Reducing Humboldt County Public Health Funds Harms Children and Seniors

Reducing Humboldt County Public Health Funds Harms Children and Seniors

M Hasan    4:13 AM   

Funding Cuts Impact Health and Education Programs in Humboldt County

Humboldt County is facing significant challenges as it prepares to lose $250,000 in federal funds effective October 1. This funding, part of the CalFresh Healthy Living program, was used to support various initiatives aimed at improving public health and wellness across the county. The loss comes following the passage of HR 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which eliminated SNAP-Ed funding that had been crucial for nutrition and physical activity education in schools and communities.

The impact of these cuts is expected to be most felt by children and seniors, who rely heavily on the programs funded by this money. The Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) highlighted that the loss includes critical programs such as Safe Routes to Schools and “Rethink Your Drink,” which educate young people about healthy alternatives to sugary drinks. These programs play a vital role in combating obesity and promoting healthier lifestyles among youth.

Additionally, the funding cut will result in the elimination of falls prevention classes for senior citizens. These classes are essential in helping older adults maintain their independence and reduce the risk of injury from falls. DHHS spokesperson Christine Messinger confirmed that while the county is shifting personnel working on CalFresh Healthy Living to other programs, there will be no staffing cuts. However, the loss of these specific programs is still a major concern for the community.

Open Door Community Health Centers Affected

Open Door Community Health Centers, one of the recipients of CalFresh Healthy Living funds, has expressed concerns over the potential negative health impacts of the funding cuts. CEO Tory Starr emphasized that the funds are used to help supply patients with access to food through the program. Any decrease in funding could have serious consequences for those relying on these services.

“Access to healthy food is a key element in everyone’s health,” Starr said. “The implications for negatively impacting the overall health of our community will be present because of the cuts.”

Second District Humboldt County Supervisor Michelle Bushnell also voiced her disappointment over the loss of funding. She noted that prevention programs are more effective than addressing problems after they occur. By focusing on upstream solutions, these programs help residents make healthy choices and avoid crises, ultimately making the community more resilient.

Senior Programs Face Challenges

Despite the funding cuts, Renee Arche with the Humboldt Senior Resource Center (HSRC) stated that the center's day-to-day operations would not be significantly affected. Tasha Romo, HSRC’s director of nutrition and activities, mentioned that the Heritage Cafés and Meals on Wheels Redwood Coast would continue as usual. However, fall prevention classes offered at HSRC, in partnership with Area 1 Agency on Aging (A1AA) and DHHS, will be eliminated.

Maggie Kraft, A1AA director, emphasized the importance of these classes in reducing the risk of injury for older adults. With one in four older adults falling each year, these programs are essential for maintaining independence and quality of life. The loss of funding means these vital classes will no longer be available, creating a gap in support that seniors rely on.

Education and Community Initiatives Hit Hard

Much of the funding being cut from Public Health’s budget is aimed at the health of children and students. Alice Birney Elementary School Principal Kristin Sobilo highlighted the significance of the support provided by these programs in encouraging kids to walk safely to school, learn about nutritious food and drink choices, and stay active daily.

Amy Terrones, coordinator for the Southern Humboldt Family Resource Center, noted that the center had already faced a 5% reduction in CalFresh funding for its Backpacks for Kids program. However, she mentioned that the Humboldt Area Foundation helped offset some of these losses. Terrones expressed hope that the community would continue to support organizations like hers, despite the challenges posed by the funding cuts.

Collaborative Efforts to Mitigate Impact

Several partnering organizations, including Eureka City Schools, Redwood Community Action Agency, and others, will be affected by the funding cuts. While some agencies have found ways to mitigate the impact, the overall effect on the community remains a concern.

The Times-Standard reached out to Comunidad Unida del Norte de Arcata (CUNA), but a spokesperson for the organization stated that they were not recipients of any Public Health funding.

As the community grapples with these changes, many are looking for ways to collaborate and support local initiatives. Despite the challenges, there is a sense of determination to find solutions and continue providing essential services to those in need.

Mississippi Urges Action as Infant Death Toll Surges

Mississippi Urges Action as Infant Death Toll Surges

M Hasan    9:23 AM   

Mississippi Declares Public Health Emergency Over Rising Infant Mortality Rates

Mississippi health officials have declared a public health emergency after data revealed that the state’s infant mortality rate has reached its highest level in over a decade. In 2024, the state recorded 9.7 infant deaths for every 1,000 live births, nearly double the national average of 5.6 deaths per 1,000. Since 2014, more than 3,500 infants in Mississippi have died before their first birthday. This alarming trend has prompted officials to take urgent action, highlighting the broader national issue of infant mortality and the systemic challenges that contribute to it.

Infant Mortality Rate: A Nationwide Concern

The problem is not unique to Mississippi. Even in cities with robust healthcare systems like Boston, Black infants continue to face higher mortality rates compared to White infants. Recent reports from Boston show that Black infants die at more than twice the rate of the overall population and triple the rate of White infants. Despite the city's overall infant mortality rate falling below the national average, these disparities underscore the limitations of focusing solely on individual behavior or clinical care. Structural inequities remain a critical factor in the high number of infant deaths across the country.

Dr. Dan Edney, State Health Officer, emphasized the gravity of the situation when he announced the declaration. "Every single infant loss represents a family devastated, a community impacted, and a future cut short," he said. "We cannot and will not accept these numbers as our reality."

Causes Behind the Rising Mortality Rate

The leading causes of infant death in Mississippi include congenital malformations, premature birth, low birthweight, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Racial disparities are stark—Black infants in Mississippi are more than twice as likely as White infants to die before their first birthday, and recent data shows these gaps have widened.

Experts argue that declaring a public health emergency is a necessary step to address this crisis. Dr. Michael Warren, Chief Medical and Health Officer at March of Dimes, stated, "This is a novel and necessary step. It elevates infant mortality to the level of urgent crisis response, which it truly is."

Why the Declaration Matters

The declaration allows Mississippi to act swiftly to address gaps in care. The state’s plan includes expanding prenatal services in counties without obstetric providers, creating an obstetric system of care to regionalize services, and improving emergency transfers. Additionally, the state aims to strengthen home visiting and community health worker programs.

"Improving maternal health is the best way to reduce infant mortality," Dr. Edney said. Dr. Morgan McDonald of the Milbank Memorial Fund added that the declaration should draw attention to a preventable tragedy. "We applaud Dr. Edney and his team for raising the alarm in a way that honors the families who have suffered this loss and focuses on solutions."

However, experts caution that individual and clinical interventions alone are not enough. Dr. Rebekah Gee, CEO of Nest Health, stressed, "Healthy babies come from healthy moms. If women can't get continuous healthcare before, during, and after pregnancy, it's no surprise their babies are dying at higher rates."

Federal Funding Cuts and Their Impact

Federal funding cuts are complicating the state’s response. The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), a CDC program that collects data on maternal and infant health, has been targeted for elimination. CDC staff who conducted the survey for nearly 40 years were recently fired, and many Safe Motherhood initiatives are now at risk of losing funding.

"This is willful ignorance to cut vital programs when we have public health crises," said a former CDC staffer. "For many people, it's downright dangerous to be pregnant in the U.S. in the 21st century."

Polling suggests most Americans support maintaining these programs. According to the Emory-Rollins National Child Policy Poll, 65% of Americans believe PRAMS is important for improving outcomes, while only 10% think it's unnecessary.

Medicaid and Its Role in Maternal and Infant Health

Medicaid plays a significant role in Mississippi, financing almost 60% of births in the state. In 2023, the state extended postpartum Medicaid coverage from two months to a full year. However, Mississippi has not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, leaving many low-income women uninsured before or between pregnancies.

Congressional proposals could further impact Medicaid coverage, including a reconciliation bill that would require many enrollees to prove they are working, volunteering, or in school to receive coverage. KFF analysts estimate that such policies could raise Mississippi’s uninsured rate by 1 to 2%, potentially leaving 20,000 to 40,000 more residents without coverage.

Public health experts warn that these policies could destabilize rural hospitals reliant on Medicaid reimbursement, limiting access to prenatal and delivery services in regions already described as "OB deserts."

Lessons from Other States

Other states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act have seen measurable improvements in infant health. Arkansas reported a 29% reduction in Black infant mortality after expansion, while Louisiana saw increases in early prenatal care and decreases in premature births. Colorado also experienced declines in infant mortality, particularly in rural areas.

Nationally, one analysis found a 50% greater reduction in infant mortality in expansion states compared to non-expansion states, with the steepest gains among Black infants. Today, 40 states and the District of Columbia have expanded Medicaid, while Mississippi remains one of 10 holdouts.

A Call for Action

The U.S. has long treated infant mortality as a measure of societal health. Sociologist W.E.B. Du Bois argued over a century ago that high rates of infant deaths among Black families reflected inequities in living conditions rather than innate differences. Mississippi’s emergency declaration and Boston’s persistent disparities suggest these inequities remain deeply entrenched.

State officials say the declaration is intended to galvanize coordinated action across hospitals, state agencies, and community groups. "It will take all of us working together to give every child the chance to live, thrive, and celebrate their first birthday," Dr. Edney said.

Eight Tompkins County restaurants pass health inspections; five face critical violations in July

Eight Tompkins County restaurants pass health inspections; five face critical violations in July

M Hasan    4:07 PM   

Overview of Health Inspections in Tompkins County

In the month of August 2025, the Tompkins County Health Department conducted a total of 18 health inspections across various food service establishments. According to the latest reports, five of these inspections found critical violations, eight had no violations at all, and another eight had unresolved issues from previous inspections that remained unfixed.

New York State is home to over 90,000 food service establishments, including schools, nursing homes, and other facilities with on-site kitchens. These inspections are crucial for ensuring public health and safety, as they help identify and address potential risks associated with food handling and preparation.

Due to the high volume of inspections, only a selection of the highest and lowest rated restaurants is highlighted here. For more detailed information, you can access current and past health inspection reports through online platforms like data.ithacajournal.com.

Restaurants with the Most Health Violations

Several eateries in Tompkins County were flagged for having multiple violations during their most recent inspections. Here are some examples:

• Dream Poke & Tea – Located at 130 East Seneca Street in Ithaca, this establishment had one non-critical violation during its inspection on August 12, 2025.
• Fusia Bento Bar – Situated at 405 College Avenue, Ithaca, it received two violations, including one critical and one non-critical, on the same date.
• Village Taqueria And Grill – Found at 151 North Street in Dryden, this restaurant had one non-critical violation on August 12, 2025.
• Pho Time & Spicy Canton Spot – Located at 208 A Dryden Road, Ithaca, this spot had one critical violation on August 13, 2025.
• Crossroads Bar & Grille – At 3120 North Triphammer Road in Lansing, it had two violations, one critical and one non-critical, also on August 13, 2025.
• Lev Kitchen – Found at 222 East State Street in Ithaca, this restaurant had four violations, including one critical and three non-critical, on August 14, 2025.
• 4-H Acres - CCE – Located at 418 Lower Creek Road in Ithaca, it had one critical violation on August 15, 2025.
• Ha Ka Cha – Situated at 311 Third Street in Ithaca, this place had three non-critical violations on August 15, 2025.

Each of these establishments must address their violations within the specified timeframes set by health inspectors.

Establishments with Flawless Health Inspections

On the flip side, several businesses in Tompkins County passed their inspections without any violations. These include:

• Tacos Cdmx – Located at 118 West Green Street in Ithaca, this restaurant had no violations on August 12, 2025.
• Dryden Elementary - Summer Feed – Found at 118 Freeville Road in Dryden, it also had no violations on the same date.
• Sopoong – Situated at 147 Dryden Road in Ithaca, this business had no violations on August 12, 2025.
• Dryden Recreation Camp Summer Feed At Cassavant – Located at 118 Freeville Road in Dryden, it passed its inspection without any issues.
• Dryden Middle School - Summer Feed – Also at 118 Freeville Road, this school had no violations on August 12, 2025.
• Cu - Becker House – Found at Stewart Avenue in Ithaca, it had no violations on August 14, 2025.
• Scoops – Located at 104 Auburn Road in Lansing, this establishment had no violations on August 14, 2025.
• Hawi Ethiopian Cuisine – Situated at 113 South Cayuga Street in Ithaca, it passed its inspection with no violations on August 15, 2025.

These businesses demonstrated excellent adherence to health codes and provided safe dining environments for customers.

Understanding Critical and Non-Critical Violations

Health inspectors classify violations into two categories: critical and non-critical. Critical violations involve factors that could lead to foodborne illness, such as improper food storage, incorrect cooking temperatures, or unsanitary practices by food workers. These must be addressed immediately during the inspection.

Non-critical violations, while not directly linked to food safety, can affect the overall operation of an establishment. They may relate to cleanliness, maintenance, or design issues. Although less urgent, these violations still require correction within a specified timeframe.

Frequency of Health Inspections

The frequency of inspections depends on the risk level of the establishment and its history of compliance. High-risk businesses, such as full-service restaurants and school kitchens, are inspected twice a year. Medium-risk places, like pizza shops or sandwich bars, are inspected once annually. Low-risk establishments, such as coffee shops, are inspected every other year.

All health inspectors in New York are trained by the state’s Department of Health to ensure consistency in evaluations across the state.

Reporting Violations

If you suspect a food establishment is violating health standards, you can report it to the Tompkins County Health Department. An inspector will then investigate the complaint. To file a report, visit the official website for health complaints in New York.

This article was written by Ozge Terzioglu and originally published on the Ithaca Journal.