FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: APHA Media Relations, 202-777-3913
Statement from APHA Executive Director Georges C. Benjamin, MD
The American Public Health Association welcomes today’s House Appropriations Committee passage of funding increases for key public health agencies and programs included in the FY 2021 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill.
Importantly, the legislation would provide an additional $232 million for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in fiscal year 2021, including:
- a $5 million increase for CDC’s Climate and Health Program;
- a $12.5 million increase to conduct gun violence prevention research. The National Institutes of Health would also receive a $12.5 million increase for gun violence prevention research;
- $10 million for a new CDC program to address the social determinants of health; and
- $50 million for the ongoing effort to modernize data systems at CDC and state and local health departments.
The bill would also provide $9 billion in emergency supplemental funding for public health and emergency preparedness activities, including funding for an influenza vaccine campaign and funding for state and local public health emergency preparedness activities. These resources are critical to ensuring our federal, state, local, tribal and territorial health agencies are better prepared to continue their efforts to combat COVID-19 as well as future pandemics.
The bill would also provide an increase of $157 million for the Health Resources and Services Administration, including:
- a $25 million increase for Community Health Centers;
- a $25 million increase for the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program;
- a $37 million increase for maternal and child health programs; and
- a $48 million increase for Bureau of Health Professions programs.
Adequate funding for these programs helps ensure a robust, well-trained workforce, a critical component of responding to public health emergencies.
We thank Committee Chair Nita Lowey and Subcommittee Chair Rosa DeLauro for leading the effort to provide these important increases, and we look forward to working with the House and Senate to ensure the highest possible funding levels for CDC, HRSA and other important public health programs in fiscal year 2021.
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The American Public Health Association champions the health of all people and all communities. We are the only organization that combines a nearly 150-year perspective, a broad-based member community and the ability to influence federal policy to improve the public’s health. Learn more at www.apha.org.