President's Budget Shows Mixed Results for Advancing Public Health Initiatives

Washington, D.C., February 14, 2011 – “The Obama administration’s budget proposal released today shows mixed results for health, delivering on key investments to support prevention programs and shortchanging other vital resources due to tough fiscal pressures.

“While we acknowledge the need for budget restraints during today’s anemic fiscal environment, we urge wise investments in health that will pay dividends soon down the road. The public health community is encouraged that the budget includes secure funding for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to modernize the nation’s food safety system. The proposal also makes several key investments for programs focused on prevention, early interventions and infrastructure projects.

“The American Public Health Association believes the president’s proposed budget cuts to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would push long overdue investments to rebuild the eroding health infrastructure in communities across the country to the back burner. We must be reminded that our country cannot afford to be shortchanged on these vital health resources.

“The president made difficult decisions in today’s proposal, and we recognize the need for budget austerity to move the country forward. APHA is poised to work with the president and Congress to achieve better balance for core public health programs.”