TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all necessary documents with the National Association of City and County Health Officials (NACCHO) to accept funding in the amount of $10,000, effective February 4, 2008 through July 31, 2008, to provide capacity building funds for the Long Beach Medical Reserve Corps (MRC); and increase appropriations by the same amount in the Health Fund
(SR 130) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HE). (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Since 2002, the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has been the recipient of funding from Federal and State grants for bioterrorism preparedness and public health infrastructure development. The Health Department has also been permitted to use these funds to prepare for other types of public health emergencies, such as pandemic influenza or extreme temperature emergencies. In order to expand the Department's capacity to respond to these emergencies, the discipline of public health is expected to rely on the participation of volunteer physicians, nurses and health educators. It is the Department's intent to ensure that we have our volunteer force prepared in advance of any emergency, including training and pre-credentialing requirements.
In June 2007, the Office of the Surgeon General approved the establishment of the Long Beach Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). The MRC provides a framework to establish this voluntary public health response team. The Health Department submitted an application to the National Association of City and County Health Officials (NACCHO) to identify funding to support the implementation of the MRC locally. These funds will be used to train the MRC members, conduct required background checks, provide identification badges for MRC members, and other supplies.
This matter was reviewed by Principal Deputy City Attorney Amy Burton on February 14, 2008 and by Budget Division Officer Victoria Bell on March 10, 2008.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this matter is requested by March 18, 2008, as funding will be allocated to the Department of Health and Human Services once the contract is approved and sent to NACCHO.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total amount of the amended agreement is $10,000. This NACCHO grant alleviates expenditures on the CDC and State Public Health Emergency Management grants that were previously used for MRC capacity building. An increase in appropriations in the amount of $10,000 is requested in the Health Fund (SR 130) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HE) and is included in the recommendation above. There is no City match, and no impact on the General Fund (GP).
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ronald R. Arias
Director
Health and Human Services
NAME |
APPROVED: |
TITLE |
|
|
|
|
PATRICK H. WEST |
|
CITY MANAGER |