TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all necessary documents and subsequent amendments with the State of California Department of Health Services to provide services under the Syphilis Elimination Initiative Program, in an amount not to exceed $60,000 for the two-year contract period. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has been awarded funding for the continuation of the Syphilis Elimination Initiative (SEI) under a grant from the State of California Department of Health Services as part of a national and statewide effort to eliminate syphilis. The program provides outreach, health education, and screening activities focusing on integrated STD and HIV prevention among men having sex with men (MSM). As a part of the program's community outreach in 2005, the SEI reached over 150 gay and bisexual men through the Gay Men's Health Summit (GMHS). The GMHS provided free syphilis testing and interactive workshops on syphilis and STD preventio, healthy lifestyle, mental health, partner violence prevention, the dangers of methamphetamine use, and other health and social issues that impact the quality of life of gay and bisexual men.
Additionally, a social marketing campaign, the "War on Syphilis," was adopted by the Health Department for outreach into the community. The campaign consisted of a commercial aired in Long Beach on Charter Cable. The commercial aired for 2 months during, and prior to, the Long Beach Gay Pride Festival and directed viewers to www.waronsvDhilis.com for further information and testing sites. In addition, the Health Department has partnered with the Center for Behavioral Research and Services to conduct additional syphilis testing for MSM and increased outreach in locations where MSM gather.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on September 6,2005, as the DHHS has been providing services under this amendment since July 1,2005, but will be unable to recover costs until the contract is approved.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total amount of the agreement is $60,000 for the period from July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2007. Sufficient funds are budgeted in the Health Fund (SR130) in the Department of Health and Human Services (HE).
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
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Respectfully Submitted,
[Respectfully Submitted,]