The Denver Post:
Colorado’s Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is preparing for layoffs after nearly $2 million in federal grant funding failed to materialize, impacting programs focused on cancer and heart disease prevention.
The department announced that 11 positions would be eliminated in early July due to uncertainty around grant disbursement. The layoffs, effective July 8, target roles in the health data and prevention services divisions. An additional layoff is expected at the state Department of Agriculture, though that agency has not commented publicly.
Some relief may come from a recently released grant for diabetes prevention, which, if finalized, could restore $850,000 and save two jobs. However, legal review of the grant terms is still pending.
Even with partial funding restored, the state still expects cuts to major public health initiatives including:
- Cardiovascular health programs
- Colorectal cancer screening
- Broader cancer prevention and control services
These programs support chronic disease management training for pharmacists, community health worker training, and screenings for older adults. According to CDPHE, cancer and heart disease were Colorado’s top causes of death in 2023.
Vanessa Bernal, CDPHE spokesperson, emphasized the layoffs stem from funding uncertainty, not employee performance. She warned that lost positions could harm long-term public health outcomes and increase future healthcare costs.
The layoffs come amid broader state budget challenges. Lawmakers cut $1.2 billion earlier this year from the general fund, and further reductions are anticipated. Despite a $16.7 billion budget, the state says it lacks resources to backfill the lost federal funding.
Governor Polis’ office and the state employee union, Colorado WINS, expressed concern over federal cuts. The union noted that about 3,700 state employees have roles fully or partially funded by federal dollars. Union leader Hilary Glasgow warned that more layoffs could follow if federal cuts continue.
Without restored federal support, CDPHE says it cannot continue the critical work funded by these grants — a potential blow to both public health services and the workers who provide them.