TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary agreements, and any subsequent amendments, between the City of Long Beach and the State of California Department of Health Care Services in an amount not to exceed $593,892, for the period of July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016 to continue the Child Health and Disability Prevention Program. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Since 1995, the California State Department of Health Care Services has allocated funds to the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) to administer the Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP) Program and to implement program requirements as set forth in Health and Safety Code, Article 6, Section 124025 et seq. and Article 4.7, Section 14148.3 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. The CHDP Program provides complete health assessments for the early detection and prevention of disease and disabilities for low-income children and youth. A health assessment consists of a health history, physical examination, developmental assessment, nutritional assessment, dental assessment, vision and hearing tests, a tuberculin test, laboratory tests, immunizations, health education/anticipatory guidance, and referral for any needed diagnosis and treatment.
There is substantial national and international evidence that comprehensive early intervention and regular health screenings among children and adolescents have long-term benefits for physical and mental health, educational achievement and emotional functioning. The program is targeted toward low-income children up to age 21 to ensure ongoing well-child checkups and health screening services, and to provide referral assistance for additional health care resources. For the program year 2014 - 2015, staff reviewed the health assessment results of over 39,000 children who had received CHDP health assessments. There are 40 CHDP providers in Long Beach, who provide approximately 3,250 CHDP exams per month.
The Health Department’s CHDP Program carries out community activities, which include planning, evaluation and monitoring, case management, informing and providing health education materials, provider recruitment, quality assurance, and client support services, such as assistance with transportation and medical, dental, and mental health appointment scheduling, and encouraging the completion of an application for ongoing health care coverage. The CHDP Program is responsible for resource and provider development to ensure that high quality services are delivered and available to eligible children/youth. The program informs the target populations to increase their participation, and community agencies and residents to increase the knowledge and acceptance of preventive services.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda T. Vu on January 12, 2016 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on January 14, 2016.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on February 9, 2016, as services have been provided under all of the programs related to the agreement since July 1, 2015. The State has authorized each local CHDP Program to spend up to the amount allocated from the State General Fund and the matching amount from the Federal Fund. Implementation of this agreement was not possible in July 2015, due to delays at the State level.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City is eligible to receive reimbursement of up to $593,892 for the grant period of July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016. Sufficient appropriation is budgeted in the Health Fund (SR 130) in the Department of Health and Human Services (HE). No match or in-kind service mandate is required, and there is no local job impact associated with this action.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
KELLY COLOPY
DIRECTOR HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER