Federal funds, SIDS concerns for KPHD

Potential cuts in federal funding and safety precautions for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome highlighted discussions at the Kitsap Public Health District meeting Feb. 4.

Health district officer Dr. Gib Morrow said the executive order from the Trump Administration could deny funding for programs related to diversity, equity and inclusion, although courts have blocked that for now. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has cut 3,000 pages of materials as a result, he said.

Despite that, Morrow said the KPHD will continue to advocate for more funding, local authority, and more science-informed, common-sense decisions that advance public health and make communities safe, eliminate health disparities and rebuild trust.

KPHD administrator Yolanda Fong said the district receives $1.7 million in federal funds related to the directive. She said no changes are being made yet, and even if those KPHD funds were cut off it has $5 million in reserves so, “We will have some time to make adjustments.”

Board member and Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler said that city is taking a more cautious approach as it receives $19.2 million in DEI-related funding. He said the city is pausing its DEI initiatives, but at the same time continuing to build an inclusive community. Losing that money would “cripple our city financially.”

Board member and mayor of Bainbridge Island Ashley Mathews asked if any thought had been given to renaming programs like Black Infant Thrive so it wouldn’t lose funding.

Fong said that program does not receive federal funds. “Those terminologies are not currently illegal,” she said, adding the directives don’t cover all things related to DEI topics.

Board member and County Commissioner Christine Rolfes said employees are required to report that type of deception. However, “Our health district isn’t going to back down” when it comes to helping low-income people, those with different ethnicities and those with different needs. “They will be taken care of. We have confident and calm leaders.”

Board member and Poulsbo Mayor Becky Erickson agreed. Because of inclement weather, most people at the meeting were there virtually. “We have a lot of smart people on this screen,” Erickson said, adding she’s been on the board for 15 years, and they’ve faced many challenges. She said the board has been able to take what it has and “make it into something good.” She said they will be able to take the funds and be creative enough to make the best with it.

Board member Drayton Jackson asked if the district could put on its website information on the topic. “There’s misinformation about what we have control over,” he said.

But Morrow answered that would be an “impossible task” because it’s “chaotic, confusing” and directives are being reversed in court.

SIDS, other news

Morrow also talked about how SIDS deaths have dropped 24% the past 20 years, but how they were up 12% from 2020-22, especially in the Black and Pacific Islander communities.

He reminded everyone of the “Back to Sleep” precautions recommended in the 1990s for babies up to 1-year-old. The longstanding guidelines say to place babies on their backs at all times, not face down. He said large cribs with firm mattresses are key. He also said not to have toys, blankets or soft pillows in cribs. Also, don’t use drugs or alcohol while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Wheeler asked if there was a certain point in the development phase that might need extra scrutiny as some babies “don’t develop as quickly as others.”

Morrow answered that some babies are predisposed to health issues and more at-risk, such as if the mother or father drank alcohol or used drugs. He also said babies who develop respiratory illnesses like the flu or whooping cough are more at risk.

In other news, Morrow said there have been about two dozen cases of whooping cough recently. It is “highly contagious” and “a miserable disease.” Most of the cases have been in South Kitsap. He called it a “vaccine-preventable disease” and patients should be isolated, masked and treated with antibiotics. A free vaccine clinic for that disease and others will take place Feb. 20 at the KPHD.

Also, the board OK’d agreements on pay for union and non-union employees.