State health official warns of respiratory surge and budget cuts; $181M rural health grant awarded
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Summary
Secretary of Health Dennis Worsham briefed the State Board of Health on a severe respiratory illness season (122 lab-confirmed influenza deaths, ~2,100 pertussis cases in 2025), a provisional Hib reporting order through May 1, 2029, a $181 million federal Rural Health Transformation grant for FY2026, and possible Foundational Public Health Services (FPHS) cuts tied to a $2.3 billion state budget shortfall.
Secretary of Health Dennis Worsham told the State Board of Health on Jan. 14 that Washington is in the peak of the respiratory illness season and that the state reported 122 lab-confirmed influenza deaths and roughly 2,100 pertussis cases in 2025. He said the Department of Health has ordered provisional reporting for an unusual cluster of invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), a reporting order that will remain in place through May 1, 2029.
Worsham also summarized federal and interagency changes affecting vaccine policy and said the Department has formed four workgroups (Immunizations; Respiratory Virus Infection Control; Communications; Governance) to coordinate response and messaging. "We are monitoring confusion caused by ACIP vaccine changes," he said, urging parents to consult with providers.
The Department described an $181 million award for Year 1 (FY2026) under the federal Rural Health Transformation grant. Worsham said the grant will support rural and Tribal health services and that the Department will form an advisory committee to guide fund allocation and provide updates to the Board.
Worsham warned the Board of a projected $2.3 billion state budget shortfall for the 2025–27 biennium. He said Foundational Public Health Services (FPHS), which funds Tribal, state board, local health, and Department activities, faces an estimated $29 million reduction; without a vape-tax revenue fix, he said the system could face a total reduction near $50 million. Board members and staff discussed FPHS impacts, including potential reductions to Environmental Justice Council, Nurse Preceptor Grant Program, and Birth Equity Project funding.
Board members pressed for clarity about how rural grant dollars and proposed FPHS reductions will be allocated. Chair Patty Hayes asked that future Department updates include representatives from the Health Care Authority and Department of Social and Health Services to clarify linkages. Secretary Worsham said the Department will provide advisory-committee updates and follow-up information.
This briefing informed the Board’s review of legislative priorities and the Board’s recommendation that staff continue monitoring funding proposals and legislative fixes during the 2026 session.