TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute an
agreement with The Earl B. and Loraine H. Miller Foundation to fund family-centered health education programming emphasizing
childhood obesity prevention at the Miller Family Health Education Center in the amount of $88,000, for the period of July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008; and increase appropriations in the Health Fund (SR 130) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HE) by $88,000. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Earl B. and Loraine H. Miller Foundation has awarded the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) an $88,000 grant to further enhance family-centered health education programming at the Miller Family Health Education Center (MFHEC) with a special emphasis on topics and activities surrounding childhood obesity prevention.
This current grant program will build upon a 2006-2007 grant from the Miller Foundation, which funded bi-monthly health education forums, the upkeep of an MFHEC website, basic computer classes, and a Health Leadership Training Program for parents. Last year's funding from the Miller Foundation made it possible for the Health Department to fulfill many of its goals for the MFHEC, including expanding opportunities for limited English speaking and low-income families to access health education programs, services and training. There were a total of 275 participant visits to the six health education forums that were provided in a multilingual format, and more than 160 on-site childcare visits were provided during the forums to enable families to take part in the events. Twenty-one parents graduated from the Health Leadership Training Program and will continue to receive training during the 2007-2008 grant period.
The 2007-2008 funding from the Miller Foundation will enable the Health Department to take its health education programming to the next level. It will allow the Health Department to continue to hold health education forums with a new, modified focus on childhood obesity prevention, maintain the MFHEC website and continue its basic computer skills classes for parents. The grant will also fund new elements including:
training parents on specific nutrition education workshops, and piloting a program to work in partnership with neighborhood action groups to look at environmental contributors to obesity in specific areas of Long Beach. The funding will support one staff position, materials and incentives, and childcare and transportation to facilitate the community's engagement in health education programming.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Lori A. Conway on August 20, 2007 and by Budget and Performance Bureau Manager David Wodynski on August 24,2007.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this item is requested on September 18, 2007 in order to expend full use of grant proceeds.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total amount of the agreement is $88,000. An appropriation increase for this amount is included in the recommended action.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
RONALD R. ARIAS
DIRECTOR HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
NAME |
APPROVED: |
TITLE |
|
|
|
|
ANTHONY W. BATTS |
|
CITY MANAGER |