WASHINGTON – Federal officials have ended a temporary pause of more than 100 grants, totaling over $5 billion, awarded to states to strengthen public health infrastructure.
Funding Flow Restored After Brief Review
The Department of Health adn Human Services has resumed a major grant program aimed at modernizing public health systems across the country.
- A pause affecting over $5 billion in public health grants has been lifted.
- The temporary hold was initiated to review grant usage and ensure alignment with current priorities.
- The five-year grant program supports all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and related organizations.
States and organizations receiving funds through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s public health infrastructure grant program received notices on Friday indicating the money had been put on hold. The department initiated the pause to review how the funds were being used to “ensure alignment with governance and agency priorities.” However, by Saturday evening, HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon confirmed the pause had ended.
Did you know?-The Public Health Infrastructure Grants represent a significant investment in the nation’s ability to prevent disease, promote wellness, and respond to public health emergencies.
Why did the funding pause occur? The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) temporarily paused the distribution of over $5 billion in public health infrastructure grants to review how the funds were being utilized. HHS aimed to ensure the grant spending aligned with current administration and agency priorities. The pause affected 107 public health departments across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and three supporting organizations.
What is the purpose of thes public health infrastructure grants? These grants are designed to bolster state and local public health capabilities, addressing critical needs in areas like disease surveillance and mental health services.
The Trump administration had previously increased scrutiny of health care grants, canceling some that were perceived as related to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives or misaligned with the White House’s agenda. This week, the Office of Management and Budget reportedly requested all federal agencies compile a detailed list of funding provided to states led by Democrats. However, a memo clarified that this request was a data-collection exercise intended to reduce fraud and did not involve withholding funds.
Pro tip-Public health grants often require detailed reporting on expenditures. Grantees should maintain meticulous records to ensure compliance and facilitate future funding opportunities.
“the Public Health Infrastructure Grants were temporarily paused so HHS could implement a new review process, one that will ensure funds are used for their intended purposes. HHS will continue to protect taxpayer money and ensure they are used for legitimate purposes,” Nixon stated.
The five-year grant program encompasses all 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as three organizations that support public health departments, collectively representing 107 departments nationwide. The program began in late 2022, with additional funding allocations sent to recipients each December, meaning most grantees received updated funding last month.
According to a CDC fact sheet, grant recipients have utilized the funds to modernize mental health scheduling systems, streamline
