The Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Human Services convened on April 21, 2025, to discuss critical funding allocations and strategies for public health in Oregon. The meeting focused on the distribution of state funds to local public health authorities (LPHAs) and community-based organizations, emphasizing the importance of equitable access to health services across the state.

The session began with a review of past funding allocations, noting that during the 2019-2021 biennium, all LPHAs received funding for the first time, which included allocations to tribes and urban Indian health programs. In the subsequent 2021-2023 biennium, $10 million was allocated to community-based organizations, marking a significant investment in local health initiatives. For the 2023-2025 biennium, an additional $3.4 million was designated for reproductive health providers to enhance access to reproductive health services statewide.

The committee discussed the Oregon Health Authority's (OHA) statutory requirement to allocate state general fund dollars for public health modernization. This funding is determined by a formula developed by the Public Health Advisory Board in February 2016, which has been updated biennially. The formula includes base funding of $400,000 for each LPHA, intended to support essential staffing and operational needs. Additionally, socio-demographic indicators, such as rurality and poverty levels, are factored into the funding distribution to ensure resources are directed to areas with the greatest need.

A significant portion of the funds is allocated to base funding, with matching funds available to LPHAs that receive county investments for public health services. The committee highlighted that these matching funds would only be activated if there is a 5% increase in funding for LPHAs, a threshold that is currently unmet. However, OHA is prepared to implement this component once the criteria are satisfied.

Incentive funding, which constitutes 1% of the total funds for LPHAs, is awarded based on performance metrics established by the Public Health Accountability Metrics. These funds will be distributed at the beginning of the 2025-2027 biennium, contingent on the performance of LPHAs in the current funding cycle.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue monitoring funding allocations and performance metrics to ensure that public health services in Oregon are effectively supported and accessible to all communities. The next steps involve preparing for the potential rollout of matching funds and further discussions on enhancing public health accountability measures.