Public Health Status Update for 04/04/2025

Marin County Public Health Status Update for April 04, 2025, includes Marin County Public Health Faces Critical Blow as CDC Funding is Slashed; Marin Measles Exposure; Potential Cuts to Marin’s Older Adult, Disability and Nutrition Programs; Disaster Preparedness; MCCT Leads Community Health Effort in Marin City; and Marin Respiratory Virus Surveillance.

The Marin County Public Health Status Update is released on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month to provide news and resources concerning public health priorities.

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Marin County Public Health Faces Critical Blow as CDC Funding is Slashed

Marin County Public Health and health departments nationwide face an unprecedented setback as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) abruptly and shortsightedly withdraws $11.4 billion in COVID-era public health funding. This funding has supported disease surveillance, including wastewater monitoring, helped prevent deadly outbreaks in nursing homes, and enabled us to contain the spread of tuberculosis — now at its highest level in Marin since the 2015 outbreak. It has also funded rapid response to emerging threats like avian flu and measles. Most recently, this funding was being deployed with Marin’s hospitals, clinics, and community partners to create local jobs and build a healthcare workforce decimated by the pandemic. Local investments in public health are among the most cost-effective strategies for improving health outcomes and reducing morbidity and mortality.

Marin Measles Exposure on International Flight

Marin County Public Health recently investigated two travelers exposed to measles on a long international flight. A rate-limiting step in our investigation was difficulty accessing vaccine records. Without proof of immunity, people may face quarantine. This case is a reminder to keep a copy of your vaccine records, follow travel vaccine guidelines, and know what happens if you're exposed without protection. Public health nurses play a key role in communicable disease investigations. They guide testing for immunity (IgG) and post-exposure treatment (PEP) and help manage quarantine, school/work exclusion, and monitoring to keep the community safe and healthy. Visit Information on Measles | Marin Health and Human Services to stay up to date.

Potential Cuts to Marin’s Older Adult, Disability and Nutrition Programs

The federal government plans to restructure or entirely eliminate the Administration for Community Living (ACL). ACL is a key funder of senior programs and programs for people with disabilities in Marin, including group meals and other essential services. These funding reductions and restructuring may also affect the county’s Area Agency on Aging, Older Americans Act programs, and local jobs. At the same time, the USDA has cut over $1 billion from food programs, including $660 million for school meals. These reductions will make it harder for food banks and schools to meet community needs. These potential cuts raise serious concerns about food and service access for our neighbors with limited resources.

What you can do:

Refer friends, family, or neighbors in need to CalFresh.

Support the SF-Marin Food Bank and ExtraFood with donations or by volunteering.

Stay informed: Read more from USAging and the Food Research and Action Center.

Reach out to your elected officials to express your thoughts and perspectives.

Disaster Preparedness Starts Locally

Marin County Public Health and our key county partner in preparedness and response, the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), are closely monitoring proposed changes to FEMA. FEMA plays a critical role in local emergency planning and response. Any shift or elimination can impact local preparedness efforts, emergency response capabilities, and community resilience. Last week, California Attorney General Rob Bonta joined 22 other state attorney generals and motioned to enforce a court order to unfreeze obligated FEMA funds. Without FEMA funding, disaster victims could lose access to critical short-term aid like temporary housing, emergency cash, and essential repairs. In the face of this uncertainty, Marin County residents, neighborhoods, and communities must strengthen their preparedness plans, resources, and response capabilities to withstand and recover from disasters more independently. Visit Ready Marin today and take action.

Bringing Care Home: MCCT Leads Community Health Effort in Marin City

Last month, the Southern Marin Community Resiliency Team (CRT) lead agency and member of the Healthy Marin Partnership (HMP), Marin County Cooperation Team (MCCT), delivered door-to-door Home Health Services to residents in Marin City. Marin County’s CRTs work with local partners to help Marin residents — especially those facing hardships with limited resources — prepare for emergencies, stay healthy, and receive support. MCCT partnered with another HMP member, Kaiser Permanente, which provided blood pressure screenings, vaccinations, diabetic foot care, and additional health resources. We are proud to share that MCCT’s founder and CEO, Jahmeer Reynolds, has been appointed as HMP’s new co-chair — a well-deserved recognition of his leadership and dedication! To see MCCT in action, click here.

Marin Respiratory Virus Surveillance

Find in-depth analysis of viral activity at Marin COVID-19 Surveillance and Marin Influenza and RSV Surveillance webpages. Marin County Public Health has aligned local reporting with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) respiratory illnesses data monitoring and CDPH Weekly Respiratory Report.

Respiratory Virus Surveillance Site Trends and Levels

Virus Type	COVID		Influenza		RSV
Levels and Trends	Level	Trend	Level	Trend	Level	Trend
All Sites Combined	Minimal	Increasing	Moderate	Decreasing	Moderate	Decreasing
Central Marin/San Rafael*	Minimal	Increasing	Moderate	Decreasing	Moderate	Decreasing
Marin (Las Gallinas)	Minimal	Increasing	Moderate	Plateau	Moderate	Decreasing
Marin (Novato)	Minimal	Plateau	Moderate	Decreasing	Moderate	Increasing
Marin (Sausalito-Marin City)	Minimal	Plateau	Low	Decreasing	Low	Plateau

*The Central Marin/San Rafael service area includes the cities of San Rafael, Corte Madera, Larkspur, Ross Valley, and Fairfax.

Resource Link Library

Public Health

CDC’s Respiratory Virus Guidance provides practical recommendations and information to help people lower risk from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses.

Vaccine Locations | Vaccine Information | Free COVID-19 Testing

Community Supports and Services

Information and Assistance: Call (415) 473-INFO (4636) or visit Marin County's Online Community Resource Guide

The Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) Access Line: Call (415) 473-6666.

Help is available. 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Public Benefits

BenefitsCal.com is a one-stop-shop to apply, renew, or manage health care coverage, food assistance, and cash aid.

Marin County Coordinated Entry System for Persons Experiencing Homelessness

Individuals: Call (415) 473-HOME (4663)

Families: Call Homeward Bound of Marin at (415) 457-2115

Stay Informed

Public Health Status Update for 04/18/2025