TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary documents and any subsequent amendments, including extending the term of the agreement, or changing the amount of the award, with the California Department of Public Health to accept and expend State Funds in the amount of $749,658 for administration and expansion of the California Home Visiting Program (CHVP), and pay an annual license fee for the State approved home visitation model to Nurse-Family Partnership, a Colorado Corporation, for the period of July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024, with the option to extend the agreement for three additional one-year periods, at the discretion of the City Manager; and
Increase appropriations in the Health Fund Group in the Health and Human Services Department by $561,057, offset by grant revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On November 1, 2022, the California Department of Public Health announced its intent to increase funding for the California Home Visiting Program (CHVP). The City of Long Beach (City) accepted the invitation to apply for funding. Based on CHVP guidelines, the Health and Human Services Department (Health Department) is eligible for an allocation amount of $749,658 for program year 2023-2024. The funding will be used to expand, plan, and implement the Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) program in the City. The NFP Program is an intensive, evidence-based home visitation model that best meets the needs of the Long Beach service population.
To implement the State approved home visitation model NFP, an annual license fee is paid to Nurse-Family Partnership, a Colorado Corporation. For the program year 2023-2024, the amount is $54,336. In prior years when we received funding from Los Angeles County Maternal Child Adolescent Health Division, they paid the license fee; however, now that the City is receiving funding directly from the State, the Health Department is responsible for paying this fee.
Since 1999, the Health Department has had a NFP program funded by the Los Angeles County Maternal Child Adolescent Health Division. Starting with program year 2022-2023, funding changed to the California Department of Public Health. The NFP empowers vulnerable first-time mothers to transform their lives and create better futures for themselves and their babies. The NFP works by having specially trained public health nurses regularly visit vulnerable, first-time mothers. Home visitation begins early in the pregnancy and continues through the child’s second birthday. Expectant mothers benefit by getting the care and support they need to have a healthy pregnancy. Concurrently, new mothers develop a close relationship with a public health nurse who becomes a trusted resource they can rely on for advice on everything from safely caring for their child and achieving good preventive health practices, improving child health and development, and improving economic self-sufficiency.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Anita Lakhani on July 13, 2023 and by Budget Analysis Officer Greg Sorensen on July 20, 2023.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on August 8, 2023, to continue to provide these services without interruption.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive reimbursement up to the amount of $749,658 for a one-year period beginning July 1, 2023. The amount currently budgeted is $188,601 in the Health Fund Group. An appropriation increase in the amount of $561,057 is requested in the Health Fund Group in the Health and Human Services Department, offset by grant revenue. Appropriation for future years will be included in the annual budget process. For the program year 2023-2024, a license fee in the amount of $54,336 is required to be paid to the NFP. There is no match or in-kind service mandate required. Any indirect costs that might not ultimately be eligible for grant funds will be funded by the Health Operating Fund, General Fund, or other eligible grant funds. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
KELLY COLOPY
DIRECTOR
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER