Issue 76
» Lies and lying liars. Dr. Oz says MMR is "not a lethal vaccine" despite Trump's comments | CBS News
» Gold standard misinformation. Trump suggests vaccine changes could curb autism, despite no evidence | USA Today
» “Let’s cancel international funding,” they said. “It will be efficient,” they said. Data shows Congo’s Ebola outbreak is on track to surpass history’s largest | Times Leader
» Entirely preventable 💔. 2 people die from measles in Pennsylvania, marking state's first deaths in 35 years | ABC News
» Chaos is their M.O. The replacement gap: Inside the chaos of the Deferred Resignation Program | Partnership for Public Service
» The government’s “weight loss” journey - and the side effects. CDC Lost 3,636 Covered Employees. Health Science Took the Largest Hit | Federal Hiring Data
Welcome to the 76th issue of Fired But Fighting, a newsletter for illegally terminated, improperly RIF’d, chaotically reinstated, and current HHS staff. Read on for judicial and advocacy updates, links to media coverage, calls to action, tips, and resources.
Please consider supporting us by making a donation, grabbing some FBF merch (www.firedbutfighting.org/shop), signing up to volunteer, or subscribing to the NationalPHC Substack. You can also check out the FBF Talent Marketplace to support a fired fed.
Visit www.firedbutfighting.org/newsletter-library to read and share this and previous issues of the newsletter on the web.
LEGAL UPDATES
» Fired But Fighting has a working group for pro se RIF appellants from different HHS agencies. The group meets monthly to share information and work together to figure out how to file motions and manage discovery. Our next meeting is scheduled for September 8. If you are interested in joining, please reach out to legal@firedbutfighting.org.
The FBF Legal Team is taking off this week. You can read the most recent legal update here. Legally minded? Sign up to volunteer with our Legal Team.
CALLS TO ACTION
» Volunteer with Fired But Fighting: Do you have a special set of skills? We all need to channel our rage. Consider signing up to volunteer with us. We need help maintaining the events page, organizing gatherings and social events, or any way YOU would like to contribute to the cause.
» Project HALO, a coalition of veterans, faith leaders, legal professionals, and community leaders, focuses on creating a welcoming, celebratory, nonpartisan presence around elections so every voter feels safe and respected at the polls. The Georgia chapter is in need of event organizers for upcoming elections. Organizers receive a small stipend. If interested, reach out to victoria.ayer@gmail.com.
» Public comment needed:
In their most recent effort to change vaccine policy and disregard evidence, HHS released a Request for Comment as to whether the current three categories (routine, risk-based, and shared clinical decision-making) used in federal vaccine recommendations are adequate. Read more about concerns that national medical organizations have about this innocuous sounding “request for information” and leave a comment by September 20.
Under White House direction, NIH is proposing changes to its grant application review process. Currently, each application is assigned a numeric rating, which is provided to applicants so they can compare their scores to other published awards and understand if they need to strengthen their own applications for funding. Under the proposed process, applications would be sorted into 3 broad categories, and the overall scores would not be released. These changes would reduce transparency and make it easier for applications to be denied for political instead of scientific reasons. Learn more about this issue and provide a comment by October 13.
» Los Vecinos de Buford Highway, a community organization supporting local families, has recurring needs for grocery donations, diapers (especially sizes 5, 6 and 7), and rental assistance. Currently, they are helping about 60 families a month, all of whom have had a family member kidnapped by ICE. If you're able, consider donating.
EVENTS
FBF/NPHC Team AIDS Walk Atlanta
» Get those steps in - and since Kelly Rowland is performing this year, get some dance moves in too. Register with the Fired But Fighting team for AIDS Walk Atlanta happening on September 26, 2026, at Piedmont Park. Now until the end of August, use code WALK26, for $10 off when you sign up.
Can’t walk the Walk this year? You can still donate to the team effort.
» Don’t forget to keep an eye on FBF’s events page for updates between newsletters.
CAREER CORNER
» This issue’s Career Corner is full of upcoming events you won’t want to miss, including a Former Gov speed networking event, many job fairs (in-person and virtual), and a freshly curated 🔥🔥 hot jobs 🔥🔥 section.
» Don’t forget to join the Opportunities for Former HHS Staff LinkedIn Group and follow NPHC on LinkedIn to stay current on career-related events. Want to contribute to Career Corner? Sign up to volunteer.
UNION CORNER
» Webinar Materials Posted Online: Materials from recent L2883 webinars, “RIF Appeals and the MSPB” and “PMAP Tips and Tricks” are now posted on the L2883 member page. If you’ve not logged into our L2883 page before, enter the email address associated with your AFGE Local 2883 membership and select “Forgot your password?"
» CTAP and RPL rights denied: We strongly encourage RIF’d employees who are not getting through the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Reemployment Priority List (RPL) process to appeal their determinations with the MSPB. It is free to file and can be done online using the MSPB e-appeal system. Reach out to mikasa@afge2883ga.org for more information. Please also keep us informed by filling out L2883's Federal Hiring Practices and Priority Placement Survey. This will help us advocate for separated employees.
» Join AFGE L2883. If you’re not already a member, sign up to join the fight now. As a reminder, all job series (including supervisors) are eligible to join. The only exception is Commissioned Corps officers. https://join.afge.org/L2883
CDC MUTUAL AID
» WE DID IT: 2026 Goal Achievement 🎉
Thanks to your generosity, CDC Mutual Aid officially reached our 2026 fundraising goal of $75,000. This achievement reflects the compassion, solidarity, and commitment of everyone who believes in supporting colleagues and families facing hardship. Reaching this milestone is worth celebrating, but our mission doesn’t end here. The needs within our community continue and so does our work. Every dollar raised helps, and your continued involvement ensures we can be there for those who will need us in the months and years ahead. Thank you for standing with us and strengthening this essential network of care.
Thank you for helping us amplify the mission and reach more people who care about community support. 💟
» “There’s Nothing Spookier Than a Future Without CDC” Merch is back 🎃
From tees and long sleeves to baby gear and tote bags, this collection has something for everyone. If you’re looking for a way to show support and stay festive, this is the perfect time to grab your favorite piece. Visit the CDC Mutual Aid Network Store: https://cdc-mutual-aid-network.printful.me/
» Follow CDC Mutual Aid Network on Social Media.
THE WEEKLY NEEDLE
» The Weekly Needle is America’s most trusted news source for all things health and medicine. Enjoy our most recent story from this week:
Public Health Officials Rename Measles “America Disease” to Get President’s Attention.
» Please consider becoming a subscriber. Interested in contributing? Email us at theweeklyneedle@proton.me.
SPOON(S) OF THE WEEK
» This week, we’re sending a huge thank you to the organizers of a special CDC ceremony dedicating a community garden to Officer David Rose. If you missed it, read more about the ceremony here.
» We also recognize the passing of absolute icon Dolly Parton, who donated $1 million to COVID vaccine research at Vanderbilt University in 2020 as well as posted her own vaccination experience to educate others. RIP Dolly.
» To submit a spoon for a future newsletter, email info@firedbutfighting.org.
SELF CARE
» Love stargazing? See the partial lunar eclipse and blood moon this Thursday. If you’re in Atlanta, the Fernbank Science Center is holding a free viewing party.
» Read this article about Dr. Frances Oldham Kelsey, whose story is a reminder of how federal employees can protect the public and prevent significant harms when we stand our ground.
» Who else is ready for some Dragon Con on Labor Day Weekend? 🐉 Rumors of FBF badge ribbons will neither be confirmed nor denied.
FIRED BUT FIGHTING IN THE NEWS
» August 25: New CDC Director Takes the Helm amid Upheaval | The Inner City News
» August 20: New CDC director acknowledges exhausted staff and stalled programs in first agency-wide meeting | Yahoo News
» August 19: CDC’s Zombie Programs: Congress Funds $246 Million in Health Initiatives, but Staff Cuts Leave Experts on the Sidelines | WebProNews
