Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health or Assistant Director of Health to execute a three-year Facility Use Agreement for the term October 24, 2017 to October 23, 2020 with California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. (“CRLA”) to use clinic space on County-leased premises located in Seaside, Marina and Salinas, California to provide on-site legal services to County patients at no cost; and
b. Approve and 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.
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 three-year Facility Use Agreement for the term October 24, 2017 to October 23, 2020 with California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. (“CRLA”) to use clinic space on County-leased premises located in Seaside, Marina and Salinas, California to provide on-site legal services to County patients at no cost; and
b. Approve and 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.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Health Department Clinic Services Bureau (Clinic Services) operates nine community clinic sites designated as Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alikes (FQHC-LA). Under the direction of the County and governance of the Community Health Center Board, the clinics provide preventative, primary, and specialty medical care services.
As health care systems continue to shift toward becoming comprehensive medical homes for patients, health care providers, such as clinics, are incorporating legal services on-site at no charge to patients. CRLA is a non-profit legal service program created to help low-income individuals and communities throughout California. CRLA will provide on-site legal services to County patients at no cost, to address social determinants of health related to workplace safety, environmental health, and housing issues, and referrals to other legal services organizations for immigration, criminal, and other legal needs. The County of Monterey has suitable clinic space and equipment to support these services and is willing to allow CRLA to utilize such facilities for the benefit of the patient population. Prior to receiving legal services, clients must sign Exhibit A, Client Disclosure Notice, acknowledging that any and all advice or assistance received is from CRLA and not the County of Monterey.
Approval of the recommended action will allow CRLA to begin offering no cost legal services directly to our patient population in locations that are familiar and accessible to them.
This work supports the Monterey County Health Department 2011 - 2015 Strategic Plan initiative: 1) Empower the community to improve health through programs, policies and activities. It also supports one or more of the ten essential public health services, specifically: 3) Inform, educate and empower people about health issues, and 4) Mobilize community partnerships and action to identify and solve health problems.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel, Risk and the Auditor-Controller have reviewed and approved the Agreement
FINANCING:
There are no fiscal provisions included as part of 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: Sheena Morales, Management Analyst III, x1393
Approved by: Elsa M. Jimenez, Director of Health, x4526
Attachments:
Agreement is on file with the Clerk of the Board