Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed significant budget cuts that could lead to a reduction of $300 million dollars in annual funding for the state’s Future of Public Health initiative. This includes a $14 million cut for San Diego County, which began the initiative in 2022 to support public health departments in addressing local needs by providing funding for 900 positions statewide, including communicable disease investigators, nurses, and lab staff.
The initiative’s advocates are concerned that without the funding, many of these positions could be at risk, leaving communities vulnerable. One such advocate is San Diego public health nurse Michelle Zittlau-Johnson, who emphasizes that the impact of these cuts goes beyond just losing staff and resources. She worries that the most vulnerable members of the community will suffer as a result of the cuts, as resources and support for essential health services will be limited. Zittlau-Johnson stresses that public health funding is not just about preventing future pandemics but also addressing everyday health concerns that affect communities.
San Diego County officials are currently assessing the potential effects of these proposed budget cuts, noting that delays in responding to communicable diseases, preventing zoonotic diseases, and performing important beach water testing could all be impacted. Ultimately, it is up to the Legislature to approve the budget by June 15 and determine the fate of critical public health funding in California.
