Ohio public-health agencies expecting deeper cuts

County and state public health agencies in Ohio and nationwide are expressing concern that the worsening economy will make it increasingly difficult for them to meet the needs of the communities they serve (Source: “Health agencies brace for cuts,” Columbus Dispatch, Feb. 15, 2009).

"I think we're teetering," said Columbus Health Commissioner Dr. Teresa Long. "I'm very concerned about our ability today and, clearly, into the future, to provide adequate public-health protection."

A National Association of County and City Health Officials survey last year found that 7,000 public health jobs were lost in 2008 and officials expect 2009 to be as bad, if not worse.

"People are going to discover that the protections that they thought were in place for their health are absent, and that disease outbreaks which they thought were going to be explored are not going to be explored," said Bobby Pestronk, executive director of the National Association of County and City Health Officials.