Wednesday, March 23, 2011

County concerned that state budget cuts could impact local health care


County Commissioners have expressed some concerns that state budget cuts this year could impact the accessibility of primary care at the Carrabelle health Department but are taking a wait and see approach while state budget negotiations take place.

County Commissioner Cheryl Sanders said she was concerned that a proposal to cut the Department of health’s budget could impact the services local patient get at the Carrabelle Heal Department.

According to Health Department chief Wesely Tice, the Department of Health is looking at a 165 million dollar cut in funding this year, 24 million dollars of that is earmarked for primary care at county health departments.

113 thousand dollars of that goes to Franklin County.

The county kicks in about 160 thousand dollars a year to help cover the costs of primary care services though Mister Tice said that money goes into a bigger pot that helps pay workers too.

Mister Tice said at this point the local health department is waiting to see how the budget issue plays out but are considering different scenarios.

Miss Sanders said that she is concerned because many people in the Carrabelle area rely on the health department for their health care services

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