A new report from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the National Association of County & City Health Officials declares that adequate funding for state and local health departments must be included in nationwide healthcare reform.

The report finds that state and local health departments across the nation have experienced substantial financial cuts, resulting in loss of jobs and services, due to the recent economic downturn. Budget cuts have long-reaching implications including an increase of infectious diseases because fewer people will be tested and treated. Funding cuts mean fewer dollars for intervention-based programs for chronic diseases such as diabetes and asthma.

Authors of the report conclude that funding for state and local health departments must be a priority for state legislators and for the Congress.

Download the complete report here