On behalf of the 58 local health departments in New York State, we write to request that several amendments be made to your FY 24 Executive Budget. The changes we recommend will help local health departments (LHDs) implement the health positive policies you have prioritized in this year’s Executive budget. These policies are monumentally important to improved health outcomes and are sure to advance public health in New York State, however, for those where local health departments will be driving the work, the appropriation of funding to localities will be needed to assure that implementation is achievable.
On behalf of the New York State Association of County Health Officials (NYSACHO) and the 58 local health departments in New York State represented by NYSACHO, we strongly support the proposed repeal of the zika action plan performance standards from section 40-2.24 of title 10 NYCRR.
Local health departments are well prepared and fully trained experts in responding to both existing and emergent arthropod-borne diseases that are communicable to humans and are already required to take action as outlined within Article 6 public health law.