There are no easy solutions to a three-percent cut in funding. Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) Commissioner Brenda Fitzgerald, M.D., spoke last week via the Video Interactive Conferencing System (VICS) to provide a direct message. The department is working to trim 5.6 million dollars from its budget in addition to other financial strains anticipated to magnify that impact.
 

DPH employees gather in the 2 Peacthtree EOC to listen to the commissioner's address on funding cuts.

“Public health has successfully transferred to its own department in the past year,” said Dr. Fitzgerald. “And now it is time to transform… part of our transforming has to be that we really look at our organization and make sure it is as efficient as possible…our number one job is to protect the lives of Georgians and improve the health of Georgians.”

In the days following the commissioner’s address, department leaders began meeting with employees to hear exactly how they perform their jobs on a day to day basis, and to discuss ideas for improved efficiency.

It’s a process that’s anticipated to be completed by next June, with Fitzgerald emphasizing that it will be done as efficiently, thoughtfully and carefully as possible.

“I think it is the reality of the world we’re in,” said a clearly moved Fitzgerald. “And it may be the reality of the world we’re in until the economy improves.”

Near the start and the close of her address, Fitzgerald expressed appreciation for the efforts made in recent years. She specifically recognized that cuts have had an impact on service and have been a rising challenge for those who provide that service.

“I believe that at the end of this we will have the most efficient organization… to do our mission and to meet our responsibilities and to make sure the people of Georgia are as healthy as they possibly can [be].” 

-Story by Eric Jens, DPH Communications