Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Snap Medicaid topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Durham staff warn SNAP and Medicaid cuts could strain county programs; DINE needs $1.2M to continue
Summary
Durham County departments briefed commissioners on SNAP and Medicaid program risks amid federal policy changes and said the Durham Innovative Nutrition Education (DINE) Program would need about $1.2 million to continue through 2026; commissioners asked for demographic breakdowns, worst- and best-case scenarios and invited outreach to state/federal representatives.
Durham County’s Department of Social Services and Public Health briefed commissioners on Aug. 4 about changes in federal policy that could reduce SNAP and Medicaid funding and the potential consequences for residents and county operations.
Social Services Director Maggie Clapp said staff would investigate whether the State had demographic breakdowns for Medicaid Expansion and provide counts on the number of residents receiving Medicaid. The departments emphasized operational preparations, including cross‑training staff for application processing and recertification, and working with partners like Lincoln Community Health Center, Duke Health and the Homeless Shelter to provide on-site assistance.
Dr. Rodney Jenkins, Public Health Director, told the Board that at least $1.2 million would be needed to continue the Durham Innovative Nutrition Education (DINE) Program through 2026. Assistant Director Elizabeth Stevens said national nutrition-focused funders did not include Durham in their geographic priorities and that state‑level partners and local foundations would be more relevant funding sources. Public Health Nutrition Administrator Rachel Elledge said that if funds were located, the program could continue through the fiscal year while staff pursued additional funding.
The Board asked staff to prepare best- and worst-case fiscal scenarios if funding ends and to develop communication strategies for advocacy with state and federal representatives. Commissioner Wendy Jacobs suggested inviting the county Delegation to a legislative breakfast to brief them directly on SNAP and Medicaid concerns.
Directives included providing demographic breakdowns for Medicaid Expansion, ranges of fiscal scenarios, analyses of how local businesses would be affected by benefit cuts, and invitations to the Delegation for direct briefings.
