The Boom And Bust Of Lab Funding

Lab directors say they rely primarily on state and federal funding to operate their labs. The federal money comes primarily from two funding streams: the Public Health Emergency Preparedness grants and the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity awards. But they complain that federal funding spikes during infectious disease outbreaks, only to wane after concerns subside. Lab directors say those inconsistent funding cycles make it difficult to operate a lab and maintain a steady workforce.

PHEP funding over time

The Public Health Emergency Preparedness grants are given to 62 state, territorial and local entities for public health services, including lab testing. Overall PHEP funding has declined since 2001, but Congress has increased funding during infectious disease outbreaks.

Note: Awards provided to PHEP awardees from supplemental appropriations in fiscal years 2009 and 2010 to respond to H1N1 pandemic influenza were made through a separate granting mechanism — the Public Health Emergency Response Grant for H1N1 Influenza Pandemic. Awards provided to PHEP awardees from supplemental appropriations in fiscal year 2017 to respond to Zika were made through a separate granting mechanism — the Public Health Preparedness and Response Cooperative Agreement for All-Hazards Public Health Emergencies.

ELC Funding Over Time

Public health labs also receive money through the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity awards. Overall funding has remained stable over the years, but Congress has increased funding during infectious disease outbreaks.

Note: Awards provided to respond to Zika in fiscal year 2016 were provided using funding that CDC reprogrammed away from other programs prior to supplemental appropriations being enacted. In this figure, these awards are included as awards provided from supplemental appropriations.

Source: U.S. Government Accountability Office analysis of U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data

Credit: APM Reports