The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting on December 17, 2024, where significant discussions centered around childcare, maternal health, and funding disparities affecting small counties. The meeting highlighted the ongoing challenges families face in accessing affordable childcare and the implications for maternal and child health in the region.

A key speaker addressed the board, emphasizing the importance of childcare availability and the pressing need for state support. While Humboldt County has seen improvements in childcare access—rising from 24% to 35% of families able to find care since 2019—approximately one in three families still struggle to secure necessary childcare slots. This situation is compounded by the limited availability of subsidized childcare, with only 11% of qualifying families able to access these resources, leaving nearly two million children statewide on waiting lists.

The speaker also pointed out the financial burden of childcare on families in Humboldt County. The cost of care for infants and school-aged children can consume about 74.2% of a median woman's salary, a statistic that underscores the economic strain on families. This issue is further exacerbated by the high percentage of women living in poverty in the county, which ties into broader discussions about the need for state-level financial support, such as child tax credits.

In terms of maternal health, Humboldt County faces significant challenges, including the highest infant mortality rate among 44 assessed counties in California. Despite some positive indicators in maternal health, such as a high percentage of babies receiving timely prenatal care, disparities remain, particularly affecting BIPOC communities. The speaker urged the Early Childhood Policy Council to expand its focus beyond childcare to include critical maternal health issues, emphasizing the importance of home visiting programs in reducing infant mortality rates.

Additionally, the meeting addressed funding cuts to First 5 Humboldt and other similar organizations due to a decline in tobacco tax revenues. These cuts threaten essential services for families and children, highlighting the need for sustainable funding solutions.

Overall, the discussions at the meeting underscored the urgent need for increased state support and funding to address the childcare crisis and improve maternal and child health outcomes in Humboldt County. The board's recognition of these issues may pave the way for future advocacy efforts aimed at securing necessary resources for the community.