Preparing for avian flu by cutting public health spending
Stayin’ Alive [Opportunity Cost] has assessed how much money being “wasted” pandering to fears of avian flu. The answer: None. In fact, spending on public health preparedness is being cut.
“So, what happened when pandemic flu was added to the scope of these programs? The funds were cut, rather drastically. The HRSA program peaked in FY 2004, and funding declined slightly in FY 2005. I only have the figures for Massachusetts — $10,686,180 in FY 2004, $10,256,868 in FY 2005 — but you can find out about your own state’s funding if you like at the HRSA web site. The CDC program really got wacked — Massachusetts’ funding in CDC budget year 8/31/03-8/31/04 was $21,141,965. Since then, it’s been less than $18 million.”
As the post concludes, speaking for me as well:
“So, those of you out there who are worried about how the fear mongers have stolen billions for more important public health priorities can relax — although that’s not what I’m doing.”
Add comment April 4th, 2006