Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute a non-standard Memorandum of Agreement with Southern Monterey County Memorial Hospital, doing business as Mee Memorial Healthcare System, to develop and maintain critical preparedness capabilities, such as communication systems, bed tracking, volunteer registration, and evacuation plans, effective April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2028 at no cost to the County of Monterey; and
b. Approve a non-standard Memorandum of Agreement as recommended by the Director of Health Services; and
c. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to sign up to three future amendments that do not significantly change the scope.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute a non-standard Memorandum of Agreement with Southern Monterey County Memorial Hospital, doing business as Mee Memorial Healthcare System, to develop and maintain critical preparedness capabilities, such as communication systems, bed tracking, volunteer registration, and evacuation plans, effective April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2028 at no cost to the County of Monterey; and
b. Approve a non-standard Memorandum of Agreement as recommended by the Director of Health Services; and
c. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to sign up to three future amendments that do not significantly change the scope.
SUMMARY DISCUSSION:
The County of Monterey Health Department’s Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) collaborates with the health care delivery system to meet community preparedness needs, provide equitable access to care, and save lives during disasters and emergencies. Health care entities normally operate independently of one another as they provide care to people in communities across the country; however, when disaster strikes, these entities must have strong plans and partnerships in place to overcome the challenges they face and help save lives. The County of Monterey HPP facilitates these partnerships via a healthcare coalition, countywide exercises and providing necessary equipment to facilities to ensure preparedness and surge capacity in the event of a catastrophic emergency occurring in Monterey County. This MOU outlines roles and responsibilities of Mee Memorial Healthcare System and the County of Monterey HPP as related to California Department of Public Health HPP grant-funded activities including purchase, inventory, and maintenance of equipment; participation in collaborative meetings, drills, and exercises; and training.
This work supports the County of Monterey Health Department 2025-2028 Strategic Plan Goals:
1. Build community power and partners’ capacity to increase equity and improve health; and 2. Provide exceptional person-centered care through accessible, community-focused health services. It also supports four of the ten essential public health services, specifically: 1. Assess and monitor population health status, factors that influence health, and community needs and assets; 2. Investigate, diagnose, and address health problems and hazards affecting the population; 4. Strengthen, support, and mobilize communities and partnerships to improve health; and 9. Improve and innovate public health functions through ongoing evaluation, research, and continuous quality improvement.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Offices of County Counsel and Auditors-Controller have reviewed and approved this Agreement as to legal form and fiscal provisions, respectively.
FINANCING:
There is no exchange of funds between parties associated with the Agreement or any cost to the County. There is no impact to the General Fund from approval of this action.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
☐ Economic Development:
• Through collaboration, strengthen economic development to ensure a diversified and healthy economy.
☐ Administration:
• Promote an organization that practices efficient and effective resource management and is recognized for responsiveness, strong customer orientation, accountability and transparency.
☒ Health & Human Services:
• Improve health and quality of life through County supported policies, programs, and services; promoting access to equitable opportunities for healthy choices and healthy environments in collaboration with communities.
☐ Infrastructure:
• Plan and develop a sustainable, physical infrastructure that improves the quality of life for County residents and supports economic development results.
☐ Public Safety:
• Create a safe environment for people to achieve their potential, leading businesses and communities to thrive and grow by reducing violent crimes as well as crimes in general.
Prepared by: Patricia Velarde, Management Analyst II, 796-1377
Approved by: Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health Services, 755-4526
Attachments:
Board Report
Memorandum of Agreement