Impact of the 2008-2010 economic recession on local health departments.
We measured the impact of the 2008-2010 economic recession on local health departments (LHDs) across the United States. Between 2008 and 2010, we conducted 3 Web-based, cross-sectional surveys of a nationally representative sample of LHDs to assess cuts to budgets, workforce, and programs. By early 2010, more than half of the LHDs (53%) were experiencing cuts to their core funding. In excess of 23 000 LHDs jobs were lost in 2008-2009. All programmatic areas were affected by cuts, and more than half of the LHDs had to reduce or eliminate at least 1 programmatic area. The capacity of LHDs to provide core public health services was undermined by the economic recession.
National Association of County and City Health Officials, Washington, DC, USA. willardr@fcm.ucsf.edu
Rachel
R
Willard
Gulzar H
GH
Shah
Carolyn
C
Leep
Leighton
L
Ku
D057172:Economic Recession / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends*; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D009111:Local Government; D008297:Male; D011635:Public Health Administration / Q000191:economics*; D014481:United States