NC H197

Appropriates $25 million in recurring funds for fiscal year 2025-2026 and $25 million for fiscal year 2026-2027 from the General Fund to the Division of Public Health for local health departments

Funds allocated to prepare for emerging and re-emerging public health threats including tuberculosis, avian flu, Marburg virus, and Mpox

Supports retention and hiring of disease staff, public health nurses, and other professionals to address an estimated 70% shortage of public health staff at the local level

Distribution formula splits funds equally: $12.5 million divided equally among local health departments by number of counties served, and $12.5 million distributed based on percentage of state population served

Effective July 1, 2025, with fund distribution required within 60 days of certified budget establishment each fiscal year