SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) — The Local Health Protection Grant funding will increase by $5 million from the Governor’s introduced budget to a total allocation of $25,098,500 for FY2024.

The Illinois Public Health Association (IPHA) welcomed the increases in state funding for certified local health departments in the Illinois Department of Public Health’s FY2024 budget that was passed by the General Assembly on May 27, and which will be sent to Governor Pritzker for signature. 

This funding shows the support that the state has for its health departments. Every day, local health departments impact the health of Illinois communities. The last three years have seen unprecedented demands on the public health system as local health departments worked with their healthcare partners to address the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic exhausted local resources, caused significant turnover in frontline staff, and prompted the extraordinary retirement of local health department leaders across Illinois. 

“We are encouraged by the additional funding for the Local Health Protection Grant, which ensures Illinois’ 97 certified local health departments can continue providing critical health services in our communities and can continue serving our most vulnerable populations,” said Tom Hughes, Executive Director of the Illinois Public Health Association. 

The IPHA is the oldest and largest public health association in the State of Illinois. As one of the largest affiliates of the American Public Health Association, IPHA is widely recognized as a leader in the field of public health advocacy, health education, and promotion.

Their mission is to lead in the enhancement and practice of public health with a focus on health equity and improved health throughout Illinois. Go to www.ipha.com for more information about IPHA and its practices.