TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager or designee to execute an agreement between the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services and The Earl B. and Loraine H. Miller Foundation to continue to fund childhood obesity prevention health education programming at the Miller Family Health Education Center in the amount of $79,000, for a term of one year; and to execute any other necessary documents or subsequent amendments to extend the contract term or increase the award amount. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Earl B. and Loraine H. Miller Foundation (Miller Foundation) has again awarded the City of Long Beach, Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department), a $79,000 grant to further enhance health education programming at the Department's Miller Family Health Education Center (MFHEC) and in the community with an emphasis on topics and activities surrounding childhood obesity prevention.
This current grant program will build upon a 2007-2008 grant from the Miller Foundation to the Health Department, which funded bi-monthly health education forums that focused on childhood obesity prevention, the maintenance of an MFHEC website, the development of three basic nutrition lessons in English and Spanish led by community health leaders (promotoras), and the training of a Children's Health Leadership Group for parents. Last year's funding from the Miller Foundation also made it possible for the Health Department to meet many of its goals for the MFHEC, including expanding opportunities for families to access health education programs, services and training.
There were a total of 250 participant visits to last year's six health education forums that were provided in a multilingual format, and 460 participants attended the twenty nutrition lessons led by community health leaders at various locations throughout the City.
The 2008-2009 funding from the Miller Foundation will enable the Health Department to further develop its childhood obesity prevention health education programming and take the activities into the community. It will allow the Health Department to continue to hold health education forums with a focus on childhood obesity prevention, to maintain the MFHEC website and to continue offering nutrition lessons to parents led by community health leaders at sites throughout Long Beach. The grant will also fund new program elements that include training additional community health leaders with the program's developed nutrition curriculum, and piloting a program to work in partnership with the Starr King Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and Long Beach Community Action Partnership.
This partnership will offer nutrition education activities and increase community advocacy efforts surrounding environmental contributors to obesity in the specific areas.
The funding will support one part-time staff position, materials, incentives, childcare and transportation to facilitate the community's engagement in the health education programs.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda Trang on August 25, 2008 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on August 27, 2008.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this item is requested on September 16, 2008, in order to expend full use of grant proceeds.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total amount of the agreement is $79,000. Sufficient funds are currently appropriated in the Health Fund (SR 130) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HE). There is no City match, and no impact to the General Fund.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
RONALD R. ARIAS |
APPROVED: |
DIRECTOR |
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HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES |
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PATRICK H. WEST |
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CITY MANAGER |