabilities across the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) and CMS. This will not impact Medicare and Medicaid services. 

“Over time, bureaucracies like HHS become wasteful and inefficient even when most of their staff are dedicated and competent civil servants,” Kennedy said. “This overhaul will be a win-win for taxpayers and for those that HHS serves. That’s the entire American public, because our goal is to Make America Healthy Again.” 

• For more detailed information, please visit this fact sheet. 

AAH launches advocacy videos, toolkit 

WASHINGTON – AAHomecare has launched a new video campaign highlighting the impact of HME through the story of Brandon, a young professional and quadriplegic whose journey, the association says, is a testament to the freedom, independence and purpose that HME makes possible. 

AAHomecare created two targeted video resources to help HME stakeholders showcase the industry’s value: a 4.5-minute mini documentary for consumers and the public; and a short advocacy video for payers and legislators. 

“Our industry is more than equipment; we improve independence, provide dignity and maximize health outcomes where people prefer to live – home,” said Tom Ryan, president & CEO of AAHomecare. “These videos are a testament to the incredible role our industry plays in the health care continuum and why policies must support continued access to care.” 

AAHomecare has also launched a “Value of Homecare Toolkit” on its website with video links and distribution guidance, social media content, talking points, industry data and email templates for outreach. 

Additionally, the association has launched a public-facing web page for people who use HME and their caregivers to learn more about home care and help protect access. 

“The HME industry has an incredible story to tell,” adds Ashley Plauché, senior director of brand marketing at AAHomecare. “"HME changes lives every day, and this campaign provides additional tools we can use to ensure our role and impact is recognized, valued, and protected." 

AAHomecare says stakeholders can: 

• Share the mini documentary on social media to highlight the real-world impact of home care; 
• Use the advocacy video in meetings with policymakers to demonstrate the impact of policies and reimbursement; and 
• Leverage the toolkit to amplify the industry’s message and drive action. 

On The Mend doubles up in Connecticut 

SOUTHINGTON, Conn. - On The Mend Medical Supplies & Equipment has opened a new location in Southington, Conn., its second in the state. The company, founded in 2016, offers specialized services, including home assessments, personalized consultations and 365-day emergency support. “At On The Mend, we are committed to improving the quality of life of our customers,” said Liam O’Keefe, business owner. “That’s why we go the extra mile, investing in extensive research and even developing our own products to bring you the latest and best medical equipment available. We’re passionate about finding solutions that truly make a difference. With our huge, fully stocked warehouse, we ensure that quality products are always on hand when you need them. Whether it’s enhancing mobility, comfort or wellbeing, we’re here to support you every step of the way.” The Southington location, like On The Mend’s other locations, will feature the company’s “Now Center” approach, ensuring that in-stock items are available for same-day and weekend delivery, and that emergency services are available year-round to ensure reliable support. On The Mend also operates in Southbury, Conn., Mt. Kisco, N.Y., and Huntington Beach, Calif. 

NYC greenlights free sleep apnea screenings 

NEW YORK CITY – The New York City Council on March 26 passed a bill that will require the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, or another agency designated by the mayor with the appropriate subject matter expertise, to establish a three-year pilot program that provides access to sleep apnea screenings and, if deemed appropriate,  to home sleep apnea tests, at no cost. The bill requires the agency to prioritize individuals without insurance and to publish a report on the program’s effectiveness and whether it should be made permanent. Additionally, it requires the agency to conduct a public education and outreach campaign on sleep apnea and the program’s availability. The bill becomes law on June 15. The bill’s sponsor, Shaun Abreu, who has sleep apnea, has also introduced a bill that would establish a three-year pilot program that provides sleep apnea treatment at no cost. The bill would require the agency to provide oral appliances that have been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat sleep apnea and to publish a report on the pilot program’s effectiveness and whether it should be made permanent. 

VGM launches Tariff Tracker 

WATERLOO, Iowa – VGM Government Relations has launched Tariff Tracker, a centralized hub for all tariff-related information. Currently, the page features a curated selection of helpful tariff tracking links, offering users quick and reliable access to essential data, it says. “This resource aims to provide our users with the tools and insights they need to stay informed and navigate tariff updates effortlessly,” VGM stated in an update. “We are committed to continuously enhancing this resource. In the coming weeks and months, we plan to expand the page by adding more valuable tools, links and information to cater to the evolving needs of our users.” AAHomecare also recently sent a letter to the Trump administration asking for an exemption from current and proposed tariffs for HME and supplies. The administration in early March delayed proposed 25% tariff increases on products covered under the 2020 United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) until April. These potential new tariffs would join 20% tariffs on products from China that are already in effect.   

VGM promotes Wendland to chief legal officer 

WATERLOO, Iowa – VGM Group has promoted Chris Wendland to the newly created role of chief legal officer to ensure compliance and provide strategic legal guidance to support the company’s growth and innovation. Wendland, who most recently served as VGM’s legal counsel, also joins the company’s senior leadership team. "Chris's extensive experience and deep understanding of our company, our values and the industries we serve make him the perfect fit for this role,” said VGM Group CEO Jeremy Stolz. “VGM has an ongoing responsibility to our customers, our more than 1,600 employee owners and the communities we call home, and we’re fortunate to have an expert like him helping guide our team.” Wendland, a graduate of Harvard University and the University of Iowa College of Law, has been working with VGM, its business units and its founders for more than 25 years. He has served as secretary of the company’s board of directors since it established employee ownership in 2008. Most recently, he played a key role in VGM’s recent acquisition of SleepGlad. "I have been truly honored to work with VGM for the past 25 years,” Wendland said. “As a 100% employee-owned company, VGM is unlike any company I’ve ever worked with. I am excited to take on this new role and continue supporting VGM's mission—to provide exceptional services to our customers and partners, to make a difference in our communities, and to create life-changing wealth for our employee owners." 

Study demonstrates potential benefits of dressing improvements 

BARCELONA, Spain – Switching patients with chronic wounds to the multi-layered, bordered silicone-coated foam dressing Mepilex Border Flex, alongside a clinician educational support program, resulted in a significant reduction in the number of dressing changes being undertaken and a reduction in dressing-related costs, according to a new study sponsored by Mölnlycke Health Care. The study was conducted across primary care facilities in Seville, Spain, and was presented as an e-poster at the 35th Conference of the European Wound Management Association 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. “The results of this study clearly demonstrate how simple changes to a wound care treatment regime can bring about positive outcomes for both patients and healthcare providers,” said Dr. Andres Roldan Valenzuela, principal investigator. “At a time when health care systems and staff are under increasing pressure on both cost and time it is encouraging that there are solutions to help drive efficiencies and improve outcomes for all involved.” The primary outcome of the study was a statistically significant reduction in the number of dressing changes undertaken, prior to and after the switch from a bordered foam dressing (baseline) to Mepilex Border Flex. Results demonstrated the median number of dressing changes declined during the study period, from three in a seven-day period to just one. Other reported outcomes included: 32% wounds healed by the final visit; 50% reduction in wound area in four weeks in 75% of patients; 68.7% reduction in wound area from baseline to the final visit; reduced pain at dressing changes; 44% reduction in weekly dressing cost per patient (5.38€ less after the dressing switch); and no dressing related adverse events. 

VA launches mobile clinic for O&P 

WILMINGTON, Del. - The Wilmington VA has launched a mobile unit to provide prosthetic and orthotic care in more rural areas through a grant it received from the Office of Rural Health. The MoPOC is equipped to bring prosthetic limb, custom brace and shoe and insert modifications to rural areas in Delaware and southern New Jersey, saving veterans time from having to go see an outside provider or driving to the Wilmington VA.  “We more than doubled the care we can produce in south Jersey,” said Prosthetics Chief and U.S. Army Veteran Corey Smith. “Getting out to the community is important.” The Mobile Prosthetic and Orthotic Clinic (MoPOC) started seeing patients in February with visits to the Sussex County Delaware VA Clinic on Mondays and Tuesdays and the Cumberland County New Jersey VA Clinic on Wednesdays. The ORH is a Veterans Health Administration Office established by Congress in 2006 with a goal to break down the barriers separating rural veterans from quality care.