Title
a. Ratify the execution by the Director of Health of the non-standard Agreement between the County of Monterey and Heluna Health to provide Public Health Microbiologist (PHM) training and to participate in the California Department of Public Health's (CDPH's) Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) for statewide emergency/surge laboratory testing, with a retroactive start date of July 1, 2021 through December 15, 2022, for a total agreement amount of $160,000; and
b. Approve nonstandard risk provisions in Agreement as recommended by the Director of Health.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Ratify the execution by the Director of Health of the non-standard Agreement between the County of Monterey and Heluna Health to provide Public Health Microbiologist (PHM) training and to participate in the California Department of Public Health's (CDPH's) Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) for statewide emergency/surge laboratory testing, with a retroactive start date of July 1, 2021 through December 15, 2022, for a total agreement amount of $160,000; and
b. Approve nonstandard risk provisions in Agreement as recommended by the Director of Health.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Health Department's Public Health Laboratory (PHL) is responsible for providing testing services to identify microorganisms that cause disease including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. The PHL is a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Laboratory Response Network (LRN) partner as well as a California SARS-CoV-2 Whole Genome Sequencing Initiative (COVIDNet) participant. The PHL provides polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing with associated whole genome sequencing for communicable disease surveillance purposes, surge events and other public health emergencies.
The Health Department's PHL received a grant from CDPH which is administered by Heluna Health to address the shortage of trained public health microbiologists and to support regional access to quality public health laboratory services. The grant provides funding to: (1) train and prepare two laboratory assistants for the state certification exam for Public Health Microbiologist licensure, and (2) participate in Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) activities coordinated by CDPH for statewide COVID-19 emergency testing.
The Health Department staff have been working with Heluna for several months to finalize the Agreement. The Director of Health and County Counsel signed this agreement in May 2022, and the Helena representative signed on June 6, 2022. At that time, the Department was informed that the agreement would need board approval. The Department then proceeded to prepare board documents. However, Department staff have needed to prioritize other COVID-19 pandemic response documents and agreements, thus increasing the time required to bring this agreement to the Board. Accordingly, the agreement is presented to the Board for ratification.
This work supports the Monterey County Health Department 2018-2022 Strategic Plan Goals: 2. Enhance public health and safety through prevention; 3. Ensure access to culturally and linguistically appropriate, customer-friendly, quality health services; and 4. Engage MCHD workforce and improve operational functions to meet current and developing population health needs. It also supports three 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; 8. Build and support a diverse and skilled public health workforce.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of the County Counsel approves this agreement as to legal form. Auditor-Controller has reviewed and approved this Agreement as to fiscal provisions.
FINANCING:
This is a revenue agreement. It is estimated that approximately $60,000 will be earned, and accrued, during Fiscal Year (FY) 2021-22, and revenue and appropriations for the remaining
$100,000 are included in the Public Health Bureau's FY 2022-23 Adopted Budget (001-4000- 8124-HEA003).
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: Donna Ferguson, Director of Public Health Laboratory, 755-4636
Approved by:
______________________________Date:______________
Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health, 755-4526
Attachment:
Agreement