PHOENIX — On March 25, the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) received notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that multiple federal grants had been terminated, effective March 24. These grants include the COVID-19 Health Disparities Grant, three COVID-related sub grants within the Immunizations and Vaccines For Children Program Grant, and four COVID-related sub grants within the Epidemiology Laboratory Capacity Grant.
Over $190 million in grant funds, which were committed and planned for spending in approved multi-year projects, have been canceled. This includes more than 269 contracts with local organizations throughout Arizona, including all 15 county health departments, several Tribal health departments, and university partners.
Projects funded through these grants help protect the health and safety of Arizonans. They have been on-track and in full compliance of grant requirements. Statewide collaborative efforts to bolster effective detection, response, prevention, and control of emerging (or re-emerging) infectious diseases have been the central focus of these grants.
The COVID-19 pandemic magnified gaps in public health infrastructure, including the statewide disease case surveillance system, which is a key tool in monitoring disease cases and clusters. The termination of these funds has halted this project, meaning it will never “launch” for the benefit of Arizonans.
Moreover, as research on communicable diseases continues to evolve, these funds support efforts to share findings with the public so they can make informed decisions.
ADHS is working with its partners to navigate this change and will release further information as it becomes available.
