TOLEDO, OH (WTOL) – The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department is receiving new funding to help keep tabs on tuberculosis. The Lucas County commissioners have approved $40,000 to fund the department's TB Control Unit, after state funding was cut off.
Health Commissioner Dr. David Grossman said because of the low local rate, state funding was reallocated to other areas with higher rates, creating a large funding gap.
On average, the department screens between 1,500 and 2,000 people per year for TB. Grossman said the money granted will be used for screening and skin testing, as well as treatment for active cases.
"One thing about TB: if you don't treat it properly or completely, it has a high risk of becoming resistant. So when it reactivates, and [someone] coughs on the next person, the drugs we normally have – and we have good drugs - will not be as effective," explained Grossman. "TB has not disappeared. It still remains a very potential threat."
Grossman said $40,000 might not seem sufficient, but assured the department will get great use from it for the public health initiative.
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