Title
a. Accept a $275,000 Grant Award from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), in partnership with the Center for Care Innovations (CCI) and Physicians for a Healthy California to support the County of Monterey in operationalizing better access to clinically appropriate COVID-19 therapeutics through improved testing, prescribing, and dispensing; and
b. Ratify the execution by the Director of Health of the COVID-19 Test to Treat Grant Agreement, on behalf of the County of Monterey for activities related to the Test to Treat grant, in the amount of $275,000 and effective October 26, 2022, to August 26, 2023.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Accept a $275,000 Grant Award from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), in partnership with the Center for Care Innovations (CCI) and Physicians for a Healthy California to support the County of Monterey in operationalizing better access to clinically appropriate COVID-19 therapeutics through improved testing, prescribing, and dispensing; and
b. Ratify the execution by the Director of Health of the COVID-19 Test to Treat Grant Agreement, on behalf of the County of Monterey for activities related to the Test to Treat grant, in the amount of $275,000 and effective October 26, 2022, to August 26, 2023.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Health Department Clinic Services Bureau (Health Department) operates ten community clinic sites designated as Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) which provide preventive, primary, and specialty medical care services.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and National Institutes for Health have indicated that rapidly connecting people who test positive for COVID-19 with available treatments is effective in decreasing morbidity and mortality from COVID-19. To be effective, these treatments must be initiated as soon as possible after diagnosis and within five to seven days of symptom onset. Therefore, expanding “test to treat” pathways is a priority in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On September 27, 2022, the Health Department’s Clinic Services Bureau notified the County Board of Supervisors of its intent to apply for the Test to Treat Equity Grant under California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) COVID-19 Therapeutics Equity Grant Program, in partnership with the Center for Care Innovations (CCI) and Physicians for a Healthy California. On October 21, 2022, the Health Department was notified of the award approval in the amount of $275,000. Due to the Grant Agreement requiring approval within three (3) days of notification, the Agreement was executed by the Director of Health.
Approval of the recommended action will allow Health Department’s Clinic Services Bureau to utilize the grant funding to continue to expand testing, screening, and treating patients for COVID-19.
This work supports the Monterey County Health Department 2018 - 2022 Strategic Plan initiative to 4. Engage MCHD workforce and improve operational functions to meet current and developing population health needs. It also supports one or more of the ten essential public health services, specifically: 7) Link people to needed personal health services and assure the provision of health care when otherwise unavailable.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The office of the County Counsel and the Auditor-Controller have reviewed and concur with the recommendation.
FINANCING:
The Test to Treat Equity Grant award of $275,000, will be disbursed in payments of 75% of the grant total upon the signed contract, 20% of the grant total upon Interim Report submission, and the final 5% of the grant total upon Final Report submission. While sufficient appropriations are available in FY 2022-23 Adopted Budget for Clinic Services Bureau, Health Department (4000-HEA007); the funds from this grant will help offset a portion of Clinic Services Bureau’s expenditures related to testing, screening, and treating patients with COVID-19.
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: Prisca Segovia, Management Analyst II, 755-4939
Approved by:
______________________________Date:_________
Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health, 755-4526
Attachments:
Board Report
Grant Agreement