The decision by Columbus Public Health (CPH) to shutter its in-house medical testing laboratory and transition to an external contractor has sparked significant backlash from local union representatives. Critics argue the move could jeopardize community health and lead to longer delays for critical test results.
Union Voices Concerns Over Public Health Risks
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 2191, which represents Columbus Public Health employees, has called on the city to reverse the outsourcing plan. John Henry Jr., president of Local 2191, warned Columbus City Council during an October 20 meeting that the proposed change would harm the community.
"The city may face an untested and untreated public or foot an astronomical bill that could have easily been avoided", Henry said. "The loss of a STAT (urgent) testing facility in Columbus will harm the city of Columbus. Finally, CPH will no longer be able to provide STAT testing for STIs, or syphilis or HIV."
Henry emphasized that the transition to a Texas-based contractor, the Center for Disease Detection, would increase turnaround times for results. While the local lab can deliver results for urgent tests in one to two hours, the contracted facility would take one to two days, according to CPH’s Director of Public Affairs, Kelli Newman.
Financial Impact Sparks Debate
Columbus Public Health defended the outsourcing plan as a cost-saving measure. Newman stated that the department expects to save more than $250,000 annually by moving lab testing to the Center for Disease Detection. The $563,000 bid from the Texas company was significantly lower than proposals from other entities, including one from the Ohio State University priced at over $800,000.
"This plan to subcontract is necessary and critical to the health and safety of our entire community, especially as we move through times of uncertain public health funding", Newman said in an email.
However, AFSCME has expressed skepticism regarding the financial savings. Henry alleged that the Center for Disease Detection likely underestimated the volume of testing required in its bid. He predicted that costs would escalate by the second year of the contract, potentially exceeding the expenses of running the lab in-house.
Community Concerns and Letters to Officials
The local lab handled over 52,000 tests in 2024, including HIV, drug, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infection screenings. AFSCME claims that outsourcing these services will not only extend wait times for results but also impact the city’s ability to respond promptly to public health issues.
Public support for preserving the lab has been evident. According to AFSCME, over 1,000 letters have been sent to city officials, urging them to reject the contract with the Center for Disease Detection.
Transition to New Health System Looms
The closure of the in-house lab comes as Columbus Public Health prepares to implement the EPIC electronic medical system in 2026. Newman noted that the department is required to work with a single reference lab for EPIC, which influenced the decision to subcontract lab services.
Despite assurances from CPH that the new system will allow patients to access results quickly via MyChart and that delays in care will be avoided, Henry criticized the decision as "short-sighted." He argued that the lack of a local urgent testing facility could have serious consequences for community health.
Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin responded cautiously, assuring Henry that the council would continue to scrutinize the issue as they reviewed the contract. The lab is currently scheduled for closure after November 14, pending council approval of the outsourcing agreement.