Public Health Agency receives federal funding extension for infectious disease data modernization

During the Montezuma County Board of County Commissioners workshop on June 9, 2025, public health officials discussed the renewal of a significant federal grant aimed at enhancing the county's capacity to manage infectious diseases. This grant, known as the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) program, is crucial for funding ongoing public health initiatives.

The ELC program, which has been extended for an additional eight months, will run from August 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026. This extension allows the county to continue utilizing funds originally allocated for COVID-19 response efforts, specifically for data modernization related to infectious disease tracking. The county has transitioned to a new database system called Epitrax, which replaces the previous system, CDARS. This system is essential for logging communicable diseases and streamlining documentation processes.

The funding will support the salaries of two nurses, including the speaker, who are primarily responsible for managing this data. The total amount allocated for this purpose is $54,138. The focus of the grant is not on COVID-19 vaccinations but rather on broader infectious disease management, reflecting a shift in public health priorities as the pandemic evolves.

The discussion highlighted the importance of maintaining robust public health infrastructure and the ongoing need for resources to effectively monitor and respond to infectious diseases in the community. As the county moves forward, this funding will play a vital role in ensuring that public health officials are equipped to handle current and future health challenges.