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County health leaders report ADHS stop notices on several COVID‑era grants; staff to assess local impacts
Summary
Coconino County Health and Human Services staff said the Arizona Department of Health Services issued stop notices affecting certain COVID‑era grants, including health‑disparities funding and multiple ELC and immunization grants; county officials are assessing staff and program impacts and exploring legal and administrative options.
Coconino County Health and Human Services staff informed the board that the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) issued stop notices affecting multiple COVID‑era grants, including a health‑disparities grant and several epidemiology and immunization grants. The county said the grants referenced COVID funding and that ADHS characterized them as ended because the emergency phase of COVID has concluded.
Kim (staff presenter) said she received text updates from Michelle Axland, director of Health and Human Services, reporting a grant stop notice that took effect retroactively and several additional stop notices for three ELC (Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity) grants and an immunization grant. Kim said some county positions are partially funded by the affected grants and the county is working with HR and finance to assess personnel and budget implications.
County staff said ADHS is discussing options with the governor’s office and other states; presenters noted that many grant contracts require a 30‑day notice prior to termination and said ADHS’s retroactive stop dates could raise contractual issues. County staff said ADHS indicated it would engage legal and federal partners and that the state is evaluating whether to pursue litigation with other states; staff promised to update the board after more information becomes available.
Why it matters: The stop notices could affect existing HHS programs and staff if ADHS finalizes grant closures or recission of awards. County staff said they will provide more detailed information on the affected programs, staff positions and fiscal impacts after further review.
