Proposed federal CDC funding cuts, vaccine skepticism, and the closure of Crozer Health hospitals are expected to impact public health services in Delaware County, from childhood vaccinations to infectious disease control, writes Kathleeen Carey for the Daily Times.
“It’s diminishing our capacity to address and identify emerging public health threats,” said Delaware County Board of Health Chairman Rosemarie Halt at a Friday League of Women Voters forum.
The federal fiscal year 2026 budget proposal slashes CDC funding from $9.6 billion in 2025 to $4.24 billion in 2026. Another $1 billion would be shifted elsewhere within the Department of Health and Human Services.
Federal funding helps cover many of the DCHD core operations, including TB control, STI programs, and vaccine outreach.
Vaccination skepticism is already impacting county kindergarten vaccination levels, which have fallen below the 95 percent threshold required for herd immunity, according to Halt and Health Director Lora Werner.
The closure of Crozer Health hospitals is also straining the public health department, as the county secures emergency EMS funding, relocates patients, and expands its Wellness Line services to help displaced patients.
Read more details about how funding and other issues are affecting the Delaware County Health Department in the Daily Times.
