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The sequester’s impact in Nebraska, Part 4: Public Health

This is the fourth post in the federal sequester’s impact on Nebraska’s kids.  See the first three posts here: Sequester OverviewHead Start, and Education.  In addition to cuts to children’s education, sequestration will impact Nebraska’s children in many other ways, one of which is public health.

The White House estimates Nebraska will lose $615,000 in funds directed toward public health.  Several areas will be impacted by the loss in state public health funds including:

  • $174,000 to help response to infectious diseases, natural disasters, and biological, chemical, nuclear, and radiological events,
  • $390,000 in funds that help prevent and treat substance abuse impacting around 1,300 people statewide,
  • $51,000 lost for HIV testing which will make testing more difficult and costly for 1,300 Nebraskans.

From one.org

Sequestration cuts are also poised to impact nationwide programs including cuts to mental health, emergency response, health, science, and drug research, food safety, tribal services, and WIC.

Each of these areas has the potential to significantly impact the health of our Nebraska kids.  A loss in funding to these important areas of public health prevents our children and their families from being safe, happy, and health and does not ensure the best possible future for our youngest generation.

In public health, the focus is on prevention and as they say, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”  With even less funding going towards prevention, the health and safety of our nation’s children is put at risk.

Thank you to taking the time to share!

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