PHHS Managing SNAP Benefits, Revoked Grant Funding, and Workforce Challenges

Cook County Reinstates COVID-19 Grant Funds Amid Challenges in Public Health

In a recent development during the Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) Board meeting held on May 20, Cook County’s Public Health and Human Services Director, Alison McIntyre, announced the reinstatement of previously rescinded COVID-19 grant funds. This announcement is significant, as there remains ongoing scrutiny regarding the viability of these funds, which are currently under evaluation in the Federal District Court. Some counties have opted to decline these grant funds citing various concerns; however, McIntyre remains optimistic about their potential benefits for Cook County.

“If we can utilize these funds to launch initiatives aimed at enhancing community health in Cook County, we are eager to move forward, while also thoroughly assessing the associated risks,” McIntyre stated in an interview. A proposed allocation of the funds includes the development of a comprehensive community resource guide, similar to the one created in partnership with Care Partners and the Cook County Aging Coalition that focuses on aging resources.

Impact of SNAP Benefits on Local Households

During the meeting, the PHHS Department also presented its end-of-year financial overview, underscoring a notable increase in applications for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In the past year, Cook County processed 136 SNAP applications, marking an increase from the five-year average of 121 applications. This rise in applications reflects a broader trend, as Minnesota reported nearly 9 million visits to food shelves in 2024, a jump of 1.4 million from the previous year.

“It is critical to note that SNAP supports approximately 8% of Minnesota’s population, with over half of recipients being working families,” McIntyre elaborated. “Often, these individuals possess income, but it falls short of meeting their essential needs.” However, the future of SNAP is precarious, as proposed budget cuts could slash 0 billion from the program over the next decade. These cuts largely involve stringent work requirements for participants, impacting the amount and duration of benefits.

McIntyre expressed concerns regarding the implications of these cuts: “We are facing the dual challenge of providing reduced benefits for food-insecure community members while simultaneously increasing the workload for our staff who manage these services.”

Interested individuals can find more information about SNAP programs on the Children, Youth, and Families website.

Staffing Challenges in Mobile Crisis Response

In staffing news, the board meeting also addressed the departure of Sarah Eisenreich, a Mobile Crisis Response Worker who served in a role initiated as part of a pilot program in 2022. Despite the promise of the position, it has remained largely unfilled since early 2023. Eisenreich’s tenure lasted just two months, indicative of the challenges faced in staffing such specialized positions.

McIntyre cited unpredictable and low encounter volumes in the crisis response program as factors contributing to staffing difficulties. She noted an observed uptick in crisis encounters in recent months, yet the nature of this work remains unpredictable, complicating recruitment efforts. The role encompasses both direct client service and community outreach initiatives, requiring coordination with various local authorities, including law enforcement and emergency services.

The behavioral health team, along with supervisors, will continue to provide essential crisis response services while the search for new qualified candidates to fill this critical role progresses.

Conclusion

As Cook County navigates the complexities of public health funding and staffing, community leaders remain focused on leveraging available resources to bolster health services. The reinstatement of COVID-19 grant funds and the ongoing challenges surrounding SNAP and crisis response staffing highlight the dynamic and evolving landscape of public health within the county.