TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, and any subsequent amendments, with the California Department of Public Health to accept and expend grant funding in the amount of $10,632, to reduce the rate of fatal overdose from opioid drugs including heroin and prescription opioids, for the period of June 1, 2017 through June 30, 2019. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Senate Bill (SB) 833 (Chapter 30, Statutes of 2016) established a new Naloxone Grant Program within the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) with the goal of reducing the number of fatal overdoses in California from opioid drugs, including prescription opioids and heroin, by increasing access to the life-saving drug Naloxone. A total of $3 million was allocated by CDPH on a one-time basis to support this program. The Naloxone Grant Program is administered by the Safe and Active Communities Branch (SACB).
Naloxone is a medication that works almost immediately to reverse an opiate overdose. Naloxone is currently a prescription drug, but is not a controlled substance. It has few known adverse effects, no potential for abuse, and can be rapidly administered through intramuscular injection or nasal spray. While most professional first responders and emergency departments are equipped with Naloxone, emergency service providers may not arrive in time to revive overdose victims. Trained and equipped bystanders such as friends, family and other non-health care providers (lay people) and drug-users themselves can effectively respond and reverse an opioid overdose.
Naloxone distribution systems: (1) work under a standing order from a licensed clinician/medical director; (2) have staff that are trained (or are trained to provide education to others) on overdose prevention techniques, how to recognize an opioid overdose (signs and symptoms), how to respond by calling 9-1-1 and providing rescue breathing, Naloxone storage and administration, and post-overdose care; (3) dispense naloxone products; and, (4) document distribution efforts.
Laws are currently in place that support making Naloxone more readily available. For example, California Civil Code Section 1714.22 (Statutes of 2013, Chapter 707, Section 1) eliminates civil and criminal liability for: (1) licensed health care providers who prescribe Naloxone and issue standing orders for the distribution of Naloxone, and (2) individuals that administer Naloxone to someone suspected of experiencing an overdose after receiving it along with required training. This law took effect on January 1, 2014.
The SACB released a non-competitive request for applications on March 27, 2017, offering grants of Naloxone product (Narcan nasal spray) and funding to all 61 local health departments (LHDs) to conduct Naloxone Distribution Projects. LHDs will provide Narcan to local programs, agencies and community-based organizations (local entities) within their jurisdictions that have naloxone distribution systems and are in the best position to save lives from opioid overdose.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda T. Vu on November 7, 2017 and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on November 10, 2017.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on December 5, 2017, to begin implementing this program.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive reimbursement funding in the amount of $10,632 for the purchase of Naloxone product (Narcan nasal spray), for the period of June 1, 2017 through June 30, 2019. Sufficient funds are currently appropriated in the Health Fund (SR 130) in the Health and Human Services Department (HE). No match or in-kind service mandate is required, and there is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
KELLY COLOPY
DIRECTOR OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER