UPDating the State Health Lab

This week we passed an appropriations bill - SB58 - Which is an act to make an appropriation for the construction of a new state public health laboratory and renovate the existing lab.

The current building was constructed in 1995. It is currently occupied by 31 lab staff and 60 other DOH staff.

Current limitations of the State Health Lab:

1. The building is overflowing with items required for pandemic response. Supplies and materials are stored in hallways right now.

2. Testing infrastructure was strained in the peak of the pandemic. The lab has performed almost 50,000 COVID-19 tests since the beginning of the pandemic.

3. Over 20 new instruments were purchased to support COVID-19 testing.

4. Space available for laboratory operations is currently one-half of what is needed.

The new Health Lab would offer:

1. Highly specialized testing for infectious diseases, water quality, and drug toxicology.

2. Increased preparedness to be the first line of response to emergency natural and man-made threats to the health of the nation.

3. Increased preparedness to implement testing for highly contagious diseases.

4. More room for storage of instruments, PPE, and increased staff and administrative space.

This is by far, in my opinion, one of the most important uses of ARPA funds to help prepare our State for future pandemics and public health needs. The cost estimate is just over 69 million. I will continue to support this bill through the process.