Department of Public Health Director Dr. Sameer Vohra made the case for his agency’s proposed budget for the next fiscal year during a recent public hearing. [Health News Illinois]

The $1.7 billion spending plan includes new funding for maternal health, a major upgrade to the department's public health data systems and additional regulatory staff.

That’s along with continued investments in HIV/AIDS mitigation, reproductive health access and pediatric mental health. 

“Our FY 25 budget builds upon our achievements and sets us on a path for a healthier Illinois,” Vohra told lawmakers. 

Gov. JB Pritzker prioritized maternal health in his budget address. He wants to send $4 million to IDPH for, among other things, grants for community-based birth centers. The budget also calls for $15 million in state funds to modernize the agency’s public health data systems to better prevent disease outbreaks and $6 million to hire 100 new healthcare facility surveyors.

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