Multiple revenue sources threatened as department seeks legislative support for public health programs

Will County Health Department officials are closely monitoring potential federal funding cuts that could impact multiple programs and services, according to testimony presented to county leaders June 5.

Executive Director Elizabeth Bilotta reported that the department has already received notification that its Well Woman grant will end June 30, affecting one staff position. However, the department received some relief regarding its Respiratory Surveillance and Outbreak Response Grant, which remains under a federal court injunction protecting funding through at least June 30, 2026.

“We are concerned about funding, so if you had a chance, please read through, and during our board of health meeting we did ask our board of health members and our board members if you could reach out to your legislature whether it be federal or state to really just push for public health funding,” Bilotta told committee members.

The uncertainty extends beyond direct federal grants to potential impacts on Medicaid and Medicare programs. In 2024, the health department received over $7 million in revenue from these programs, accounting for nearly 60% of its service-related revenue.

“Any cuts to Medicaid eligibility or program coverage could have a serious impact to our budget,” Bilotta warned in her written report.

The department is also preparing for the potential expansion of services, including plans to open a second milk depot location at the northern branch office in Bolingbrook. The original depot in Joliet has collected over 6,878 ounces of donated breast milk since opening in August 2024.

Committee members received updates on multiple health initiatives, including the HIV/STI prevention program, which has seen significant growth. Nick Taylor, Public Health Promotion Specialist, reported that care clinic visits nearly doubled in 2024 compared to 2023, with 546 total visits including 231 related to PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) services.

The HIV/STI program conducted 1,819 chlamydia case investigations, 877 syphilis cases, and 388 gonorrhea cases in 2024. Taylor noted that Will County has higher syphilis rates compared to other regions, particularly affecting men who have sex with men.

To address access barriers, the department operates five STI surveillance nurses and maintains partnerships with community organizations for regular HIV testing sites throughout Will County.

Despite funding uncertainties, department officials emphasized their commitment to maintaining current service levels while preparing contingency plans for potential budget reductions.