TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary documents and any subsequent amendments, including amending the award amount, with the California Department of Public Health, to accept and expend the State General Fund (SGH) Black Infant Health Expansion Plan in the amount of $619,484 for the administration and expansion of the Black Infant Health Program, for the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023, with the option to renew for three additional one-year periods, at the discretion of the City Manager; and
Increase appropriations in the Health Fund Group in the Health and Human Services Department by $619,484, offset by grant revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The City of Long Beach (City) Black Infant Health (BIH) Program was established in 1989 with the goal of reducing maternal and infant health disparities affecting African American women and babies. The program ensures access to quality health care services for pregnant women and children by providing linkages to preventive and primary care services for children and youth, and delivering family-centered, community-based comprehensive health education to address community concerns. Successful implementation of the program over the past 33 years has been contingent on effective communication between BIH staff, African American women, and community stakeholders in Southern California’s local health jurisdictions (LHJ). The Long Beach BIH Program is one of 17 BIH programs across the State.
On November 17, 2022, the California Department of Public Health announced its intent to increase the annual allocation for the Long Beach BIH Program by $619,484. The BIH Expansion Plan grant funds will increase the current allocation from $1,772,252 to $2,391,736. The funding will be used to carry out the programs’ scope of work and expand the capacity to work towards the BIH program goals to improve black infant birth outcomes and reduce black maternal and infant mortality through the expansion of the existing BIH program.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Taylor M. Anderson on December 20, 2022 and by Budget Analysis Officer Gregory Sorensen on December 29, 2022.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on January 17, 2023, to continue accept the increased annual allocation and provide these services without interruption.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive SGH BIH Expansion Plan funding in the amount of $619,484 for the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023. An appropriation increase in the amount of $619,484 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, General Fund, or other eligible grant funds. Appropriation for future fiscal years will be approved through the annual budget process. 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