DATE:
March 3, 2026
05
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
AUTHORIZE ACCEPTANCE OF LABASPIRE PUBLIC HEALTH EQUITY AND READINESS OPPORTUNITY INITIATIVE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM FUNDING (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
On July 18, 2023 (3), the San Diego County Board of Supervisors (Board) authorized the acceptance of the first LabAspire Public Health Equity and Readiness Opportunity Initiative Fellowship Program (LabAspire) Funding. Subsequently, on April 30, 2024 (8), the Board authorized the acceptance of additional LabAspire funding. On August 15, 2025, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) notified the County of San Diego (County) Health and Human Services Agency, Public Health Services, Public Health Laboratory (PHL) that it would receive an additional $345,395 from the LabAspire Fellowship Award and $678,246 from the Public Health Microbiologist (PHM) Training Award. These awards will continue to support workforce development pathways for the PHL and support its critical role in protecting the health of county residents and visitors. PHLs are directed by highly qualified laboratory directors that are board certified and hold a doctoral degree. Over the last several decades, the number of qualified laboratory directors has declined due to requirements, retirements, and attrition to the private sector. The LabAspire Fellowship Program award supports efforts to increase the number of qualified laboratory directors to support succession planning efforts in California. Similarly, salary support provided by the Public Health Microbiologist Training Award is intended to help train more PHMs to address the shortage of licensed PHMs in California.
Today's action requests the Board approve and authorize acceptance of approximately $345,395 in funding for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027, to support education and training for LabAspire Fellows; $678,246 for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027 to support education and ...
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