It is the position of the Kentucky Health Departments Association (KHDA) that the process through which public health services have been provided for more than 35 years should be preserved. Local health departments dispensing medications to patients has been an essential part of our health care delivery system.

Health departments have ensured the confidentiality and privacy of a particularly sensitive patient base by providing comprehensive care to individuals seeking birth control and treatment for tuberculosis (TB), and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). It is the position of KHDA that requiring this population to go off-site to receive medications will result in both jeopardizing their privacy and contributing to negative health consequences.

From 1980 to 1999 statewide births to mothers 14 and under have dropped by 47% (from 221to118)* and statewide births to mothers ages 15-19 have dropped by 35% (from 12,328 to 8,032)*. From 1996 to 2000, statewide active (TB) case rates have dropped by 40% (from 250 to150)*. The ability of local health departments to provide examinations and medications to individuals at either free or nominal rates has contributed substantially to these successes.

Historically, local health departments have purchased and provided discounted medications to individuals on-site. Affiliations with pharmacies to dispense health department medications has resulted in an additional layer of expensive bureaucracy that hasn’t existed for more than 35 years. The additional financial burden generated by these agreements will be absorbed by local health departments, our patients, and the Commonwealth. Considering the financial condition of Medicaid and the Commonwealth’s budgets, these costs will be very significant.

* Division of Epidemiology, Kentucky Department of Public Health

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