TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents necessary to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding, and any necessary subsequent amendments, with the American Red Cross, to license Red Cross trainers and provide training materials and curriculum to Health Department staff and volunteers, permitting individuals who are both Red Cross-certified instructors and City of Long Beach employees to deliver instruction in the Red Cross training courses, from three years from the execution date of the MOU. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the American Red Cross (ARC) to license Red Cross trainers and provide training materials and curriculum to permit City of Long Beach (City) employees to deliver instruction in ARC training courses. The MOU will provide a broad framework of cooperation and support between the ARC and the City and will provide the Health and Human Services Department (Health Department) the ability to train medical staff in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, automated external defibrillator, and basic life support.
The ARC will train and certify non-sworn Health Department employees whose job duties support the community, Fire, and Police Departments, by preparing emergency medical plans and procedures and responding to fires, floods, and other public health emergencies. The Public Health Emergency Management (PHEM) Division of the Health Department has recently begun deploying to natural disasters and other events that threaten public health, along with first responders. Training under the ARC through this MOU will provide additional resources and experience for the PHEM team to appropriately respond in the event of an unexpected medical emergency affecting staff and/or community members, as well as the means to train future staff.
This matter was reviewed by Principal Deputy City Attorney Richard F. Anthony on March 28, 2023, and by Budget Analysis Officer Greg Sorensen on April 3, 2023.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on April 18, 2023, to expedite the provision of MOU services.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Memorandum of Understanding between American Red Cross and the Health Department will permit Health Department staff the ability to be licensed and to deliver instruction in Red Cross training courses. Training will be provided on an as-needed basis and costs will vary based on the number of attendees and courses provided. Costs for Red Cross training range between $30.60 and $32.40 per course per attendee and are fully covered by existing Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Respond, Innovate, Sustain, and Equip (RISE) grant funds. There is no match or in-kind service mandate. There is sufficient appropriation in the Health Fund Group in the Health and Human Services Department. Should appropriation be insufficient, the Department will request authorization from the City Council for a future budget adjustment. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
KELLY COLOPY
DIRECTOR
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER