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Health Department warns of heavy respiratory season, notes $181M rural health grant and FPHS budget risks
Summary
Secretary of Health Dennis Worsham told the Board the state is in a peak respiratory season (122 lab-confirmed influenza deaths; 2,100 pertussis cases in 2025), announced a $181 million federal rural health grant award for FY2026, and warned of a $2.3 billion biennial budget shortfall with proposed FPHS cuts.
Secretary of Health Dennis Worsham updated the State Board of Health on the current respiratory-disease season, federal policy shifts affecting vaccine recommendations, and state budget pressures.
"Washington is in the peak of respiratory illness season," Secretary Worsham said, reporting 122 lab-confirmed influenza deaths and 2,100 pertussis cases reported in 2025. He said the State Health Officer issued an order for provisional reporting of an unusual cluster of invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) that remains in effect through May 1, 2029, and described four Department workgroups (Immunizations, Respiratory Virus Infection Control, Communications, and Governance) to address vaccine-related confusion and coordinate responses.
Secretary Worsham also announced Washington received $181 million in Year 1 (FY2026) funds under the federal Rural Health Transformation grant to support rural and Tribal health services. The Department will convene an advisory committee to guide allocation and report back to the Board.
On the budget, Secretary Worsham warned of a projected $2.3 billion shortfall for the 2025–27 biennium. Foundational Public Health Services (FPHS) funding is expected to be reduced by $29 million in the Governor’s proposal; without a legislative remedy (a fix to vapor-product tax revenue), the broader public-health system could see reductions of roughly $50 million. Board members expressed concern about the effects on rural hospitals, public-health capacity, and food‑security programs.
Board members asked the Department to include partner agencies when briefing on the rural health grant and requested ongoing updates as the legislature reviews budgets and the Department develops allocation plans.
