Title
Vote to accept $216,608 for the five-year Public Health Infrastructure Workforce Development funding from the CDC through NC DHHS to support staff development, communications, and other department needs with a focus on the public health foundational capabilities (carryover funds)
Abstract
Introduction & Background: The pandemic emphasized the critical importance of a robust public health system. Public health departments need to continue their response work, apply lessons learned, and prepare for future public health emergencies. The pandemic accentuated long-standing weaknesses and created new challenges to the public health infrastructure. This Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funding, awarded to the North Carolina Division of Public Health for a five-year period ending October 31, 2027, recognizes a history of underinvestment in the public health system and the foundational services it provides.
Discussion & Analysis: This funding is to help meet the short-term critical infrastructure needs and to make strategic investments which will have lasting effects on local public health departments in North Carolina. This funding will support the foundational capabilities and the local health department workforce needed to support service areas. Investments and improvements to foundational capabilities will help rebuild and modernize public health departments, positioning local health departments to better serve their communities. The scope of workforce investment to support these foundational capabilities is wide and includes hiring, retaining, supporting, and training the workforce. Short-term outcomes will include increased hiring, training, and improvement in operational processes. Long-term outcomes will include increasing the size of the public health workforce equipped with stronger foundational capabilities in order to better serve and protect the health of communities. This funding is for a five-year period, and unexpended funds will roll over until the end of each fiscal year. Note: These are carryover funds from FY25.
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan: Aligns with plan goal “Foster a healthy community”.
Budgetary Impact: No Local Funding Requested.
Recommendation/Motion: Motion to accept $216,608 for Public Health Infrastructure Workforce Development funding (carryover funds).