TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute the Seventh Amendment to Agreement No. 26738 with Los Angeles County to provide HIV/AIDS treatment adherence services in the amount of
$68,617, for a period of one year. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Since 1998, Los Angeles County has contracted with the City of Long Beach to provide
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
treatment adherence services. Under this agreement, the Department of Health and
Human Services (DHHS) provides information about HIV disease, related illnesses, and
the latest available treatment options in both group and individual settings. The program
also provides an effective means to refer HIV positive individuals to the available network
of services offered by DHHS and other agencies. Over this period of time, the DHHS
Preventive Health Clinic has provided 27,535 client services to approximately 500 HIVpositive
persons per year. The proposed 7' amendment continues funding for the
program from April 1, 2005 through March 31, 2006.
Many people infected with HIV/AIDS face multiple challenges that can have an effect on
their care and treatment. As a result, HIV/AIDS care is a very specialized discipline that
requires a team approach to address those issues. As a part of the treatment team, the
treatment adherence specialist will assess the needs of each patient and create a service
plan that provides the education and support necessary to assist patients in understanding
their disease and will provide them with the skills to be healthier and have a better quality
of life. The treatment advocate works with approximately 300 HIVIAIDS patients at the
Early Intervention Program for the City of Long Beach.
Treatment Adherence services are provided by one-on-one counseling sessions. These
sessions include education on decreasing the risk of acquiring other diseases associated
with HIV infection and on prevention methods aimed at reducing the risk of transmission of
HIV to others. The program also provides information on medications and their side effects,
and assists the client in identifying major obstacles that could impact their health.
This approach to total healthcare results in patients who are able to adhere to their
medication regimes, more quickly identify problems or issues with their medications, and
adjust their medications to meet their health needs. It also provides ongoing prevention
education to all patients that is aimed at reducing the risk of transmission to others.
The Treatment Adherence program also conducts regular public education sessions open
to all HIV/AIDS infected and affected members of the community. These sessions include
information promoting wellness and prevention activities, and provide the latest medical
updates on HIV/AIDS. Typically each public education session attracts between 70 to 100
community members.
This matter was reviewed by Senior Deputy City Attorney Donna F. Gwin on May 31,2005,
and by Budget Management Officer David Wodynski on June 1,2005.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this item is requested on June 21, 2005, as the DHHS has been
providing services under this amendment since April 1,2005, but is unable to recover costs
until the contract is approved.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total amount of the agreement is $68,617 for the period from April 1,2005 to March
31, 2006. Sufficient funds are currently appropriated in the Health Fund (SR 130) and in
the Department of Health and Human Services (HE).
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
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Respectfully Submitted,
[Respectfully Submitted,]