Title
a. Authorize Access Support Network (ASN) under California Health & Safety Code Section 121349.1 to operate under the Public Health Bureau’s oversight and pursuant to all applicable local, state, and federal laws, a Syringe Exchange Program (SEP) within Monterey County; and
b. Approve and authorize the Contracts/Purchasing Officer or Contracts/Purchasing Supervisor to sign an Agreement with Access Support Network (ASN) for the Syringe Exchange Program (SEP) services to clients who are eighteen (18) years or older, for the period retroactive from July1, 2018 to June 30, 2021.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Authorize Access Support Network (ASN) under California Health & Safety Code Section 121349.1 to operate under the Public Health Bureau’s oversight and pursuant to all applicable local, state, and federal laws, a Syringe Exchange Program (SEP) within Monterey County; and
b .Approve and authorize the Contracts/Purchasing Officer or Contracts/Purchasing Supervisor to sign an Agreement with Access Support Network (ASN) for the Syringe Exchange Program (SEP) services to clients who are eighteen (18) years or older, for the period retroactive from July1, 2018 to June 30, 2021.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Access Support Network (ASN) has been providing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (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 Health Department). ASN began providing syringe exchange services in Monterey County, authorized by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors and under the oversight of the Public Health Bureau, in January 2017. ASN and the Monterey County 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. Between January 2017 and March 2018, ASN enrolled nearly 250 participates in the syringe exchange program and exchanged 67,850 syringes. 66 clients received naloxone kits and training to prevent overdose. ASN provided over 100 referrals to substance abuse treatment centers, mental health services, primary care services, housing services, and food assistance programs.
ASN’s syringe exchange services are funded through non-monetary resources received from the California Department of Public Health (syringes, sterile water, alcohol wipes, etc.) and through private donations to ASN. The start date of the Agreement is retroactive to July 1, 2018 to ensure that this vital service continues to the ASN clients.
This work supports the MCHD 2018-2022 Strategic Plan Objectives: 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. Additionally, this work supports three of the 10 Essential Public Health Services: 3. Inform, educate and empower people about health issues; 4. Mobilize community partnerships and action to identify and solve health problems; and 7. Link people to needed personal health services and assure the provision of health care when otherwise unavailable.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel-Risk Management, and the Auditor-Controller have reviewed and approved this Agreement as to legal form, liability and fiscal provisions respectively.
FINANCING:
This Agreement is financed by vendor ASN’s own funding sources. There are no costs to the County for this action.
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: Patricia McFadden, 4726
Approved by: Elsa Jimenez, Director of Health, 4526
Attachment:
Agreement is on file with the Clerk of the Board