Groups that work to provide access to vaccines, especially for Black Georgians and others in underserved communities, are among those affected as the state Department of Public Health absorbs a $334.2 million loss from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Over $300 million in grants from the federal government to the Georgia Department of Public Health have been terminated, resulting in a reduction of staff and some services related to infectious disease surveillance. 

In anticipation of cuts from the federal government, the Georgia Department of Public Health had already made plans to tighten the belt around its budget. Grants cut this week were originally issued in response to Covid-19 but have since been used for other programs. 

The pandemic exposed how old-school tech hampers access to health care and other public services. With new federal funding, states finally have a way to upgrade, if they seize the opportunity.

The country nearly eradicated this treatable sexually transmitted disease twice, only to see it come roaring back. The failure shows the weakness of a cash-strapped public health system.