New York's $212 billion budget restored millions of dollars in cuts that would have affected county health departments as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to strain resources throughout the state. 

But as public health officials on the local level are breathing easy after the budget reprieve, they also want state officials to help them gird for the next public health emergency. 

“Every year the scope of responsibilities for local health departments grows larger, increasing associated costs and the need for additional resources," said Sarah Ravenhall, the executive director of the New York State Association of County Health Officials. "COVID-19 has served as a powerful example of what can arise, and of the essentiality of public health preparedness."

Public health officials in many areas of the state served as the public face for the local-level response. Prior to the pandemic, county officials were contending with other challenges in New York, including illnesses believed to be linked to vaping as well as the annual rise in flu cases. 

"Our advocacy will continue to focus on the imperative to provide our public health infrastructure with the support necessary to be prepared for all threats to public safety and health," Ravenhall said. "We, therefore, look forward to a continued partnership with our champions in state government to fulfill and maintain that critical goal."