Large employee lay-offs that were issued to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the Food and Drug Administration could have local impacts.

Greene County Public Health Director Shelby Cooklin says there could be some trickle down effect with her department as the CDC provides data infrastructure and technical guidance, as well as funding for certain programs. She states that the FDA oversees the drug and vaccine approvals and regulations. 

“If these agencies lose the capacity, it could delay responses to health threats or limit our access to up-to-date information and resources. We rely on these partnerships to implement evidence-based programs and respond to emergent health concerns.”

Cooklin explains one of their programs that Greene County Public Health offers and relies completely on federal funding.

“The Vaccines For Children program, which provides no cost vaccines for eligible children who are on Medicaid or who are uninsured or underinsured. Around half the clients that we serve are VFC eligible.” 

Cooklin notes another program they utilize and are supported by federal funding include emergency preparedness and response that allows them to plan and execute following emergencies such as natural disasters, disease outbacks, among others. She adds that they also have the Childhood Lead Prevention program that they test blood levels for lead in one and two year olds, due to those ages being at higher risk of lead poisoning.

Cooklin stresses that public health depends on long-term planning and consistent resources. She adds that if funding changes or administrative priorities are adjusted, can result in an interruption in some of these essential services.