The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has reported that the Department of Health and Human Services announced on March 27 a consolidation plan that would eliminate two-thirds of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH) workforce.
The NVFC stated that the plan led to widespread staff dismissals from several NIOSH programs, including the National Firefighter Registry (NFR) for Cancer, the Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program (FFFIPP), and the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL).
The NVFC confirmed it is actively working to oppose these fire program cuts by engaging with lawmakers and policy stakeholders.
The National Volunteer Fire Council explained that the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer is critical for collecting health data and shaping firefighter protection policies.
The organization highlighted that the NFR specifically helps address information gaps related to cancer in volunteer firefighters.
The NVFC noted that Congress reauthorized the NFR through fiscal year 2028 and that securing continued funding for the registry remains a key policy objective.
The National Volunteer Fire Council reported that the Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program investigates causes of firefighter line-of-duty deaths and recommends prevention strategies.
According to the NVFC, findings from this program have contributed to reducing deaths and injuries within the fire service.
The NVFC added that it has formally requested increased funding for the FFFIPP for fiscal year 2025 to maintain its operations and research.
The National Volunteer Fire Council stated that the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory researches and tests personal protective equipment (PPE) for first responders.
The NVFC emphasized that the NPPTL’s work includes developing best practices and issuing guidance to employers on the optimal use of PPE.
It pointed out that NPPTL is especially recognized for its research on respirator performance and safety.
The National Volunteer Fire Council announced that it is conducting meetings with legislators and stakeholders to advocate for the restoration of funding and staffing for the affected programs.
The NVFC also reported that it has cosigned a letter with other national fire service organizations to the leadership of the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies.
In the letter, the NVFC and its partners requested that the funding and staffing for the NFR, FFFIPP, NPPTL, and the World Trade Center Health Program be preserved.
The National Volunteer Fire Council has reported that the Department of Health and Human Services announced a plan to consolidate NIOSH, leading to large staff reductions.
The NVFC stated that staff reductions affected the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer, the Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program, and the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory.
The NVFC confirmed that it is engaging with lawmakers to push back against the fire program cuts.
The NVFC emphasized that the NFR is vital for filling data gaps on firefighter cancer risks.
The organization noted that Congress reauthorized the NFR through fiscal year 2028.
The NVFC explained that the FFFIPP helps identify causes of firefighter fatalities and recommends strategies for prevention.
It added that the NPPTL is responsible for testing and evaluating first responder PPE.
The NVFC announced that it has joined with other organizations to formally request preservation of the affected programs and the World Trade Center Health Program.
