Fact Check: "State health departments report 'no communication' from CDC on funding."
What We Know
Recent reports indicate that state health departments across the United States are experiencing significant delays in receiving funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to NPR, many health departments have reported that they have not received timely communication regarding their funding status, leading to confusion and operational challenges. For instance, Dr. Scott Harris, the president of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, noted that Alabama's health department relies heavily on federal funding, with more than two-thirds of its budget coming from federal grants, predominantly from the CDC. He emphasized that without timely notices of award, health departments cannot effectively plan or incur costs for their programs.
The CDC has acknowledged the challenges in funding distribution, stating that it has been operating with only 30 days of funding at a time, which has led to a backlog in grant disbursements. This situation has been described by some CDC staff as "rescission by inertia," indicating a lack of clear communication about the funding process and timelines (NPR). Moreover, the CDC's Data Modernization Initiative aims to support public health departments by providing funding and technical assistance, but the current delays have raised concerns about the agency's ability to meet its commitments (CDC).
Analysis
The claim that state health departments report "no communication" from the CDC on funding is partially supported by the evidence. While it is clear that many health departments are facing delays and lack of timely information regarding their funding, the CDC has been actively engaged in supporting public health initiatives through various programs. The CDC's Data Modernization Initiative highlights ongoing efforts to provide funding and technical assistance to state and local health departments, which indicates that there is some level of communication and support, albeit not as timely as needed.
However, the reports from NPR underscore a significant disconnect between the CDC's funding processes and the expectations of state health departments. The lack of timely notices of award and the confusion surrounding funding timelines have led to operational difficulties, including layoffs and halted programs in some areas (NPR). The credibility of NPR as a source is high, given its reputation for thorough reporting and reliance on credible sources, including CDC staff and public health officials.
In contrast, the CDC's own communications about its funding initiatives may not fully address the immediate concerns raised by state health departments, indicating a gap in effective communication regarding the status and timing of funding disbursements.
Conclusion
The verdict on the claim that state health departments report "no communication" from the CDC on funding is Partially True. While there is evidence of significant delays and confusion regarding funding communications, the CDC is actively involved in funding initiatives and support for public health departments. The issue appears to stem from a lack of timely updates and clarity in the funding process rather than a complete absence of communication.
