Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health or the Assistant Director of Health to sign a Standard Agreement with United Way of Monterey County in the amount of $621,714 and for the period from December 1, 2020 through December 30, 2020 to provide a one-time cash stipend of $1,000 to individuals with a positive COVID-19 test; and
b. Approve the Director of Health or the Assistant Director of Health to approve up to three (3) future Amendments that do not exceed ten percent (10%) of total agreement amount and do not significantly alter the scope of services.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health or the Assistant Director of Health to sign a Standard Agreement with United Way of Monterey County in the amount of $621,714 and for the period from December 1, 2020 through December 30, 2020 to provide a one-time cash stipend of $1,000 to individuals with a positive COVID-19 test; and
b. Approve the Director of Health or the Assistant Director of Health to approve up to three (3) future Amendments that do not exceed ten percent (10%) of total agreement amount and do not significantly alter the scope of services.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
On August 18, 2020, the Monterey County Board of Supervisors approved the County’s CARES Spending Plan. In that plan, the Health Department requested funds to expand the Great Plates Program to individuals in our County needing to self-isolate. After further review, it was determined the County could better support these individuals by providing a cash stipend to encourage individuals to stay home and self-isolate as many of our residents are not eligible for income replacement benefits if they were to become sick. On October 6, 2020, the Board of Supervisors received an update on CARES spending which showed an increase to the Health Department’s spending plan of $1.9 million and a corresponding reduction in the Department of Social Services’ spending plan.
Therefore, the Monterey County Health Department is seeking approval to implement a Stipend Pilot (Pilot) for individuals with COVID-19. The pilot will be implemented from December 1, 2020 through December 30, 2020, and will provide a one-time $1,000 cash card stipend to adult residents (18 years of age and older) with a COVID-19 positive test result who are not eligible for income replacement, to encourage them to self-isolate for the 10-day self-isolation period or as directed by their medical/health provider. This pilot will help address a significant challenge many of our residents face when they become COVID-19 positive and are not eligible for replacement income. Keeping individuals with COVID-19 at home safely isolating will help reduce transmission of COVID-19 in our County.
In an effort to positively impact the County’s case rate, positivity rate, and equity metric, the priority will be to serve individuals in census tracts of the lowest quartile of the Healthy Places Index, areas with higher COVID-19 positivity rates than the countywide average. These areas include our south county cities, several unincorporated areas, and pockets of Seaside and Marina. As currently designed, the County will partner with the United Way of Monterey County and community health centers located in areas of interest Designated staff (Pilot Coordinators) at these locations, will submit a referral to United Way Monterey County on behalf of individuals who test positive for COVID-19.
This work supports the Monterey County Health Department 2018-2022 strategic plan initiatives: 1. Empower the community to improve health through programs, policies, and activities; and 2. Enhance community health and safety by emphasizing prevention. It also supports one of the ten essential public health services, specifically: 9. Evaluate effectiveness, accessibility, and quality of personal and population-based health services.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel and the Auditor-Controller have reviewed and approved as to form and fiscal provisions respectively.
FINANCING:
This contract is funded by CARES grant allocations previously approved by the Board of Supervisors for management of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are sufficient appropriations included in the Health Department’s (001-4000-8124-HEA003) Adopted Budget for Fiscal Year 2020-21 for 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 and Approved by:
______________________Date:_________
Elsa Jimenez, Director of Health, 755-4526
Attachment:
Agreement is on file with the Clerk of the Board