Public Health Associations’ Collaborative Effort

(PHACE)

Public Health Funding Cuts

On Monday, March 24th, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a series of stop work orders to cancel grant agreements for agencies throughout the Unites States, totaling $11B.  A detailed list of grants, state and local agencies has not been released.  However, funding that is connected to immunizations, epidemiology and lab capacity, COVID health disparities and community health workers has been identified, and may include funds being distributed by the New Jersey Association of County and City Health Officials (NJACCHO) and the New Jersey Department of Health to New Jersey local health departments.  

New Jersey’s local health departments depend on these grants to support disease prevention, outbreak response, vaccination and clinical services.  These funds also help local health departments maintain their workforce, increase community services and plan for the next public health emergency or event.  The work being funded is not limited to just COVID-19, but activities that will help us support and prepare for large scale events, such as the World Cup, which will draw in millions of international visitors to our region.    Our local health departments and communities will face significant workforce and operational challenges if these funds are taken away. 

There are DEEP concerns about the potential impact stop work orders will have on local health departments and local communities.  These federal funds have helped to support important community programs, staff infrastructure investments, upgrade data systems and get communities better prepared. 

Take action today, demanding your representatives fight for a reversal of these funding claw backs to support public health agencies and the communities they serve.

To provide a forum wherein all public health disciplines are equally represented, via the leadership of the recognized New Jersey public health associations, to foster a single voice and face for the advancement of public health in New Jersey.

In New Jersey, six public health organizations established the Public Health Associations’ Collaborative Effort (PHACE). The six organizations are:

NJ Association of City and County Health Officials (NJACCHO)- The New Jersey Association of County and City Health Officials (NJACCHO) advances the art and science of public health, and ensures conditions that promote health, prevent disease and protect the health of the states's population through leadership, advocacy, collaboration and the assurance of workforce competencies. Email: mailto:info@njaccho.org

NJ Association of Public Health Nursing Administrators (NJAPHNA)- Preserve the one voice of Public Health nursing throughout New Jersey; while protecting residents by promoting & supporting community action, coordinating programs that facilitate preventative health efforts and preparing for emergencies. Email: mailto:Info@njaphna.org

NJ Environmental Health Association (NJEHA)-The mission of the New Jersey Environmental Health Association is to support the professional growth of environmental health specialists, provide a unified and informed voice in the development of public health practice and policy, and enhance the ability of members to aptly promote environmental and public health locally, regionally and globally. Email: mailto:info@njeha.org

NJ Local Boards of Health (NJLBHA) - NJLBHA provides unique learning opportunities geared to the needs of local board of health members. In addition to our Annual Meeting, we offer an orientation program for new board members and special issue workshops for all board members. We serve as your voice on the state and national level. We represent your views on the Public Health issues facing us. The needs of local boards of health are now being represented through NJLBHA with both the executive and legislative branches of state government as well as with our congressional representatives. Email: mailto:president@njlbha.org

NJ Public Health Association (NJPHA)- Founded in 1875, the New Jersey Public Health Association is the one of the oldest public health organizations in the U.S. Its mission is to strengthen, advocate and advance public health in New Jersey. Email: mailto:newjerseypha@gmail.com

NJ Society for Public Health Education (NJSOPHE)- The New Jersey Society for Public Health Education (NJ SOPHE) is                                       an  organization of health education professionals and students dedicated to improving health through practice and                                           research. NJ SOPHE is also committed to the advancement of health educators by offering professional development,                                       networking opportunities, and mentorship. Email : info@NJSOPHE.Org

NJ SOPHE - Vaccine Position Brief