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Imagine waking up to a world where your local health department can’t track a measles outbreak, run immunization programs, or respond to foodborne illness outbreaks. That might not be a dream. It could shortly become a reality.

Shortly after Trump’s inauguration, his administration tried to cancel federal contracts and cooperative agreements with state and county health departments. A judge stepped in to block the move, but if that ruling is lifted—or if federal officials simply ignore it—it would be catastrophic for Arizona.

Why? Because more than 70% of county health department funding in Arizona comes from federal dollars.

Without it, the state would essentially have no functioning public health system. County health departments could still inspect restaurants (since that’s fee-based), but everything else—from infectious disease control to maternal health programs—would grind to a halt.

Infectious Disease Outbreaks: A Disaster Waiting to Happen

With no public health infrastructure, Arizona wouldn’t be able to track or respond to disease outbreaks like the recent measles cases in Texas and New Mexico. Surveillance for emerging threats like new COVID-19 variants? Gone. Efforts to contain tuberculosis? Over. Vector-borne diseases like West Nile virus and dengue? No one would be monitoring them.

Immunizations for Kids & Adults Would Collapse

Public health departments run vital immunization programs that protect children and adults from vaccine-preventable diseases. Slashing federal funds would mean fewer vaccines for low-income families, leading to outbreaks of diseases we thought were under control—like measles and whooping cough.

Foodborne & Vector-Borne Illnesses: Who’s Watching?

Public health officials investigate outbreaks of foodborne illnesses like salmonella and E. coli to keep the food supply safe. Without funding, those investigations stop, leaving the public (you) at risk. Similarly, Arizona’s fight against mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus would be gone, increasing the chances of widespread infections.

Maternal & Child Health Programs Would Disappear

Prenatal care programs, newborn screenings, and early childhood health initiatives rely heavily on federal funding. Without them, maternal and infant mortality rates could rise, reversing decades of progress.

No Emergency Preparedness for Pandemics, Heatwaves, or Bioterrorism

Public health emergencies—whether it’s a pandemic, extreme heat, or a bioterrorism threat—require coordinated responses. County health departments lead these efforts, ensuring Arizona can react quickly and effectively. If federal funds vanish, so does preparedness, putting millions at risk.

The Bottom Line

This isn’t an exaggeration—if these cuts happen, Arizona’s public health system would collapse. The consequences would be deadly. Public health funding isn’t just another budget line item—it’s what keeps our communities safe. Cutting it would be reckless, dangerous, and utterly disastrous.