$2.5M in Programs at Risk as Trump Targets 25 Pima County Health Dep't Positions

Pima County is facing significant budget cuts following directives from the Trump administration that restrict the use of federally awarded grant funds. This situation could lead to the elimination of over 20 jobs and the loss of $2.46 million from critical pandemic-response programs aimed at increasing vaccination rates and addressing health disparities.

While no layoffs have been announced yet, county officials are preparing for potential job cuts. Health Department employees have been informed that some may have the opportunity to apply for open positions as funding changes unfold. Eight grant-funded staff focused on health disparities, 14 involved with vaccination clinics, and three contracted nurses will be impacted, according to County Administrator Jan Lesher.

The abrupt halt in funding comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) instructs health officials nationwide to cease expenditures from approximately $11.4 billion intended for COVID-19 response efforts. Lesher noted that the county now finds $2.46 million in awarded but unreceived funds to be “inaccessible.”

PCHD Director Theresa Cullen communicated the terminations of two key grants in emails to staff earlier this week. The Health Disparities grant and the Vaccine Equity Program, much of which was expected to continue until June, are among those set for immediate termination. With 14 employees fully supported by the vaccine program, further job cuts could affect many others who have received partial support from these funds.

Lesher emphasized that the funding cancellations are specifically targeting COVID-19-related efforts, which may also extend to other grants. To assist affected staff, the county plans to offer at least two weeks of pay during the transition, with classified employees entitled to 30 days upon receiving a layoff notice.

The Health Department currently reports a total of 489 positions, with 96 identified as vacant as of December 15, 2024. However, updates on the vacancy report have been hampered by a recent transition to a new financial platform.

This funding termination threatens to dismantle local initiatives aimed at mitigating COVID-19 health disparities. The Health Disparities grant, originally valued at $6,510,503, provided resources for various health education programs and outreach efforts through May 2026. Now, approximately $903,000 of those funds will remain inaccessible, impacting services like insurance enrollment and care kit distribution.

Similarly, the Vaccine Equity grant, totaling $9,559,616, is leaving around $1,559,161 unutilized, directly affecting ongoing vaccination clinics and educational outreach, particularly in rural areas. The county is forced to cancel 25 scheduled events, including 18 vaccination clinics, disrupting vital health services.

The sudden nature of these cutbacks is imposing considerable logistical challenges on the county’s ability to adjust to the new financial directives while maintaining service continuity. Lesher noted that while the termination of grant-funded positions is common as programs conclude, the unexpected timing complicates the process considerably.

Despite the difficulties, county officials are committed to supporting their workforce, ensuring they remain a priority for forthcoming job openings. Lesher expressed concern about losing valued employees, stating it’s important to treat staff with respect and consideration during these transitions.

In the backdrop of these changes, Trump administration officials have defended the funding cuts, stating that the COVID-19 pandemic is over and reiterating a shift in focus toward chronic health conditions. Department of Health and Human Services spokesman Andrew Nixon articulated a new direction for health funding under the administration’s agenda.

This stance comes in stark contrast to the ongoing public health reality, as CDC data indicates that more than 1.2 million Americans have died from COVID-19. Many survivors continue to experience debilitating “long COVID” symptoms, highlighting the continuing relevance of effective public health initiatives.