As the Trump administration moves to rein in government spending and impose new restrictions on federal funding, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health faces significant uncertainty regarding its financial future. In an interview with The Los Angeles Times, Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer detailed the potential risks to the agency’s budget, which relies on federal grants for nearly two-thirds of its funding.
According to Ferrer, the department receives approximately $1 billion annually in federal grants, which are essential for combating infectious diseases like avian flu, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS, as well as providing services for chronically ill children. However, shifting federal policies have already had an impact. One public health associate funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been terminated, and verbal notices have been given to others, signaling potential cuts that could leave gaps in public health efforts.
“We have received—almost every day—some notification on some grant or another around needing to be in compliance with executive orders,” Ferrer told The Times. She noted that conflicting guidance has created confusion, raising concerns about the long-term stability of critical programs.
One key area of concern is Medicaid funding. Proposed federal cuts could have a twofold impact: limiting the department’s ability to provide care through its clinics and increasing demand for public health services as access to healthcare diminishes. “When people’s access to healthcare is reduced, public health services are in higher demand,” Ferrer explained, adding that delayed care often results in worse health outcomes and higher long-term costs.
Another pressing issue is the potential effect on infectious disease response. Ferrer underscored the importance of federally funded public health labs, which conduct genomic sequencing and wastewater surveillance to track emerging threats. The recent appearance of locally acquired dengue cases in Los Angeles County highlights the critical need for continued federal support in disease prevention and response.
Despite the uncertainty, Ferrer remains hopeful that bipartisan support for public health initiatives will continue. “There is a really important role for government in ensuring public health,” she said. “My hope is that as the administration gets settled, they take time to learn about the important work that’s happening and why it really benefits everyone to continue this work.”
As federal policies evolve, the future of L.A. County’s public health funding remains uncertain, but the stakes are clear—potential cuts could affect disease surveillance, vaccination campaigns, and essential services for vulnerable populations.
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