Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute a non-standard Agreement with Western Governors University to provide field education and service learning involving the completion of an internship effective upon execution to March 2, 2028, with no exchange of funds; and
b. Approve a non-standard 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 where the amendments do not significantly change the scope of work and with no exchange of funds.
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 Agreement with Western Governors University to provide field education and service learning involving the completion of an internship effective upon execution to March 2, 2028, with no exchange of funds; and
b. Approve a non-standard 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 where the amendments do not significantly change the scope of work and with no exchange of funds.
SUMMARY DISCUSSION:
Western Governors University (WGU) is a nonprofit, online university. WGU offers a variety of degree and certificate programs including bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing and health Information Administration. Local high cost of living and opportunities for larger salaries in the Bay Area make recruiting and retaining local qualified nursing staff challenging. Offering student internships is one strategy to engage area students and build interest in public health careers.
Western Governors University will place students with the Health Department’s Public Heath Bureau for professional learning experiences. As host agency, Health Department staff will provide robust public health nursing training including field nursing opportunities and professional mentorship. Offered internships are unpaid. The length of the internship and curriculum depend on the requirements of each degree program and are tailored to the students’ needs.
This work supports the County of Monterey Health Department 2018-2024 Strategic Plan goals: 1. Empower the community to improve health, and 4. Engage Health Department workforce and improve operational functions to meet current and developing population health needs. It also supports two of the ten essential public health services, specifically: 4. Strengthen, support, and mobilize communities and partnerships to improve health, and 8. Build and support a diverse and skilled public health workforce.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of the County Counsel has reviewed and approved this Agreement as to legal form. Auditor-Controller has reviewed and approved this Agreement as to fiscal provisions.
FINANCING:
There is no exchange of funds between parties associated with this Agreement.
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:
______________________________Date: _______________
Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health Services, 755-4526
Attachments:
Board Report
Agreement