Public Health Funding Cuts

On Monday, March 24th, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a series of stop work orders to cancel grant agreements for agencies throughout the Unites States, totaling $11B.  A detailed list of grants, state and local agencies has not been released.  However, funding that is connected to immunizations, epidemiology and lab capacity, COVID health disparities and community health workers has been identified, and may include funds being distributed by the New Jersey Association of County and City Health Officials (NJACCHO) and the New Jersey Department of Health to New Jersey local health departments.  

New Jersey’s local health departments depend on these grants to support disease prevention, outbreak response, vaccination and clinical services.  These funds also help local health departments maintain their workforce, increase community services and plan for the next public health emergency or event.  The work being funded is not limited to just COVID-19, but activities that will help us support and prepare for large scale events, such as the World Cup, which will draw in millions of international visitors to our region.    Our local health departments and communities will face significant workforce and operational challenges if these funds are taken away. 

There are DEEP concerns about the potential impact stop work orders will have on local health departments and local communities.  These federal funds have helped to support important community programs, staff infrastructure investments, upgrade data systems and get communities better prepared. 

Take action today, demanding your representatives fight for a reversal of these funding claw backs to support public health agencies and the communities they serve.

Thank you NJEHA!