Snohomish, WA, Health District faces over $4 million budget shortfall

The Snohomish, WA, Health District is facing a $4.4 million budget shortfall that could jeopardize programs to fight communicable diseases and promote maternal and child health. Administrators say 35 employees will likely be laid off as part of the first round of cuts. The reductions come as health departments around the state face similar funding crises. The economic slowdown has meant plummeting tax revenues for the state and local governments that fund public health at the same time rising medical costs make it harder for families to afford private care.