The Impact of Chronic Underfunding on America’s Public Health System: Trends, Risks, and Recommendations, 2022
(Washington, DC – July 28, 2022) – Chronic underfunding has created a public health system that cannot address the nation’s health security needs, its persistent health inequities, as well as emerging threats, and, was a contributing factor in the inadequate response to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to this TFAH report, The Impact of Chronic Underfunding on America’s Public Health System: Trends, Risks, and Recommendations, 2022.
Lack of funding in core public health programs slowed the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and exacerbated its impact, particularly in low-income communities, communities of color, and for older Americans – populations that experience higher rates of chronic disease and have fewer resources to recover from an emergency. TFAH is one of numerous organizations within the public health community calling for an annual $4.5 billion investment in the nation’s public health infrastructure.