JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. (WDRB) — The Clark County Health Department is facing tough financial decisions as budget cuts loom over vital public health programs.
Although the exact dollar figure has yet to be determined, one thing is clear—Health First Indiana and lifesaving local initiatives are at risk.
“Some of our funding just recently allowed us to supply a local fire department with an automated CPR device. The very next day, they were able to get someone’s pulse back,” said Dr. Eric Yazel, Clark County Health officer and Indiana’s EMS medical director, highlighting the importance of such programs.
The department relies on state and federal grants, which help support programs such as school nurse liaisons. These professionals work directly with schools to improve public health outcomes, and their impact has been significant.
“Greater Clark, one of our largest school corporations, has seen immunization rates rise from the high 60s and low 70s to the 90s ” Yazel said.
However, funding for these initiatives is uncertain. Health First Indiana, which supports programs for healthy eating, diabetes prevention, and smoking cessation, is already facing expected cuts.
“We know already there’s likely to be some cuts. How much? We don’t know yet,” said Yazel.
Local concerns also include the impact of property tax issues on public health funding.
Compounding the issue is the creation of a new fire department after New Chapel Fire and EMS stopped providing service. The county voted to establish a new department with a hefty $30 million price tag. This funding will come from budgets across nearly every local institution, including schools, police and fire departments—and the health department.
“I certainly anticipate there will be some taken out from that. And so, yeah, that will affect our operations,” Yazel said.
This week, the Clark County Health Department is hosting a lung cancer screening at Ivy Tech’s Sellersburg campus. These screenings, along with mammograms and other essential health services, have directly saved lives. Yet, with budget constraints, the future of such programs remains uncertain.
“These are all the things that will be challenged moving forward,” Yazel warned.
While the current health department budget is secure for this year, public health funding in the state budget remains flat for the next two years. The community must now brace for the impact of these financial shifts and prepare to fight for the programs that have long safeguarded public health in Clark County.
