EDITORIAL: Federal budget cuts put Californians’ health at risk
"Pitting prevention against care and treatment is really a false choice," said Dr.
Public health keeps people, not surprisingly, healthier and out of the hospital. It's as simple as that. Controlling outbreaks before they become widespread is an essential component of basic health care strategy. The
This winter's flu outbreak demonstrates the importance of public health funding. About 40 percent of Californians fail to get flu shots every year, and more than 160 under the age of 65 have died during the current flu season.
The value of the
The university's quick action and the support of local public health officials stopped the disease in its tracks by providing thousands of students with emergency vaccinations. Sheffield recovered and was able to return to classes in the spring.
"The only reason we were able to be so nimble in response was because of the federally funded vaccines allowing the state to keep an emergency supply on hand," said Cody. "It was 48 hours from the time we heard about the outbreak to the first shot in the arm."
It's an open question with the reduction in funding whether the state will be able to maintain a supply of emergency vaccinations for various outbreaks.
The
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