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Cochise County health officials highlight service gains, warn of funding strain
Summary
Cochise County Director of Public Health Barb Lang presented an annual report showing increases in services—including 9,000 naloxone doses distributed, more than 3,000 home visits and rising WIC participation—while warning that grant funding declines and federal uncertainty require internal reallocations and pose implementation risks.
Barb Lang, Director of Public Health for Cochise County, told the county health board that the departmentannual report shows significant increases in several services while grant revenue has declined.
The annual report, Lang said, records a rise to 9,000 distributed doses of naloxone (Narcan), more than 3,000 Health Start home visits for prenatal and early-childhood support, higher WIC participation aided by a new online "WIC Your Way" option, expanded TB screening at a $25 fee, and recognition for county wellness programs with a state platinum award. At the same time, Lang said many grants have ended and federal funding changes have reduced the departmentbudget flexibility, forcing staff to move money between programs.
Lang said the department also reported operational gains: two stabilization beds opened in Sierra Vista at La Frontera for behavioral-health needs and the department is hiring nurses for Douglas and Sierra Vista clinics. She thanked local partners, noted outreach in schools and community events, and encouraged board members to review the full report for detailed figures.
Lang acknowledged a staffing and governance item not in the numerical report: three board vacancies in the county public-health advisory structure in District 2 (Bisbee/Douglas area), the Wilcox area and Benson. She said the committee will discuss filling those seats when Supervisor Gomez returns to the chair.
On funding, Lang said several federal grants have ended and the county is awaiting information on whether those funds will be reinstated. She said the county lost a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) representative who helps collect animal specimens for rabies testing, raised concern with state leaders, and credited the governorwith reinstating that position. "We are often the forgotten; unlike larger areas, we don't have big teams," Lang said, describing the office as "a very small but mighty team" that must pivot as grant streams change.
Lang also noted the department's environmental-health work, led by Director of Environmental Health Natalie (last name not specified in the record), which includes inspections and education for new food operations and responses to foodborne illness complaints.
Lang closed by urging board members and the public to read the annual report for full program-level numbers and to continue supporting department outreach and vaccination efforts.
Contact information and the full annual report were provided by the department; Lang offered to send material to board members who requested it.
