Georgia’s Department Of Public Health Not Spared Cuts
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Considerable drops in tax revenue related to the coronavirus pandemic have prompted across-the-board cuts at state agencies for the next budget cycle.
And despite the pandemic, Georgia’s Department of Public Health hasn’t been spared.
Andy Miller is editor and CEO of Georgia Health News. He joined WABE’s host of “All Things Considered” Jim Burress by telephone.
Burress asked, “If one way the agency might meet that mandate involves canceling a contract with an agency that’s the lifeline for thousands living with an advanced HIV diagnosis?”
Miller replies, “That’s correct. They have a $1.5 million contract with Grady’s Infectious Disease Program, which supports the Ponce de Leon Center, which is essentially the biggest HIV service provider in the state and one of the biggest in the country.”
Burress continued to ask Miller what would have to be cut if needed.
Miller responded, “They would probably have to either put a limit on the number of patients they see or cut some of the comprehensive services that they offer.”
Miller added, Grady officials say terminating their contract will lead to an increase of HIV cases in Georgia.
WABE’s Maria White Tillman contributed to this report.
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