In a recent report by Trust for America’s Health, it was revealed that core federal public health funding has remained stagnant for the past decade despite the increasing population and health risks in the nation. This chronic underfunding has left the public health system ill-equipped to address the challenges of the 21st century.
Decades of underinvestment in public health infrastructure and workforce have led to rising rates of chronic disease and a lackluster response to public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. The report highlights how vital health security advancements made during the pandemic are now at risk due to the expiration of temporary funding measures.
Federal funding, primarily distributed through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has failed to keep pace with the growing public health challenges in the country. Funding for critical activities such as disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, and health promotion has remained largely unchanged over the past decade when adjusted for inflation.
Emergency preparedness programs like the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Cooperative Agreement and the Health Care Readiness and Recovery program have seen significant funding decreases, making them ill-equipped to respond to crises. Similarly, programs targeting chronic diseases and mental health conditions lack adequate resources to implement evidence-based prevention strategies in many states and communities.
The report warns that the progress made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic is now at risk due to a funding cliff. The investments made in public health infrastructure, workforce, and policy actions were crucial in protecting the nation’s health and economic security but are in danger of being lost without sustained funding.
To safeguard the nation’s health and address existing disparities, the report recommends increased and sustained funding for public health infrastructure, enhanced health security measures, and targeted interventions to prevent chronic diseases and behavioral health concerns. Additionally, addressing the health impacts of climate change and environmental threats is essential to ensure the well-being of communities across the country.
Trust for America’s Health urges the Administration and Congress to take immediate action to protect the nation’s health and bolster its resilience in the face of future public health emergencies. By prioritizing public health funding and addressing the root causes of poor health outcomes, policymakers can ensure that every community has the resources needed to thrive.
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