Gov. Gavin Newsom's proposed budget cuts include $300 million in annual funding for the state's Public Health Future Initiative. This includes $14 million in cuts to San Diego County.
The program was launched in 2022 to help public health departments respond to community needs. Filled 900 positions across the state, including infectious disease researchers, nurses and lab staff. Supporters argue that without funding, hundreds of such positions could be at risk.
Michelle Gitlow-Johnson, a San Diego public health nurse, worries the impact goes beyond the potential loss of staff and resources.
“Not only do I think about my colleagues potentially losing their jobs, but I also think about the most vulnerable people in our community. “They will suffer the most,” she said.
She said it's not just about preventing another pandemic.
“What we're fighting for is to make sure that everyday germs don't become something that really harms our communities,” she said.
San Diego County officials are currently assessing the impact of the proposed cuts, which they say will impact delays in infectious disease response, zoonotic disease prevention and coastal water testing.
Congress must approve the budget by June 15th.
