The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #64106

LuAnn I. Hart, BS¹, Marie D. Miller, MS², P. Bryon Backenson, MS¹, and Dennis J. White, MS, PhD¹. (1) Arthropod-Borne Disease Program, New York State Department of Health, 632 Corning Tower ESP, Albany, NY 12237, 518-474-4568, lih02@health.state.ny.us, (2) Office of Local Health Services, New York State Department of Health, 821 Corning Tower ESP, Albany, NY 12237

The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) passed legislation in 1953 that provided state aid reimbursement for core public health activities to local health departments (LHD). These core activities were defined as those services offered by LHDs that promoted public health, including those activities involving: family health, disease control, health education, community health assessment, and environmental health. Other services that may be reimbursed include vector surveillance and control, EMS, medical examiner, among others. The unprecedented introduction of West Nile virus (WNV) into the western Hemisphere in the metropolitan New York City area in 1999, and the subsequent statewide dispersal of the virus in 2000, resulted in the need for an increase in state and local fiscal resources as a result of the increased surveillance, education, and control activities. Prior to 1999, only eight of 58 LHDs had established vector programs. As a direct result of WNV in New York State, many suburban and rural LHDs had to develop vector surveillance, disease prevention and management plans, and learn the process necessary to obtain reimbursement for related activities. In response, the NYSDOH worked with LHDs to develop policy and guidelines for local WNV response in compliance with existing legislation and to provide technical assistance in establishing vector surveillance and control plans. In 2002, all 58 LHDs submitted plans for reimbursement for differing expenditure levels. The fiscal impact to LHDs, and ultimately the State, was significant as a result of the spread of WNV throughout the state between 1999 and 2002.

Learning Objectives:

2. Apply principles of New York's state aid reimbursement to local health departments for West Nile virus disease surveillance, education, and vector surveillance and control activities.
4. Assess the impact on fiscal and public health issues related to communicable disease response.
6. Understand the fiscal and programmatic impacts on local health departments who responded to the introduction of West Nile virus.

Keywords: West Nile Encephalitis, Public Health Administration

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: New York State Department of Health
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.