BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) -- Kern County Public Health workers, represented by SEIU 521, rallied Wednesday morning at the department's offices to protest the county's decision to lay off vital staff. The layoffs, scheduled to take effect on August 14, will impact crucial prevention and intervention personnel.

One union member highlighted the potential consequences of these layoffs on the county's most vulnerable populations. "It sets back families... and that's just one example," said Selena Pena, a project specialist with Kern County Public Health.

Pena noted her involvement with the "Know Your Numbers" program before it was cut. Kern County is already grappling with significant health challenges, including the highest diabetes-related death rate in the state, as well as leading numbers of Valley Fever, HIV, and STIs.

Public health workers now fear that these layoffs will exacerbate these issues.