EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) —El Paso’s Department of Public Health is facing a $3.5 million loss in federal and state grant funding, most of it tied to COVID-19 programs that have now expired.
Assistant Director Sara Cera says about $3.2 million of that was tied to pandemic-era grants that helped the department expand operations during COVID-19.
Local health agencies were also allowed to use funds to track infectious diseases, strengthen lab capacity and plan for future public health emergencies.
“Those programs that were reduced by a specific percentage that included our public health emergency preparedness, our laboratory, and tuberculosis,” Cera said. “Those have been affected in the way that we have to rework our budget and eliminate several positions.”
Among the programs impacted, public health emergency preparedness, laboratory services, and tuberculosis response, officials say three to four positions will be cut, though specific roles are still under review.
While health departments nationwide are dealing with similar funding challenges, Cera says El Paso’s location on the U.S.-Mexico border brings additional challenges.
“We serve three states and two different countries,” she said. “That’s what makes us unique, being a border city in a tri-state area versus other places that might not have those challenges.”
The department routinely works with communities in southern New Mexico and has historically partnered with agencies in Juárez for cross-border health initiatives. Officials say when funding shrinks here, the ripple effects often extend beyond El Paso.
Despite the setbacks, Cera says the department remains focused on its core mission.
“Our main goal is prevention,” she said. “We will aim and strive to prevent any public health threat to the community.”
City leaders say they’re now working to secure new grants to offset the funding loss and continue supporting the services many residents rely on.
For more information, visit elpasotexas.gov/public-health.
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