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Public Health director outlines priorities and warns of funding changes
Summary
Public Health Director Sarah Ness presented the 2026 annual update, noting that only 8% of public health funding comes from levy dollars and that U‑Care payments will eventually cease. Ness outlined a three‑year Community Health Needs Assessment starting 2026 focused on rural access, healthy food, reducing high‑risk behavior and aging populations.
Public Health Director Sarah Ness delivered the department's annual update on April 7, describing programs, funding sources and priorities. Ness reported that "only 8% of the funding for Public Health comes from levy dollars," with most revenue from state and federal grants and third‑party reimbursements, and cautioned that some revenue streams such as U‑Care payments are expected to phase out.
Ness outlined a three‑year Community Health Needs Assessment, beginning in 2026, that will concentrate on rural health-care access, healthy food access, reducing high‑risk behaviors, services for a growing aging population and strength‑based parenting. Commissioners thanked Public Health staff and heard no board motion related to funding at the meeting.
