Abstract
This qualitative exploratory study examines the impacts of the 2009-2010 budget crisis on public health agencies that provide physical health services to medically indigent women. The purpose of the study was to explore the fiscal impacts on public health agencies in Sacramento County and the degree to which medically indigent women are affected. The researcher conducted 12 face-to-face interviews with administrators from local public health agencies. Analysis of the findings from the experiential narratives resulted into common themes, namely, longer wait periods, increase in caseload; the impact on preventative services; and the long-term effects of the budget crisis. Implications for future research, social work practice, policy, and practice are explored.