“I’ve been working with our department and county administration to ensure we provide whatever resources are available,” said Commissioner Roderick Miles.
”I’ve been working with our department and county administration to ensure we provide whatever resources are available,” said Commissioner Roderick Miles.
“I’ve been working with our department and county administration to ensure we provide whatever resources are available,” said Commissioner Roderick Miles.
TARRANT COUNTY, Texas — Community health initiatives, including makeshift COVID-19 vaccine clinics and mobile measles vaccination programs, are at risk of disappearing.
The funding that supports these programs and pays local healthcare workers has been cut, leading to layoffs across several North Texas county health departments.
Dr. Philip Huang, Director of Dallas County Health and Human Services, expressed serious concerns after losing three primary sources of funding. The loss has left him scrambling to keep essential services running for those in need.
“It’s been chaotic and destructive with no advance warning,” said Dr. Huang.
He explained that massive federal job cuts within health departments and the reduction of grants for local programs have significantly impacted public health access in Dallas County. Now, he is rearranging programs with fewer staff to make sure Dallas County residents are still served by the health department.
“These cuts are tremendously impacting our ability to respond to public health threats. COVID showed us how important it is to provide support for public health services,” Huang added.
The funding cuts have already resulted in 11 full-time and 10 temporary employees losing their jobs at the Dallas County Health Department. Dr. Huang remains uncertain about what future budgetary decisions may bring, especially since some of the federal healthcare professionals they previously relied on for expertise have also been laid off.
Tarrant County has been hit even harder. County leaders reported that 39 health department employees have been laid off, with more job losses potentially on the way. During their April 2 meeting, Tarrant County Commissioners learned that federal cuts have ultimately impacted hundreds of county employees.
Commissioner Roderick Miles addressed the issue, saying, “In personnel, it’s about 350 employees being impacted by that.”
Though new to the Tarrant County Commissioners Board, Miles has taken swift action. He has reached out to several local business partners to help re-employ those affected by the cuts, emphasizing his belief that county employees are like family.
“If we are family, then it’s our responsibility to support those family members as best we can,” Miles said. “I’ve been working with our department and county administration to ensure we provide whatever resources are available to help make the transition as smooth as possible. If that means resume writing skills, soft skills for interviewing, or other career development resources, then I think it’s incumbent upon us as leaders to provide that support.”
Miles is optimistic that many of the laid-off employees possess valuable skills that will make them attractive candidates for new jobs.
While the long-term impact of the funding cuts remains uncertain, Dr. Huang stressed the importance of being prepared for public health emergencies.
“We are working closely with Dallas County Commissioners and appreciate their support,” Dr. Huang said. “Some of these rural counties are even more hurt and impacted by not having these funds and services. We don’t know what the impact will be, but we are certainly prepared. I hope they understand the importance of these programs and reconsider some of these cuts.”