Jackson County Drug Free Communities coordinator announces resignation amid federal funding uncertainty

Julie Fern, the county's Drug Free Communities (DFC) project coordinator, told the Board of Supervisors on July 15 that she has resigned effective July 28 and outlined uncertainty about federal grant funding for the program.

Fern said she had contacted Senator Chuck Grassley’s office for clarity on the federal budget but that staff there could not confirm whether the federal DFC grant funds would be released. "I resigned my position at ASAC, and I wanted to tell you that," Fern said, noting she will continue to complete the coalition's obligations through the end of July and finish the annual DFC report due in August.

Why this matters: the DFC grant provides federal support for local prevention efforts. Fern said the county typically receives a notice of award (NOA) in September that triggers hiring and contracting for the next grant year; without that NOA the program cannot commit staff. She said ASAC — the current contractor — will not hire a replacement until the NOA arrives to avoid hiring staff without confirmed funding.

What the county will do: Fern said all required reporting and activities due under the current grant will be finished by Aug.1 and that the coalition operates as a freestanding organization that can continue some planning and fundraising even if federal funds do not arrive. She reported the youth group had raised $7,000 for an upcoming trip to Nashville and said those funds will help the program’s budget.

Other items Fern raised included the county's share of opioid settlement dollars and local coordination with behavioral health partners; she said the implementation of related state behavioral health programs was "a hot mess" and that local agencies (ASAC, Robert Young Center) are preparing to identify service gaps if funding or program details change. Fern also told supervisors that the Board of Health is considering local ordinances to add vaping to the Iowa Smoke Free Air Act because the 2007 statute’s definition of smoking does not include vaping.

Board remarks and next steps: Supervisors thanked Fern for nearly 12 years of service and said county staff and partner agencies will work to ensure required filings and program continuity. Fern said she has coordinated with county auditors and staff to finish the annual report and transition responsibilities.

Ending: Fern said she is leaving for a different opportunity and expressed confidence the coalition and local partners will continue prevention work whether or not the federal award arrives in September.