Judge orders HHS to restore funding for children's health programs

A federal judge granted a preliminary injunction ordering the Department of Health and Human Services to restore nearly $12 million in grants to the American Academy of Pediatrics after finding evidence of a likely retaliatory motive; the funding supports rural care, early disability identification and other child health programs.

A federal judge in Washington, D.C., has ordered the Department of Health and Human Services to restore nearly $12 million in grants to the American Academy of Pediatrics and issued a preliminary injunction. The judge said evidence indicated the department likely acted with a retaliatory motive when it terminated seven grants in December. The grants support programs such as rural pediatric care, early identification of disabilities, prevention of sudden unexpected infant death, and services for teens facing substance use and mental health challenges. HHS has denied that the cuts were retaliatory and said the grants no longer matched department priorities. Key points: - U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell issued a preliminary injunction restoring nearly $12 million to the American Academy of Pediatrics. - Seven grants were terminated in December; the funding backed rural care, early disability detection, infant death prevention, and teen behavioral health efforts. - The court found evidence suggesting a likely retaliatory motive by HHS; HHS has denied the retaliation allegation. - The injunction keeps the programs running while the legal case proceeds. Summary: The ruling temporarily restores funding and allows the children’s health programs to continue as the lawsuit moves forward. The court cited likely retaliation and said the plaintiffs showed they would suffer irreparable harm without the funds. Undetermined at this time.