BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — Over the last few months, Kern County Public Health has been through significant upheaval, losing more than $12 million in state and federal funding and being forced to eliminate 35 positions, 27 of which were filled. The financial crisis has now drawn scrutiny from a grand jury, which released a report examining the impact of these cuts on public health services.

Earlier this year, as county public health officials realised they would be losing millions of dollars in funding, the county announced it would reduce services, affecting approximately 6,000 patients. After a public hearing, officials announced the layoffs of 27 people.

Following that public hearing, Kern County Public Health Director Brynn Carrigan said the department was working to maintain essen

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