Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health or Assistant Director of Health to execute a Standard Agreement with Access Support Network to provide community-based HCV testing not to exceed the amount of $458,420 for the period retroactive from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2024; and
b. Authorize the Director of Health or the Assistant Director of Health to sign up to three (3) future amendments to this Agreement where the amendments do not significantly change the scope of work and do not cause an increase of more than ten percent (10%) ($45,842) of the original contract amount.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health or Assistant Director of Health to execute a Standard Agreement with Access Support Network to provide community-based HCV testing not to exceed the amount of $458,420 for the period retroactive from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2024; and
b. Authorize the Director of Health or the Assistant Director of Health to sign up to three (3) future amendments to this Agreement where the amendments do not significantly change the scope of work and do not cause an increase of more than ten percent (10%) ($45,842) of the original contract amount.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Monterey County Health Department has been awarded new funding from California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to implement public health activities related to monitoring, prevention, testing, and linkage to and retention in care activities for the most vulnerable and underserved individuals living with, or at high risk for, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection within Monterey County. Monterey County Health Department HCV surveillance data indicates that over the past five years, the rate of newly reported HCV infections among teens and young adults ages 15 to 29 years increased. HCV is transmitted through exposure to blood from an infected person, often via shared needles.
Monterey County Health Department is seeking approval to engage in an agreement with Access Support Network (ASN) to provide community-based HCV testing, linkage to care, and care coordination for vulnerable and underserved clients at high risk of HCV infection. ASN serves the San Luis Obispo County and Monterey County communities, assisting individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. ASN offers testing and prevention education opportunities for various groups throughout the community.
During 2021 the Health Department Public Health Bureau experienced significant staff changes and redirections while responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, a few agreements were delayed, including this agreement with ASN. The Health Department requests ratification of the executed Agreement to ensure the Health Department can implement public health activities for the most vulnerable and underserved individuals living with or at high risk for HCV.
This work supports the Monterey County Health Department 2018-2022 Strategic Plan Initiatives: 1. Empower the community to improve health; 2. Enhance public health and safety through prevention; and 3. Ensure access to culturally and linguistically appropriate, customer-friendly, quality health services. It also supports the following of the ten essential public health services, specifically: inform, educate, and empower people about health issues; link people to needed personal health services and assure the provision of health care when otherwise unavailable; and assure competent public and personal health care workforce.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of the County Counsel-Risk Management and Auditor-Controller have reviewed and approved as to legal form and fiscal provisions respectively.
FINANCING:
This Agreement for $458,420 is 100% funded through California Department of Public Health grant through HIV Care Program.
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: Shannon Castro, Management Analyst II, 755-4726
Approved by:
______________________________Date:____________
Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health, 755-4526
Attachment:
Agreement