Advisory board urges action on community health workers and CHOICES funding; commissioners ask staff to bring recommendations

The Alachua County Healthcare Advisory Board told commissioners on Aug. 27 that it will continue supporting the Community Health Worker program and follow the dental therapy legislation now moving through the Legislature. Bill Garst, chair of the advisory board, said the board’s mission is to “identify specific gaps in health care services and other issues affecting low‑income and underserved residents” and to recommend strategies to meet those needs.

Commissioners agreed to accept the advisory board’s presentation and to ask the advisory board to work with county staff to use community‑engagement data to develop recommendations on preventive health measures and to address the upcoming expiration of the CHOICES trust fund. Commissioner Cornell moved the motion to accept the presentation and ask staff and the advisory board to bring recommendations back for consideration during the 2025 budget cycle; the board voted in favor by voice.

Why it matters: Advisory boards shape county policy and can propose funding strategies that feed directly into the budget. The CHOICES trust funds currently support core services (including dental and clinic services) whose expiration has prompted concern about continuity of care. Commissioners asked staff to coordinate next steps, review transparency and financial information, and return options that could include phased funding or alternative sources.

What’s next: Staff and the advisory board will return with scenario options and specific recommendations timed for next year’s budget cycle. The board also noted it will continue monitoring implementation of the Community Health Worker program and the status of dental therapy legislation in Tallahassee.