1. United States
2. Ore.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my concern over the recent layoffs of 1,165 employees at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including the termination of Cara Pugliese, chief of the Autism, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and Externalizing Disorders Interventions Research program. These dismissals represent a devastating loss of expertise and experience that will undoubtedly hamper critical research initiatives and jeopardize ongoing projects aimed at improving mental health care delivery, particularly for underserved communities. Pugliese's abrupt termination, just 21 days before completing her probationary period, is especially concerning given her outstanding track record and profound knowledge in developing community-based interventions for autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Her work has been instrumental in advancing evidence-based practices to reach individuals in rural and hard-to-reach areas, addressing a significant gap in accessible mental health services. The layoffs at the NIH appear to be carried out with little regard for the agency's ongoing research priorities and the potential disruptions caused by the sudden loss of highly skilled personnel. This approach not only undermines scientific progress but also threatens to erode public trust in the NIH's ability to fulfill its mission effectively. I urge you to reconsider these terminations and reinstate the dismissed employees, particularly those like Pugliese, whose expertise and contributions are invaluable to the NIH's research endeavors. Retaining experienced researchers and ensuring continuity in vital projects should be a top priority to maintain the agency's standing as a global leader in biomedical research and public health initiatives.