TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, and all necessary documents, including subsequent amendments and amendments to the award amount, with the National Association County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) to receive and expend grant funding in the amount of $250,000 to support the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), to participate in the Addressing Needs of People with Disabilities in COVID-19 Local Preparedness Planning, Mitigation and Recovery Efforts - Part 2 grant program, and to participate in the Vaccine Hesitancy project, for the period of December 1, 2022 through December 31, 2023; and
Increase appropriations in the Health Fund Group in the Health and Human Services Department by $250,000, offset by grant revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On October 7, 2022, the Health and Human Services Department (Health Department) was awarded the Tier 3 Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) COVID-19 Respond, Innovate, Sustain, and Equip (RISE) Award. Since 2002, the Health Department has been the recipient of Federal and State funds for bioterrorism preparedness and public health infrastructure development. The Health Department has been permitted to use these funds to prepare for other types of public health emergencies, such as pandemic influenza or extreme temperature emergencies and most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic and Monkeypox (MPX) local emergencies. In order to expand the Health Department's capacity to respond, the discipline of public health is expected to rely on the participation of volunteer physicians, nurses, health educators and other professional and lay volunteers, which make up the MRC. This funding will provide resources to the MRC network to support COVID-19 response efforts and will prioritize building capacity for the MRC to respond, innovate to evolving requirements, sustain staffing requirements, and equip MRC units and State coordinators with resources needed to support their mission.
In addition, on November 7, 2022, the Health Department was identified as one of only three jurisdictions nationwide to participate in the NACCHO Vaccine Hesitancy project. This technical assistance and capacity-building opportunity will provide the Health Department with resources to address vaccine hesitancy and misinformation across the lifespan for routine influenza, COVID-19, and other vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs). This project will support efforts to identify and understand the causes of vaccine hesitancy among the city’s vulnerable populations through the creation and implementation of a rapid community assessment (RCA), build partnerships with other local organizations, and identify areas of need to improve vaccine confidence and uptake.
Lastly, on November 10, 2022, the Health Department was selected to receive funding through the NACCHO Addressing Needs of People with Disabilities in COVID-19 Local Preparedness Planning, Mitigation, and Recovery Efforts - Part 2 project. The Health Department will collaborate and partner directly with NACCHO through support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Division of Human Development and Disability. This funding will support the Department’s existing accessibility program by addressing the needs of people with disabilities in emergency preparedness, including COVID-19 planning, mitigation, and recovery efforts.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Taylor M. Anderson on November 7, 2022 and by Budget Analysis Officer Greg Sorensen on December 28, 2022.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on January 17, 2023 to facilitate continuation of projects supported by this funding.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive funding in an amount not to exceed $250,000, of which $75,000 will support the Medical Reserve Corps, $75,000 will support the Addressing Needs of People with Disabilities in COVID-19 Local Preparedness Planning, Mitigation and Recovery Efforts - Part 2 grant program, and $100,000 will be to participate in the Vaccine Hesitancy project, for the periods of December 1, 2022 through September 15, 2023, December 1, 2022 through December 31, 2023, and December 1, 2022 through July 31, 2023, respectively. An appropriation increase in the amount of $250,000 is requested in the Health Fund Group in the Health and Human Services Department, offset by grant revenue. Any indirect costs that might not ultimately be eligible for grant funds will be funded by the Health Operating Fund, or other eligible grant funds. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. No match or in-kind service mandate is required, and there is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
[Enter Body Here]
Respectfully Submitted,
KELLY COLOPY
DIRECTOR
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER