Agenda 04-01-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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PUBLIC HEALTH TASK FORCE 2004: PRELIMINARY RECOMMENDATIONS PUBLIC HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PLAN 16d) Secure State Appropriations to implement the equipment replacement schedule for the State Public Health Laboratory of Public Health. Need Addressed /Rationale The State Public Health Lab has developed a 5 -year equipment replacement schedule. Funding has never been provided for this purpose and the lab does not currently have the necessary resources to provide for needed equipment replacement. Due to the state's severe financial crisis, there has been inadequate continuation funding and no expansion funds to equip the State Lab. As the state's only public health laboratory, the State Lab must serve in time of emergencies such as BT threats, SARS, West Nile Virus, Avian Flu, as well as provide ongoing testing support for public health services, hospitals and physicians across North Carolina. Due to the fast pace of improvements in lab diagnostics and their integration with automation, the lab must upgrade its lab diagnostic equipment, computer hardware and related software to take advantage of the new technologies. In addition, it must have resources available to purchase upgrades as they occur. Since many mandated services, especially services required during natural disasters, terrorist attacks or communicable disease outbreaks, are required regardless of the costs,-the State Lab must have a dependable source of state fiinding to maintain required levels of expertise and laboratory equipment. While some activities, such as services during a natural disaster, may later earn federal revenues to reimburse the state, the lab must first be equipped to answer emergencies to protect the public safety. This requires ongoing and upfront state funding. Infrastructure /Capacity Improvement Will require legislative action to provide additional funds. Budget FTEs Funding in attached schedule by year. (0) State (0) Local 36