< Back North Carolina News CBS17 Coverage of NCGHA Statements Keaton Eberly, CBS17 Feb 4, 2025 Brianna Clarke-Schwelm, Executive Director of the NCGHA, was featured on CBS17 highlighting the impacts of executive orders on North Carolina industry and employment as a result of USAID turmoil USAID turmoil: NC Global Health Alliance urge state lawmakers to save foreign aid programs https://www.cbs17.com/news/north-carolina-news/nc-health-leaders-stress-immediate-action-as-trump-administration-aims-to-shut-down-u-s-aid-agency/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=socialflow Previous Next

< Back NCGHA Executive Director gives the 2026 Duke Global Health Institute Commencement Address May 8, 2026 Brianna Clarke-Schwelm was honored to speak to the graduating class of 2026 at the Duke Global Health Institute on May 8, 2026. "Your ambition is a gift." On May 8, 2026, NCGHA Executive Director Brianna Clarke-Schwelm had the honor of speaking to 35 Duke Master of Science in Global Health students and 21 graduating Duke Global Health Majors at their commencement ceremony at the Duke Global Health Institute. Reflecting on her own relationship with ambition, Brianna encouraged the graduates to pursue ambitions both big and small: "Progress on a global scale feels uncertain... but that doesn't mean we can't move forward. It means that progress will only happen if people like you are willing to lend your ambition not only to the big, lofty goals, but also to the small, human ones." Watch her full remarks here. Read about the Duke Global Health Institute class of 2026 here. Previous Next

< Back NCGHA Meets with Congresswoman Deborah Ross Feb 19, 2025 NCGHA, Member Representatives, and Students from UNC Discuss How the Closure of USAID and the Stop Work Order have Effected North Carolina On February 18, the NCGHA was honored to host a roundtable for our member institutions to meet with Congresswoman Deborah Ross, the US Representative for North Carolina's 2nd Congressional District. In addition to highlighting the top-tier global health work coming out of her district, this meeting served as an opportunity to put a spotlight on the immediate impacts that the Stop Work Order has had on employment in North Carolina, on the health and wellbeing of individuals globally, and on our country's national security. Representative Ross was sympathetic to our community's messages and encouraged us to continue collecting stories of impact that can help decision makers understand the toll this is having on our state. If you or your institution have been impacted by the recent Stop Work Order and you would like your story amplified, please reach out to us at members@ncglobalhealth.org - we will be happy to work with you to ensure decision makers hear your voice. Previous Next

< Back CNN Investigates: Impacts on North Carolina Curt Devine, Casey Tolan, Kyung Lah, Audrey Ash and Yahya Abou-Ghazala, CNN Mar 3, 2025 An interview with effected aid workers and the NCGHA. View the article in full at the link below https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/03/politics/trump-funding-cuts-usaid-nih-north-carolina-invs/index.html Previous Next

< Back A Message to The North Carolina Global Health Community Jan 30, 2025 The NCGHA is Taking Steps to Make Your Voice Heard. Now, See What You Can Do to Get Involved Dear NCGHA Community, In recent days, the global health and humanitarian aid sectors have faced unprecedented challenges that threaten the progress we’ve made, the people we serve, and the jobs that sustain our work. The State Department’s Stop Work Order has placed critical foreign assistance programs on hold, creating uncertainty for thousands of professionals dedicated to advancing health, stability, and economic growth worldwide. At the North Carolina Global Health Alliance (NCGHA), we recognize how deeply this moment affects our community. Many of you are grappling with disruptions to your work, funding concerns, and the unsettling reality that livelihoods may be at risk. We want to acknowledge this hardship while also reaffirming our commitment to supporting you and ensuring that North Carolina’s vital role in global health does not go unnoticed. Our Actions on Your Behalf The NCGHA has taken immediate steps to elevate North Carolina’s unique position as the fourth-largest recipient of USAID funding in the country. We have: Sent letters to our Senators and key members of Congress to emphasize the economic and national security consequences of halting foreign assistance. Engaged in direct conversations with the offices of Senators Tillis and Budd, as well as Congresswoman Ross, providing real-time job impact data to strengthen their efforts to protect North Carolinians. Collaborated with national advocacy organizations to ensure that North Carolina’s voice is amplified in discussions on Capitol Hill. Widely shared our statement on the Stop Work Order and encouraged partners to use its data in their own advocacy efforts. Read our statement here. How You Can Take Action Advocacy is most powerful when we stand together. Here are ways you can join us in fighting for the future of global health: Contact Your Representatives: Call or email your Senators and Congresspeople to urge them to advocate for the reversal of the Stop Work Order and protect USAID-funded programs. ( Find your representatives here ). Share Job Impact Data: If your organization has experienced furloughs, layoffs, or other workforce impacts due to the Stop Work Order, please send us this data. All information can be aggregated and kept anonymous; however, this data is one of the most compelling tools we have when engaging with policymakers. Share Your Story: If your work or organization has been directly impacted, consider sharing your experiences with us. Personal stories can be instrumental in making the case for continued funding. Engage on Social Media: Raise awareness by posting about the importance of global health funding and tagging your elected officials. Tag the NCGHA on LinkedIn and we will amplify your post. Supporting Our Community We know that uncertainty in funding can create instability for professionals and students in our sector. As part of our commitment to supporting the careers of our members, the NCGHA will: Continue sharing job opportunities across global health and complementary sectors for those who may need to explore new opportunities. Follow us on LinkedIn where we are most active. Host our annual Global Health Careers Week from March 17-20 , offering career development resources and hosting new discussions tailored to the evolving landscape. You can sign up on our website here; please note that topics are subject to change. In times of uncertainty, we find strength in community. While we cannot predict the immediate future, we can continue to stand together, raise our voices, and advocate for the work that has saved lives, driven economic growth, and strengthened America’s leadership in the world. We see you. We support you. And we will not stop fighting for you. In partnership, Brianna Clarke-Schwelm Executive Director North Carolina Global Health Alliance Brianna@ncglobalhealth.org Previous Next

< Back NCGHA Member Organizations Reflect on Impacts Facing North Carolina Tom George Mar 6, 2025 RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. (WTVD) -- The non-profit research institute RTI International has announced more cuts due to a lack of federal funding. Previous Next

< Back NCGHA Board Chair on Preventing the Next Pandemic Feb 19, 2025 An Op-ed by NCGHA Board Chair and Adjunct Professor of Epidemiology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Dr. Timothy Mastro, Published on MSNBC "The U.S. will be seen as a pariah in the global community if it does not play a collaborative role in preventing the next major disease outbreak." Please follow the below link to read more: https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/bird-flu-pandemic-who-cdc-nih-rcna192607 Previous Next

< Back Press Release: NCGHA Sounds Alarm on USAID Shutdown, Impacting Jobs and Economy Feb 3, 2025 North Carolina Global Health Alliance Sounds Alarm on USAID Shutdown, Impacting Jobs and Economy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 4, 2025 North Carolina Global Health Alliance Condemns Dismantling of USAID, Citing Severe Economic and Security Impacts for North Carolina Raleigh, NC – The North Carolina Global Health Alliance (NCGHA) expresses profound concern over the recent actions leading to the dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Following an initial Stop Work Order that paused all funding and caused immediate furloughs and disruptions, the subsequent shutdown of USAID operations has exacerbated the crisis, threatening thousands of jobs in North Carolina and posing significant risks to both the state's economy and global stability. North Carolina stands as the fourth-largest recipient of USAID funding in the nation, supporting a robust global health sector that contributes $31.9 billion annually to the state's economy. The initial funding freeze led to immediate furloughs and disrupted long-standing international partnerships. The complete dismantling of USAID now jeopardizes the future of numerous organizations and the livelihoods of countless professionals dedicated to global health and development. "The dismantling of USAID is a direct assault on North Carolina's economic vitality and our leadership in global health," said Brianna Clarke-Schwelm, Executive Director of the NCGHA. "The initial funding freeze was devastating, but the complete shutdown threatens to decimate an industry that not only provides thousands of jobs but also plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges." Beyond the immediate economic repercussions, the closure of USAID undermines U.S. national security interests. USAID's programs are instrumental in countering global instability, mitigating the influence of adversaries, and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. The absence of these programs cedes strategic ground to competitors and diminishes the United States' ability to respond to international crises. The NCGHA urgently calls upon North Carolina's congressional delegation, including Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd, to take immediate action to address this crisis. The organization also encourages concerned citizens to contact their representatives to advocate for the restoration of USAID's critical functions. "We cannot afford to remain passive as an essential agency is dismantled, jeopardizing both our state's economy and our national security," Clarke-Schwelm added. "It is imperative that we act swiftly to restore USAID's operations and protect the interests of North Carolina and the nation." For media inquiries, please contact: Brianna Clarke-Schwelm Executive Director, North Carolina Global Health Alliance Email: Brianna@ncglobalhealth.org Website: www.ncglobalhealth.org Previous Next

< Back Trump's cuts to funding for scientific research pose grave risks for RTP and global health Rusty Jacobs, WUNC May 5, 2025 Due to funding cuts, North Carolina has seen over $3 billion disappear from the state's economy on top of impacting the careers of many. Please click below to read/listen to the full article. https://www.wunc.org/2025-05-05/trumps-cuts-funding-scientific-research-rtp-global-health Previous Next

< Back Carrboro Council Passes Resolution In Solidarity With USAID Employees, Urges Restart of Federal Aid Brighton McConnell Mar 6, 2025 NCGHA and Member Representatives Attended Carrboro Council Meeting to Support the Passing of a Resolution in Support of North Carolina Global Health Businesses and Employees Please follow the below link to read the full story: https://chapelboro.com/news/local-government/carrboro-council-passes-resolution-in-solidarity-with-usaid-employees-urges-restart-of-federal-aid Previous Next

< Back USAID Contract Terminations & the Impact on the Global Health Sector in North Carolina NC Global Health Alliance Sep 30, 2025 An Urgent Workforce Challenge Since January 20, 2025, the NCGHA has tracked how many North Carolina jobs have been lost due to USAID contract terminations. Job data sourced directly from impacted institutions, impacted individuals, WARN system, NC Commerce, press releases, and media. Contract data sourced directly from USASpending.gov, impacted institutions, USAID Stop Work, and AID on the Hill. NORTH CAROLINA’S GLOBAL HEALTH SECTOR AT A GLANCE The global health sector adds $31.9B to North Carolina’s economy per year. Over 900 NC global health institutions operate in more than 175 countries. In 2021, global health organizations employed more than 56,000 direct global health jobs in North Carolina and sustained an additional 117,850 jobs across multiple sectors. North Carolina is home to one of the most sophisticated global health ecosystems in the nation, anchored by world class institutions including RTI International, FHI 360, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, and Duke Global Health Institute. Historically, the sector has been a stable, high-wage, and high-skill employer. IMPACT OF RECENT FEDERAL FUNDING CUTS NC is the fourth-highest state recipient of USAID funding; NC won $1B in awards in 2024. Since January 2025, North Carolina institutions lost $3 billion in future payments with 86% of USAID-funded awards terminated. As of September 2025, at least 625 North Carolinians lost their jobs as a direct result of USAID cuts. Ripple effects are impacting partner institutions, contractors, and students across the state. Impacted workers face a decimated job market and intense competition for remaining positions. WHY THIS MATTERS FOR NORTH CAROLINA Global Competitiveness – NC’s reputation as a global health leader is at stake; loss of capacity jeopardizes our ability to remain a beacon for innovation on the global stage. Economic Impact – Global health organizations bring federal and philanthropic dollars into NC, fueling local economies. Job losses threaten regional economic stability. Brain Drain Risk – Skilled professionals are being offered to leave NC for opportunities elsewhere, eroding decades of sector expertise that would otherwise strengthen high-demand industries in NC. WHAT WE’RE HEARING FROM IMPACTED WORKERS “ I am a PhD educated public health researcher… and I am now trying to figure out if we need to move outside the city or to another state .” – J.A., Carrboro “ Over the past 7 months, I’ve submitted over 2,000 job applications, have networked with over 100 individuals… nearly every sector I’ve looked at and networked in continues to face enormous numbers of overqualified applicants, hiring freezes and layoffs. As a single parent and the sole provider for my family, I am struggling with how to proceed .” – A.T., Apex OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMMEDIATE COORDINATED ACTION Tap the Talent – Work with existing statewide resources to elevate these professionals to prioritize transition into our booming biosciences, life-sciences, rural health, and innovation sectors. Cross-Sector Job Matching – Leverage transferable skills into life sciences, public health, education, social services, tech, and other public and private sector roles in-state. Rapid Response Workforce Support – Career transition resources, retraining programs, and targeted job fairs for displaced global health professionals & other impacted workers. Pipeline Preservation – Support internships, fellowships, and apprenticeships to keep students and early-career talent in the state. Previous Next

2022 Economic Impact Report The Global Health Sector's Contributions to North Carolina's Economy In 2021, the North Carolina Global Health Alliance partnered with RTI International to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the economic contributions of North Carolina's global health sector. The report examines the sector's impact on employment, economic activity, innovation, and global health outcomes, highlighting the significant role that North Carolina organizations play in improving health around the world while strengthening the state's economy. The report remains a valuable resource for organizations, researchers, policymakers, and advocates seeking to better understand the scale and impact of North Carolina's global health community. NCGHA members may request access to the report by contacting members@ncglobalhealth.org . Non-members may purchase access to the report for $1,000. To inquire about obtaining a copy, please contact members@ncglobalhealth.org . Thank you to our sponsors who helped make this report possible!