County health dept. at ‘breaking point’?
Published April 8, 2008 by CSBJ Staff
El Paso County Health officials say a lack of money has put the health department at the “breaking point.”
Addressing about 100 elected officials, and community leaders at an annual meeting, Public Health Administrator Rosemary Bakes-Martin said El Paso County’s growing population and increase of infectious diseases, combined with decreased money for basic public health protection, have pushed the county’s health department to the breaking point, putting the community at risk because health inspection will be dramatically cut.
The department is required by law to work to protect residents from about 60 different infectious diseases – many potentially life-threatening. Yet the ability of the Health Department to provide basic public health protection is increasingly impaired, she said.
Filed under CSBJ Daily, El Paso
Unfortunately with our economy the way it is all budgets are being strained but this is frightening.
In an effort to assist those in need in our community, the 9Health Fair which provids low-cost health screenings to anyone who would like them. APril 18, 2008, the health fair will be hosted by Remington College, 6050 Erin Park Dr, C.S.C. 719-532-1234, VOLUNTEERS are needed! please call if you are able to volunteer!
Thank you.
You can thank the county commissioners, they are the elected body that has cut funding for the health department. I guess public health isn’t a priority. Thanks Sally Clark, I glad you care!