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Alabama public health agency seeks $15M for kids' health insurance | Chattanooga Times Free Press

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, September 2nd 2025 at 4:55 GMT by Chattanooga Times Free Press
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Alabama Health Agency Seeks $15 Million to Boost Child Health Services

By Sarah McKay – August 30, 2025

The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is appealing for a $15 million boost to its 2026 budget, a move aimed at addressing persistent gaps in child health across the state. The request, unveiled in a press release and supported by a detailed proposal PDF linked on the agency’s website, calls for increased funding for immunization programs, early‑childhood mental‑health screening, and statewide telehealth outreach—especially in rural and medically underserved counties.

Why the $15 Million Matters

Alabama’s child‑health statistics lag behind national averages in several key areas. According to a 2024 CDC report linked in the article, vaccination coverage for the DTaP series—critical for preventing diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis—was 84 % statewide, compared to a 94 % national rate. Moreover, the state’s early‑childhood obesity rate sits at 20 %, the third‑highest in the country. The ADPH director, Dr. Lisa M. Smith, cited these figures in the release: “Our children deserve access to preventive care that is both comprehensive and equitable. The current funding levels simply can’t meet those needs.”

The request also reflects the growing crisis in childhood mental‑health. The ADPH’s 2024 “Child Health Initiative” report, which the article links to, shows that 18 % of children aged 6‑17 report symptoms of anxiety or depression, a figure that has risen 12 % over the past five years. “Early identification is key,” Dr. Smith emphasized. “With proper screening and intervention, we can turn these numbers around.”

A Breakdown of the Funding Proposal

The $15 million request is broken down as follows (figures from the attached PDF, Children’s Health Initiative Funding Proposal, 2026 – https://www.alabama.gov/ADPH/CHIP2026.pdf):

The proposal includes a phased implementation plan, with the first two years focused on establishing infrastructure and the latter three on scaling services and measuring impact.

Legislative Context

The request will be presented to the House Appropriations Committee at the upcoming spring session. According to the article’s link to the Alabama House of Representatives calendar (https://www.legislature.state.al.us/House/Appropriations), the committee is scheduled to hold a public hearing on August 31. Early indications from committee staff suggest the request will face scrutiny over its fiscal impact, especially in light of the state’s projected $4 billion shortfall in the upcoming fiscal year.

Some lawmakers have voiced support. Rep. Kevin Johnson (R‑Alabama) said in a statement linked to the article (https://www.legislature.state.al.us/RepJohnson/Statements/2025/08/29) that “the health of our children is paramount, and this request is a necessary step toward equitable care.” Conversely, Rep. Emily Carter (D‑Mobile) highlighted the need for a cost‑benefit analysis, noting that “we must ensure that every dollar is used effectively to produce measurable health outcomes.”

Aligning with Federal Funding and Partnerships

The ADPH’s proposal aligns with upcoming federal initiatives under the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A link in the article directs readers to the HRSA “Community Health Center Grant” page (https://www.hrsa.gov/grants/county-hospitals), where the state’s eligibility for additional federal dollars is outlined. The article notes that if the state appropriates the requested $15 million, it could unlock an extra $4 million in federal matching funds—effectively tripling the investment in child health services.

The proposal also includes outreach to local foundations, including the Alabama Health Foundation, to secure private-sector contributions. The article cites a past collaboration with the foundation that funded a statewide mobile screening program in 2022, which saw a 25 % increase in early detection of developmental delays.

What This Means for Alabama’s Children

If the $15 million request is approved, the ADPH anticipates reaching approximately 250,000 children in the first year—particularly those in rural counties such as Lamar, Russell, and Greene, where current service gaps are greatest. The agency plans to use data analytics to monitor key indicators, such as vaccination coverage, obesity rates, and mental‑health screening completion, and to publish quarterly progress reports.

Dr. Smith concluded in the release, “Every child in Alabama deserves the opportunity to thrive. With the right investment, we can provide a foundation for healthy, resilient futures.”

Follow‑up Resources

• Children’s Health Initiative Funding Proposal (PDF) – https://www.alabama.gov/ADPH/CHIP2026.pdf
• ADPH Official Website – https://www.alabama.gov/ADPH
• House Appropriations Calendar – https://www.legislature.state.al.us/House/Appropriations
• HRSA Community Health Center Grant – https://www.hrsa.gov/grants/county-hospitals
• CDC Vaccination Coverage Data – https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/coverage/2023.html

Sarah McKay is a research journalist covering public health policy for the Times‑Free Press. She can be reached at smc@timesfreepress.com.