Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to sign a standard Agreement between the County of Monterey and Access Support for the provision of syringe exchange services, effective upon execution through June 30, 2029 at no cost to the County.
b. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to sign up to three future amendments that do not significantly change the scope of services.
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 sign a standard Agreement between the County of Monterey and Access Support for the provision of syringe exchange services, effective upon execution through June 30, 2029 at no cost to the County.
b. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to sign up to three future amendments that do not significantly change the scope of services.
SUMMARY DISCUSSION:
The County of Monterey Health Department’s Public Health Bureau seeks approval to enter into an Agreement with Access Support Network (ASN) to continue syringe exchange and other harm reduction services in Monterey County under Health and Safety Code section 121349. Reused needles and syringes contribute to the spread of HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C in communities where injection drug use is prevalent. ASN has been providing HIV- and HCV-related services in Monterey County since July 1, 2015, funded through private sources, direct California Department of Public Health (CDPH) grants, and CDPH grants administered by the Public Health Bureau. ASN began providing syringe exchange services in Monterey County under the oversight of the Public Health Bureau in January 2017. ASN and the Health Department strive to improve the quality of life and independence of the injection drug use (IDU) community through harm reduction services including syringe exchange. ASN’s syringe exchange program has grown from 217 clients in 2017 to 1,678 clients in 2023. Services provided include syringe exchange, naloxone training and distribution, medication assisted therapy (MAT), and HIV and hepatitis C virus testing and counseling services, as well as referrals to substance abuse treatment centers, mental health services, primary care services, housing services, and food assistance programs.
This work supports the County of Monterey Health Department’s 2018-2024 Strategic Plan Goals: 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 three of the Ten Essential Public Health Services, specifically: 3. Communicate effectively to inform and educate people about health, factors that influence it, and how to improve it; 4. Strengthen, support, and mobilize communities and partnership to improve health; and 7. Assure an effective system that enables equitable access to the individual services and care needed to be healthy.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of the County Counsel has agreed as to form. Auditor-Controller reviewed as to fiscal provisions. Risk Manager has approved as to risk provisions.
FINANCING:
There are no costs to the County 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: Veronica Salinas, Management Analyst II, 755-4630
Approved by:
______________________________Date: _______________
Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health Services, 755-4526
Attachments:
Board Report
Agreement
Exhibit A