CHCM Submits Testimony in Support of City Department of Health Funding

At the Friday, April 25th City of St. Louis Board of Estimate and Apportionment hearing, CHCM Chief Strategy Officer Dr. Danielle Binion delivered powerful testimony urging full and sustained funding for the St. Louis Department of Health. Speaking both as a public health leader and proud daughter of St. Louis’ 10th Ward, Dr. Binion emphasized the urgent need to invest in local solutions addressing violence, mental health, HIV/STIs, and barriers to care. With Missouri ranking near the bottom nationally for health outcomes and rising threats to Medicaid access, CHCM underscored the critical role of prevention, education, and equity-centered strategies. Dr. Binion lifted up joint efforts like PrepareSTL, community listening sessions, and the City’s Health Equity Plan as examples of collaborative work that must continue.

To read the full version of CHCM’s testimony, continue reading or use the button below!

April 25, 2025

Board of Estimate and Apportionment Board

Good afternoon, Mayor Spencer and members of the Board and thank you for the opportunity to speak today.

My name is Dr. Danielle Binion, and I serve as the Chief Strategy Officer for the Community Health Commission of Missouri (CHCM). CHCM is a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating health disparities through equity-centered trauma-informed care approaches and systems level change. 

I come to you in my professional role AND as a proud daughter of St. Louis. I was born and raised in the 10th Ward – nestled in the Academy and Fountain Park neighborhoods, AND a proud graduate of Sumner High School in the historic Ville neighborhood. 

I’m here today to express strong support for full and sustained public health funding. Public health is focused on protecting and improving the health of entire communities, every ward, every person through prevention, promotion and protection as outlined in the Department of Health’s mission. With Missouri ranking 47th out of 51 states in terms of healthcare access, quality, efficiency and outcomes – we cannot afford to lose funding or focus! (*Commonwealth Fund’s State Health System Performance Scorecard) 

St. Louis City faces multiple, intersecting public health crises that our health department is actively at the forefront of addressing:

• Violence and Safety continue to be a pressing public health concern within our communities; St. Louis City has one of the highest violent crime rates in the country. 

• This high crime rate negatively impacts mental health, stress levels, and overall community well-being. The department’s Mental Health Bureau addresses these negative effects through crises response, education training, and critical interventions like Narcan kit distribution.

• With the alarming rise of HIV and STI cases in St. Louis, the Department of Health has taken the lead on prevention, education, and health literacy efforts to better understand and respond to community needs with care and support.

• With an uninsured rate at 11.8%, well above the national average of 8.6%, and looming cuts to Medicaid, our communities are at a critical juncture. Disinvestment now would deepen existing health disparities AND also leave thousands without essential care and prevention services. 

In the face of these challenges, CHCM partners with the City of St. Louis Department of Health to implement collaborative, community-driven solutions. These efforts included:

• PrepareSTL, a regional campaign implemented during the pandemic to support overlooked neighborhoods.

• Community Listening sessions

• And the Health Department’s Comprehensive Health Equity Plan, which lays out a long-term strategy to confront systemic disparities and expand access to care.

We encourage the board to protect the health of all St. Louisans through continued support and increased funding to the Department of Health.

We stand ready as a community-engaged partner to create healthier, and more resilient communities across St. Louis City. 

Thank you for your time, commitment, and continued investment in our community.