TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee to execute all documents and any subsequent amendments with the California Department of Public Health Emergency Preparedness Office, to receive and expend up to $450,777 to support MPX response efforts, for the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023; and
Increase appropriations in the Health Fund Group in the Health and Human Services Department by $450,777, offset by grant revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On October 7, 2022, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Emergency Preparedness Office allocated the City of Long Beach (City), Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) direct funding to cover reimbursement for purposes related to the monkeypox (MPX) state of emergency, as proclaimed by the State on August 1, 2022.
The emergency funds will be used to reimburse the Health Department’s MPX vaccination and treatment efforts, including supporting community provider efforts to make tecovirimat (TPOXX) more readily available; providing TPOXX to Health Department patients; data collection and reporting to CPDH; establishing pre and post exposure prophylaxis vaccine clinics; educating providers and the community most affected through public outreach efforts to share prevention and harm reduction measures; and, implementing disease control activities. Funding will also be used to build laboratory testing capacity by purchasing equipment to diagnose MPX specimens.
As of November 21, 2022, there are 124 confirmed and probable cases of MPX in Long Beach. The Health Department has been administering vaccines to help prevent disease for those most at risk, and antivirals as treatment for those who develop severe illness. To date, the Health Department has administered more than 6,800 doses throughout City-run sites as well as through pop up clinics in partnership with LGBTQ partners.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Taylor M. Anderson on November 28, 2022 and by Budget Analysis Officer Greg Sorensen on November 16, 2022.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on December 6, 2022, to accept and expend funds in a timely manner.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive grant funding in an amount not to exceed $450,777 for MPX response efforts from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023. An appropriation increase in the amount of $450,777 is requested in the Health Fund Group in the Health and Human Services Department, offset by grant revenue. 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.
Respectfully Submitted,
KELLY COLOPY
DIRECTOR
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER