Impact of the 2008–2010 Economic Recession on Local Health Departments

Abstract

We measured the impact of the 2008-2010 economic recession on local health departments (LHDs) across the United States. Between 2008 and 2010, we conducted 3 Web-based, cross-sectional surveys of a nationally representative sample of LHDs to assess cuts to budgets, workforce, and programs. By early 2010, more than half of the LHDs (53%) were experiencing cuts to their core funding. In excess of 23 000 LHDs jobs were lost in 2008-2009. All programmatic areas were affected by cuts, and more than half of the LHDs had to reduce or eliminate at least 1 programmatic area. The capacity of LHDs to provide core public health services was undermined by the economic recession.

A Review of Health Consequences of Recessions Internationally and a Synthesis of the US Response during the Great Recession

“…Between 2008 and 2010, three cross-sectional surveys of a nationally representative sample of local health departments observed more than half were experiencing cuts to "core funding" activities that included basic services related to disease surveillance and local health statistics record-keeping. 188 In excess of 23,000 local health departments jobs were lost in 2008 and 2009. More than half of the departments had to reduce or eliminate at least one programmatic area, such as infectious disease surveillance.…”

The Great Recession, insurance mandates, and the use of in vitro fertilization services in the United States

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“…Several organizations (e.g., National Association of County and City Health Officials, American Heart Association) track and report information on the occurrence and nature of partnerships with health-sector organizations. These data have been used to assess the number of sectors to which health agencies are connected in communities (Willard et al, 2012). The literature also provides ample evidence that government and nongovernmental organizations working together is a key factor in building a Culture of Health.…”