Even as federal aid poured into state budgets in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, public health leaders warned of a boom-and-bust funding cycle on the horizon as the emergency ended and federal grants sunsetted.
Local health department staffing grew by about 19% from 2019 to 2022, according to a report from the National Association of County and City Health Officials, but those jobs are vulnerable as the money dries up.
Public health experts warn the accompanying service cuts can send communities into crisis, with vital functions like contact tracing and immunizations being at risk.
In California, Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed cutting the state's public health funding by $300 million, which would severely impact local health departments.
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