Studying the impact of state budget cuts and bioterrorism preparedness funds on public health agencies

Throughout the United States, public health departments battle against diseases ranging from childhood maladies such as measles and mumps to scourges such as polio, tuberculosis, and smallpox. Since September 11, 2001, the U.S. has invested more than $3.7 billion to strengthen the ability of public health agencies to respond to bioterror attacks, infectious diseases, and natural disasters. The bioterrorism preparedness dollars were intended to be a new infusion of funding which did not redistribute money away from more traditional public health efforts. However, many believe that the shift in emphasis to bioterrorism has also created a movement in resources, time, and effort away from core public health services. Further, from 2000-2003, states experienced $200 billion in budget shortfalls, which forced many health departments to cut core public health programs important to safeguarding a population's health status. This contract provides support to develop a series of articles examining the challenges that state and local government public health systems face in a time of changing governmental policies and uncertain funding. The articles will be produced for presentation on the Internet for use by public health professionals, the public, and policy makers.

Grant Details

Amount Awarded $34,925.00

Awarded on: 9/9/2004

Time frame: 9/1/2004 - 6/30/2005

Grant Number: 50891