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Health department warns WIC funding uncertainty could force service cuts; mental-health providers seek increased county support
Summary
The Shawnee County health director warned commissioners that changes to state and federal funding formulas could jeopardize local WIC staffing for 3,000+ participants, while Astra and Breakthrough House requested county funds to sustain behavioral-health crisis response and to pilot reentry housing.
Teresa Fisher, director of the Shawnee County Health Department, told commissioners the department’s 2027 county-funded request is roughly a 6.75% increase driven largely by moving 15% of WIC staff salaries into the county budget amid uncertainty over a new state WIC funding formula. Fisher said the county currently serves over 3,000 WIC participants at any given time and that administrative funding shortfalls—not food dollars—would imperil necessary staff and the department’s ability to administer the program.
“If the WIC program were to be cut significantly... I would be probably coming and saying, what is the possibility of looking at contingency funding?” Fisher said, calling loss of the program “instrumental for our community” and warning the effect on pregnant and postpartum mothers and young children would be serious.
Commissioners asked whether the county could or should pick up costs if the state reduces funds. Fisher said local advocacy to KDHE or the governor’s office is possible and that there is “no wrong door” for contacting state officials; she also noted the department has reallocated staff and is preparing contingency options but emphasized the specialized training required to run WIC clinics.
Behavioral-health providers also appeared. Kathy Mosier of Astra Mental Health and Recovery requested a 4.7% adjustment to protect the county’s behavioral-health safety net after a recent merger and rising uninsured rates. Mosier described increased demand (mobile crisis and other services) and transitional costs tied to integrating legacy systems, arguing county support reduces downstream pressure on 911, emergency rooms and the jail.
Breakthrough House presented two linked requests: an ongoing $300,000 annual ask to fund services that support reentry (case management, peer supports and clubhouse services) and a one-time $1.2 million capital request to acquire and refurbish housing dedicated to people exiting jail or behavioral-health facilities. Breakthrough House said its ability to bill for services would sustain operations after an initial housing investment.
Commissioners did not take votes; they sought follow-up details on contingency scenarios, eligibility and potential funding sources. Fisher and provider representatives said they would provide additional information during subsequent budget work sessions.
