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• <br /> 011 <br /> DNRCD are housed in buildings throughout Raleigh. Consolidation will <br /> focus attention on and increase expectations of an improved delivery <br /> of services. A large number of employees are presently in inadequate <br /> facilities. This issue will move to the forefront. <br /> d) Data Processin& <br /> The proposed consolidation will enable the state to develop very <br /> useful computerized data bases which cut across program lines. <br /> However, the reprogramming and equipment costs needed to make the <br /> numerous computer programs in use by the various programs compatible <br /> may be high. This cost would be a problem in any consolidation <br /> option. However, the fact that the State Center for Health <br /> - Statistics will be included in this option provides the new <br /> department with a very significant resource regarding computerized <br /> data bases. <br /> e) Laboratory <br /> This proposal would have little or no impact on laboratory services. <br /> Both existing laboratories, the one serving the Division of Health <br /> Services and the one serving the Division of Environmental <br /> Management, are undergoing facilities changes. The Division of <br /> Health Services laboratory received $2.1 million to renovate <br /> necessary parts of the Bath Building and occupy all of it. The DNRCD <br /> laboratory received $8.4 million to construct a new laboratory. This <br /> work, currently underway, should continue because the needs are <br /> immediate and urgent and because, once these changes are completed, <br /> the laboratory space needs for supporting the new department and <br /> other health-related state government activities, as well as serving <br /> the public and private health-related needs, will have been met. <br /> COMMENTS <br /> • <br /> This proposal has the following strengths: <br /> 1) Meets desired objectives by reducing <br /> a. public confusion <br /> b. duplication (perceived) <br /> c. permit shopping - <br /> d. lack of single leadership, <br /> 2) is consistent with organization of local health departments and <br /> retains ties with local health departments and local medical <br /> community, <br /> 3) addresses concern of the public that environmental issues are <br /> health-linked, <br /> 4) highlights importance of health and natural resources issues and <br /> their interrelationship by establishing them in a single <br /> department, <br /> - 4 - <br /> • <br />