Will Humble Professional Development, Wills Blog

Public Health Journalism this Week

Here’s what Arizona counties could lose from health funding cutbacks

AZ Attorney General Kris Mayes says federal grant cuts are illegal

How will federal HHS cuts affect Arizona? Here’s what we know

Feds withhold $190M in public health grants to Arizona

Kennedy’s HHS restructuring plan will kill Arizonans | Opinion

GOP bill banning public funding for clinics connected to abortion advances | Arizona Capitol Times

‘Fill in that gap’: Arizona hopes to have Missing Endangered Persons alert system live by summer

Will Humble Opioids, Wills Blog

Maricopa County Commits $4.3M in Opioid Settlement Funds to Strengthen Local Response

Maricopa County is investing approximately $4.3 million in opioid settlement funds to support 17 local organizations working to combat substance use and its devastating impacts on individuals and families. 

“The opioid and polysubstance use crisis continues to impact families across Maricopa County, and these funds allow us to take meaningful action,” said Thomas Galvin, Chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, District 2. “By providing more resources to organizations who are on the front lines of this battle, we are building a stronger, more coordinated response to help those affected.”

This funding is in accordance with the One Arizona Distribution of Opioid Settlement Funds Agreement and will expand services at three existing opioid settlement-funded organizations while also supporting 14 new organizations (see chart below). 

Investments will enhance prevention and treatment programs, expand harm reduction interventions, increase recovery support, and improve care coordination to ensure that services reach those most in need. Awarded contracts will begin on April 1, 2025, and are renewable up to four additional years subject to Board of Supervisor approval.

Funded projects align with Maricopa County’s Substance Use Prevention & Response Strategic Plan for Fiscal Year 2024-2028.  The County’s approach prioritizes evidence-based and culturally-appropriate solutions that address immediate needs while also building long-term resilience in communities disproportionately impacted by the opioid epidemic. 

Contracts were selected through a competitive bid process. Future opportunities to apply for Maricopa County opioid settlement funds include a Request for Proposals (RFP) coming in April 2025.  

This RFP will fund a single provider to expand business-focused substance use toolkits and deliver technical assistance to small, medium, and large organizations in Maricopa County. This project will help businesses develop and implement workplace policies addressing substance misuse. Interested parties can register with the county online. 

A current list of all current organizations and projects funded by Maricopa County Opioid Settlement Funds is available here. In addition to Maricopa County, opioid settlement funds are distributed to most of the cities and towns in Maricopa County.  For a complete list of settlement spending in the county and state, please visit the Arizona Attorney General’s website.

Will Humble Public Health, Wills Blog

Kennedy Cuts $190M in Federal Public Health Grants to Arizona

In a move coordinated with Kennedy’s announcement of mass layoffs at HHS agencies and the closing of regional service offices, Secretary Kennedy also immediately terminated more than $190 million in cooperative agreement funds for Arizona public health infrastructure & initiatives.

Feds withhold $190M in public health grants to Arizona, AZCentral – Innes

For Arizona, the cancellation of nearly $190 million in federal grants marks a severe blow to efforts to safeguard public health. ADHS received notification that several critical grants were being cut, effective March 24, 2025.

It’s still unclear exactly which entities are being cut and by how much – the $190M in cuts represented investments in public health and PH infrastructure among more than 269 contracts with local organizations, all 15 county health departments, several Tribal health departments, and university partners.

Mohave County health programs hit by loss of federal funding | 12news | Resnick

Specific cuts included the CDC Health Disparities Grant, sub-grants tied to the Vaccines for Children Program, and sub-grants within the Epidemiology Laboratory Capacity Grant—all of which focused on improving disease surveillance, response capabilities, and public health infrastructure across Arizona.

Trump cancels billions in health grants, hitting local efforts hard

These cuts aren’t just numbers; they’re a direct assault on Arizona’s ability to respond to emerging infectious diseases and protect the public’s health.

The affected grants had funded crucial programs designed to bolster the state’s disease detection, prevention, and control efforts. Local organizations—ranging from the 15 county health departments to tribal health centers and universities—were all relying on this funding to carry out projects aimed at monitoring and responding to public health threats.

Among the alarming cuts are an immediate end to improving the effectiveness of MEDSIS (the state’s disease case surveillance system) – Arizona’s tool for monitoring and coordinating the response to disease cases and outbreaks.

Arizona public health agencies losing $190M in federal grants | 12news.com

Without the funding now gone, Arizona’s public health infrastructure further behind in the fight against future outbreaks. As communicable diseases continue to evolve, this system would have played a critical role in tracking trends and ensuring timely responses.

The loss of these funds effectively halts Arizona’s efforts to improve its disease surveillance capabilities.

Other initiatives funded by the now deceased grants were filling response holes by supporting local health departments and providing tools for better disease control. With the termination of these funds, projects that were on track and compliant with grant requirements will now come to a standstill, leaving local health agencies without crucial resources.

The impact of these cuts will be far-reaching. Arizona’s public health infrastructure will be  weakened and Arizona’s ability to respond to health emergencies undermined.

Kennedy’s move is part of a larger strategy that seems intent on dismantling essential public health functions at the federal, state and local level. While his push to refocus on chronic diseases has some merit, the immediate effects of these funding cuts suggest that the true cost will be the loss of crucial resources and infrastructure that protects the health and safety of all Arizonans.

In short, the termination of these grants marks a big blow to Arizona’s public health system. With vital programs cut and surveillance tools stalled, the state will be ill-equipped to face future health crises. These changes are not just a setback—they are a direct threat to public health and well-being in Arizona.

Editorial Note: I wish I had better news – and my intent isn’t to bum all of you out – but it’s important to see things with a clear eye so we can collectively do the best we can to weather the public health storm we’re facing together.

Arizona is one of 23 states plus the District of Columbia

Will Humble Affordable Care Act, Public Health, Wills Blog

Kennedy Begins Disassembling the U.S. Public Health System

HHS Secretary Kennedy unveiled a sweeping plan this week that will substantially dismantle the nation’s public health infrastructure. His announcement signals a drastic shift in HHS’ decades long approach to evidence-based public health, with major consequences for CDC, FDA, HRSA, CMS, IHS and the NIH. Kennedy’s decisions this week included a wholesale firing at those HHS agencies.

Kennedy used a two-pronged approach to disassembling public health infrastructure: massive budget cuts for state and county health departments, as well as laying off thousands of employees across various HHS agencies.

These actions are just the first step in what is expected to be a broader effort to reduce the federal government’s role in public health and health regulation.

One element of Kennedy’s plan to fire staff includes closing several HHS regional offices, including the one in San Francisco, which serves Arizona. These closures, including the relocation of services to other cities like Denver are less about operational efficiency and more about encouraging current staff to quit rather than uproot their lives and families.

In essence, these closures could force employees to make difficult decisions about their careers, further reducing the government’s investment in public health infrastructure.

The implications for Arizona are significant. The HHS regional office in San Francisco plays a crucial role in overseeing public health efforts in the state, especially in terms of grant funding and accountability.

Trump plan for overhauling health agencies will cut 10,000 positions | Science | AAAS

As a primary function of many positions within these agencies, project officers are tasked with overseeing the use of federal funds at the state and local levels. These positions ensure that state and local health departments are held accountable for how they use the grants they receive, reinforcing transparency and responsible allocation of resources.

Kennedy’s decision to cut these positions is not just a cost-saving measure; it is a direct attack on accountability.

Without project officers overseeing the spending of federal funds, Arizona’s state and local health departments lose important guidance and oversight. This erosion of accountability isn’t about streamlining operations; it’s part of a broader effort to disassemble the health sector’s regulatory framework.

By reducing the staff that holds local agencies accountable, Kennedy’s plan undermines the very mechanisms that ensure public health policies are effectively implemented, and funds are used appropriately.

Kennedy to cut 10,000 jobs at Health and Human Services

This announcement is likely only the beginning. We can expect further reductions in public health infrastructure and services. These cuts will affect Arizona’s health agencies to respond to emerging health threats, both chronic and infectious. As federal oversight and resources dwindle, the state will be left to fend for itself, with fewer tools and less guidance from the federal government.

Secretary Kennedy’s announcement marks a turning point in the federal government’s approach to public health. While his focus on chronic diseases may have some merit, the dismantling of critical public health infrastructure poses a serious threat to public health systems across the United States, including in Arizona.

By cutting staff, reducing oversight, and closing regional offices, Kennedy’s plan undermines the very framework that ensures public health efforts are effective and accountable.

These changes are likely just the first step in a larger, more destructive overhaul of the nation’s health system, and the consequences will be felt for years to come.

Will Humble State Legislature, Wills Blog

Legislative Update; Week of March 31

This week was a busy one – with several floor voting sessions and cramped committee agendas. Friday was the deadline to hear bills in committees other than Rules and Appropriations – so many more bills will fall by the wayside by this time next week. After this week things will settle down as most committees will have ended.

The Director’s Nomination Committee has only vetted a few of the agency director nominees. Whether the chair picks up the pace now that the other committees have ended will soon be evident.

Here’s a list of the public health related bills that are still alive these days:

Senate

SB1019 photo enforcement; traffic (AzPHA opposes)
SB1071 SNAP TANF verification (AzPHA Opposed)
SB1108 international medical licenses; provisional licensing (no Position)
SB1612 RFP document retention; AHCCCS (No Position)
SB1347 comprehensive dental; ahcccs (AzPHA Supports)
SB1604 licensed secure health facility; defendants (AzPHA Supports)

SB1623 GME appropriations (AzPHA Supports)

House

HB2001 behavioral health temporary licenses (AzPHA Supports)

HB2012 emergency use products; employers (AzPHA Opposed)

HB2130 claims; prior authorization (AzPHA Supports)

HB2058 immunization proof; higher education (AzPHA Opposed)

HB2063 parental notification; school immunizations (AzPHA Opposes)

HB2125 insurance coverage; hearing aids (AzPHA Supports)

HB2126 medical records; parental choice (AzPHA Opposes)

HB2145 registered sanitarians; qualifications (AzPHA Supports)

HB2164 school lunches; ultra processed food (AzPHA Supports)

HB2165 SNAP; prohibited purchases (AzPHA No Position)

HB2175 claims; prior auth; company conduct (AzPHA Supports)

HB2176 training; investigations; complaints (AzPHA Neutral)

HB2257 DCS, vaccination; child placement (AzPHA No Position)

HB2291 opioids, red cap packaging (AzPHA Supports)

HB2449 AHCCCS presumptive eligibility (AzPHA Opposed)

HB2894 Silver alert criteria (AzPHA Supports)

Will Humble Public Health, Wills Blog

Welcome Our New Board Member:  Rebecca Sunenshine, MD, FIDSA

When an AZPHA Board Member leaves before their term is up our AZPHA by-laws say the President appoints the replacement. That happened recently, and we’re pleased to announce that our President, Sena Clendaniel, has appointed Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine as a Public Representative on our Board.

Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine has served in federal, state and local public health for the last 21 years, most recently as the Chief Medical Officer for the Maricopa County Department of Public Health.

She’s a retired Captain in the US Public Health Service and previously served for 18 years as a CDC Career Epidemiology Field Officer assigned to the ADHS for 4 years and Maricopa County Public Health 15. 

She’s trained as an infectious disease epidemiologist with specialties in internal medicine and infectious diseases from the Oregon Health & Science University and completed the CDC Epidemic Intelligence Service Fellowship in the Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion in 2006.

Her more than 60 publications include a broad range of public health topics including coccidioidomycosis, healthcare associated infections, vectorborne disease epidemiology and the health effects of heat.

Please welcome Dr. Sunenshine to our Board of Directors!

Note: AzPHA currently has an open Board Officer position of Treasurer. If you’re interested in serving please contact our President, Sean Clendaniel at [email protected]. You can see the Treasurer responsibilities in our AZPHA By Laws

Will Humble Professional Development, Wills Blog

Applications Opening Soon for Maricopa County Department of Public Health Fellowship Program

Maricopa County Public Health will begin recruitment for their third cohort of the Maricopa County Department of Public Health Fellowship Program in mid-March!

This two-year paid fellowship provides recent graduates with practical, hands-on experience, professional development, and mentorship in the public health field.

  • Real-World Impact – Work on key public health initiatives affecting our communities.
    Full Pay & Benefits – Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package.
  • Ongoing Support – Receive mentorship from the Fellowship Coordinator and a dedicated project Point of Contact.

MCDPH will soon be inviting candidates who have recently graduated with the following degrees to apply: 

  • Public Health
  • Social Work
  • User Experience (UX)
  • Communications
  • Psychology
  • Public Administration

Positions are expected to post in mid-April. Visit MCDPH Fellowship for updates.

Will Humble Public Health, Vaccination, Wills Blog

mRNA Research: NIH Putting the Kibosh on Promising Cancer & Vaccine Innovation

In a puzzling move this week, NIH officials told senior vaccine scientists that references to mRNA vaccines should be removed from future funding applications.

This new directive is downright bizarre considering how crucial mRNA technology has become in recent years. Despite its growing promise in treating diseases like cancer and speeding up vaccine development, the NIH, under the leadership of Mr. Kennedy, is bailing on its support of this innovative approach despite its promise.

One of the major benefits of mRNA vaccines and therapies is their speed. Having the ability to develop a vaccine on a much faster time schedule has the potential to save millions of lives.

Traditional methods for producing vaccines—like the flu vaccine, which relies on growing viruses in chicken eggs—can be slow and cumbersome. mRNA technology, on the other hand, can be adapted much more quickly to respond to emerging threats, ensuring we’re always prepared for the next wave.

mRNA technology is also being used to develop new cancer treatments, potentially revolutionizing how we fight diseases like pancreatic cancer (just one example) by teaching the immune system to target and destroy tumor cells more effectively.

So, why the sudden shift at the NIH?

According to sources at KFF the move is part of a larger political and ideological struggle as the MAHA/MAGA movement is against mRNA technology because most of the COVID vaccines were developed using mRNA technology.

The NIH’s latest stance will hinder critical breakthroughs for the next 4 years, slowing down our ability to make vaccines more safe, effective and faster to manufacture – and squelching cancer treatment.

I don’t really have a call to action here. This NIH decision is discretionary and it’s unlikely judges can or will overturn this depressing decision by HHS.

Will Humble Health Insurance, Healthcare, Wills Blog

Medicare Telehealth Largely Ends Next Week (April 1)

Update to this post: The Federal Continuing Budget Resolution passed in March extended telehealth services through September 30, 2025.

Telehealth has been an efficient way to provide certain kinds of health care services for many people on Medicare (and their providers) – providing easier access to healthcare for patients and better use of time for providers ever since the pandemic.

That’s about to largely end as restrictions on telehealth reimbursement and geographic restrictions are set to take effect after April 1, 2025. impacting how and where (and sometimes whether) Medicaid members get their care.

Medicare telehealth set to expire

The expansion of telehealth during the pandemic showed remarkable improvements in access to care. As documented in a Kaiser Family Foundation report, before the pandemic, Medicare’s telehealth coverage was limited. Only patients in rural areas or specific settings had access, and visits had to be conducted via real-time audiovisual technology.

The public health emergency lifted these barriers, enabling all Medicare beneficiaries to use telehealth for a broad range of services, including behavioral health, chronic disease management, and primary care visits. 

A study published in Health Affairs highlighted how these changes improved care access for members who had struggled to see their doctors regularly. Older adults, those living in rural & underserved areas, and patients managing multiple chronic conditions benefitted the most.

Geographic Restrictions & Behavioral Health Services

Medicare beneficiaries can still access telehealth services from virtually anywhere, but they won’t be able to in a couple weeks.  Starting April 1, 2025, geographic restrictions will return.

This means that telehealth services will be limited to rural areas unless members receive specific services, like monthly visits for home dialysis or certain mental health treatments.

If you’re in an urban area and require telehealth for general care or mental health services, you’ll likely need to visit a healthcare facility in person after 4/1.

Behavioral health services have seen significant benefits from telehealth, allowing patients to access care from home. After April 1, most of those services will require in-person visits, especially if they’re part of an ongoing treatment plan.

Medicare Advantage Plans May Offer More Flexibility

Medicare Advantage plans sometimes offer more flexibility when it comes to telehealth. These private plans often have broader coverage options and may not be as restricted by geographic limitations. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, check with your plan provider to understand the specific telehealth benefits and flexibility available after April 1, 2025.

What Could Have Been

It didn’t have to be this way. The bipartisan CONNECT for Health Act offered a comprehensive and efficient solution. This bill proposed permanent expansions of telehealth in Medicare (including the removal of geographic site requirements that restrict telehealth to rural areas) and drops in-person visit rules for behavioral health.

Importantly, it also included measures to reduce potential fraud and abuse, something sorely needed to prevent fraud and make telehealth services sustainable over time. Those measures include setting stricter guidelines for billing and ensuring better auditing of services.

The CONNECT Act also addresses concerns about overuse of telehealth by focusing on finding high-value services that are proper for virtual care.

Sadly, it appears that Congress will wait until they hear from mad constituents before they take up the CONNECT Act.

Travel Diary

Will Humble State Legislature, Wills Blog

Legislative Update: Week of March 24, 2025

This week was a busy one – with several floor vote sessions and cramped committee agendas. This upcoming Friday the deadline to hear bills in committees other than Rules and Appropriations – so many more bills will fall by the wayside by this time next week. After this week things will settle down as most committees will have ended. 

Here’s a list of the public health related bills that are still alive these days:

Senate

SB1019 photo enforcement; traffic (AzPHA opposes)
SB1071 SNAP TANF verification (AzPHA Opposed)
SB1108 international medical licenses; provisional licensing (no Position)
SB1612 RFP document retention; AHCCCS (No Position)
SB1347 comprehensive dental; ahcccs (AzPHA Supports)
SB1604 licensed secure health facility; defendants (AzPHA Supports)

SB1623 GME appropriations (AzPHA Supports)

House

HB2001 behavioral health temporary licenses (AzPHA Supports)

HB2012 emergency use products; employers (AzPHA Opposed)

HB2130 claims; prior authorization (AzPHA Supports)

HB2058 immunization proof; higher education (AzPHA Opposed)

HB2063 parental notification; school immunizations (AzPHA Opposes)

HB2125 insurance coverage; hearing aids (AzPHA Supports)

HB2126 medical records; parental choice (AzPHA Opposes)

HB2145 registered sanitarians; qualifications (AzPHA Supports)

HB2164 school lunches; ultra processed food (AzPHA Supports)

HB2165 SNAP; prohibited purchases (AzPHA No Position)

HB2175 claims; prior auth; company conduct (AzPHA Supports)

HB2176 training; investigations; complaints (AzPHA Neutral)

HB2257 DCS, vaccination; child placement (AzPHA No Position)

HB2291 opioids, red cap packaging (AzPHA Supports)

HB2449 AHCCCS presumptive eligibility (AzPHA Opposed)

HB2894 Silver alert criteria (AzPHA Supports)

We’re set to testify in committees next week in favor of:

SB1604 licensed secure health facility

SB1347 comprehensive dental; ahcccs

SB1623 GME appropriations

See this week’s House and Senate Health Committee lineup

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