Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=446490
Local impact on public health due to state budget
Posted Online: June 29, 2009, 3:08 pm
Press release submitted by Rock Island County Health Department
Local Impact on Public Health Due to State Budget
The Rock Island County Health Department has received information from the Illinois Department of Public Health concerning potential budget cuts. At this time, local health departments throughout the state have been informed that the entire budget for Health Protection programs has been eliminated.
Health Protection programs include core public health services such as communicable disease surveillance and control, enforcement programs to ensure that food is safely handled at restaurants and retail outlets, and inspections of private sewage disposal systems and water wells. It doesn"t get much more basic than safe food and safe drinking water. These are all programs that are mandated by the state, but carried out by local health departments. An example is the public health role in disease outbreaks such as the recent H1N1 outbreak. The Rock Island County Health Department led community partners in response activities regarding H1N1. Any cuts would damage the capacity to not only conduct day-to-day responsibilities, but also to be able to respond to unexpected, yet inevitable future events of significant magnitude.
In addition, there are deep proposed cuts to local Department of Human Services programs administered by the Rock Island County Health Department. These programs work to promote healthy pregnancies and infant outcomes, and would affect women, infants, and children at a time when they are in greater need of public health services due to the declining economy.
Rock Island County Health officials are monitoring information from Springfield, and are not receiving clear answers at this time regarding Public Health funding. Residents are urged to contact their legislators regarding the local services provided by Public Health: Mike Jacobs, Senator 36th District, 606 19th St, Moline, IL 61265, 309..., Mike Boland, Representative 71st District, 4416 River Dr, Moline, IL 61265, and Pat Verschoore, Representative 72nd District, 1504 3rd Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201.
Local impact on public health due to state budget
Posted Online: June 29, 2009, 3:08 pm
Press release submitted by Rock Island County Health Department
Local Impact on Public Health Due to State Budget
The Rock Island County Health Department has received information from the Illinois Department of Public Health concerning potential budget cuts. At this time, local health departments throughout the state have been informed that the entire budget for Health Protection programs has been eliminated.
Health Protection programs include core public health services such as communicable disease surveillance and control, enforcement programs to ensure that food is safely handled at restaurants and retail outlets, and inspections of private sewage disposal systems and water wells. It doesn"t get much more basic than safe food and safe drinking water. These are all programs that are mandated by the state, but carried out by local health departments. An example is the public health role in disease outbreaks such as the recent H1N1 outbreak. The Rock Island County Health Department led community partners in response activities regarding H1N1. Any cuts would damage the capacity to not only conduct day-to-day responsibilities, but also to be able to respond to unexpected, yet inevitable future events of significant magnitude.
In addition, there are deep proposed cuts to local Department of Human Services programs administered by the Rock Island County Health Department. These programs work to promote healthy pregnancies and infant outcomes, and would affect women, infants, and children at a time when they are in greater need of public health services due to the declining economy.
Rock Island County Health officials are monitoring information from Springfield, and are not receiving clear answers at this time regarding Public Health funding. Residents are urged to contact their legislators regarding the local services provided by Public Health: Mike Jacobs, Senator 36th District, 606 19th St, Moline, IL 61265, 309..., Mike Boland, Representative 71st District, 4416 River Dr, Moline, IL 61265, and Pat Verschoore, Representative 72nd District, 1504 3rd Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201.
