TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all necessary agreements with the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health in the amount of $784,000 to provide Community Prevention and Wellness Services under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), to administer and execute all necessary documents to accept and expend all grant funds in connection herewith, and to take all other actions necessary to implement the use of such funds;
Execute subcontracts in the amount of $40,000 and subsequent amendments with the listed subcontract agencies to address smoking cessation needs and to build on existing smoke-free policies in the City of Long Beach; and
Increase appropriations in the Health Fund (SR 130) in the Department of Health and Human Services (HE) by $712,000 and in the General Grants Fund (SR 120) in the Department of Public Works (PW) by $72,000 for the period of March 19, 2010 to March 18, 2012. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On November 17, 2009, the City Council adopted a Resolution in support of, and authorizing an application with Los Angeles County to apply to the Federal Health and Human Services Department for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Community Prevention and Wellness funding to provide community prevention and wellness services. The funds were designated for communities to develop projects aimed to reduce tobacco use, improve nutrition, increase physical activity, and reduce the obesity epidemic through interventions involving policy, systems, and environmental change.
In December 2009, the City of Long Beach, through the Departments of Health and Human Services and Public Works, submitted a joint application with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health for the Community Prevention and Wellness funding. On March 19, 2010, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded $32 million to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health for a two-year period; $16 million to launch initiatives to prevent obesity and promote healthy eating and active living, and $16 million for initiatives related to tobacco use and exposure.
From this funding, the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services will receive a total of $712,000, including $400,000 to promote tobacco prevention and control policies and cessation services, and $312,000 for obesity prevention/nutrition promotion by improving access to healthy food and beverage options for youth. Public Works also will receive $72,000 to promote physical activity by encouraging residents to ride their bikes to shops and restaurants in their neighborhoods through the establishment of bike-friendly business districts.
Of the total grant amount for tobacco prevention and cessation, $40,000 is dedicated for subcontracts with community agencies to address smoking cessation needs in high-risk target populations and to build on existing smoke-free policies. The following agencies were selected based on their ability to reach special population groups and/or their past work in smoking cessation programs:
This item was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda Trang on April 29, 2010 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on May 3,2010.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on May 18, 2010, as the agreement must be executed with Los Angeles County by June 17,2010.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total amount of the agreement is $784,000. An appropriation increase for $712,000 in the Health Fund (SR 130) in the Department of Health and Human Services (HE), and for $72,000 in the General Grants Fund (SR 120) in the Department of Public Works (PW) is included in the recommended action. There will be no City match associated with this grant, and no impact to the General Fund. In addition to the public health benefits of the initiative, the grants will create up to two new local jobs, one paid internship, and will help to retain an additional two positions.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ronald R. Arias
Director Health and Human Services
Michael P. Conway
Director Public Works.
NAME |
APPROVED: |
TITLE |
|
|
|
|
PATRICK H. WEST |
|
CITY MANAGER |