Title
a. Receive a presentation on the California Alliance for Prevention Funding (CAPF) California Wellness Trust initiative by Tracey Rattray of the California Alliance for Prevention Funding; and
b. Adopt a resolution supporting the exploration of funding and policy measures, such as the establishment of a statewide California Wellness Trust, to implement and sustain population-based efforts to prevent chronic disease, injury, and premature death and to promote health equity in Monterey County and California.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive a presentation on the California Alliance for Prevention Funding (CAPF California Wellness Trust proposal and initiative by Tracey Rattray of the California Alliance for Prevention Funding; and
b. Adopt a resolution supporting the exploration of funding and policy measures, such as the establishment of a statewide California Wellness Trust, to implement and sustain population-based efforts to prevent chronic disease, injury, and premature death and to promote health equity in Monterey County and California.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Investing in healthier communities is the smartest way to fundamentally reshape the health of California. While good quality health care is essential for all Californians, investing in building healthier communities can prevent illness, injury and inequitable health conditions. The California Alliance for Prevention Funding (CAPF) is an initiative led by 20 statewide organizations in California that seek ongoing funding for upstream prevention across the state by creating a California Wellness Trust. A California Wellness Trust could keep people from needing care in the first place, make health care dollars go further, and improve lives. The environmental and social determinants of health that are important to Monterey County residents are the kind of issues that would qualify for funding from the Trust.
CAPF has concrete recommendations about how to build a Wellness Trust in California and is working with partners across the state to increase awareness around these recommendations. Monterey County Health Department was a co-sponsor of a regional convening in San Luis Obispo in February 2019 to increase awareness and gather input towards the concept of the Trust. Other co-sponsors included the County of San Luis Obispo Health Agency, Impact Monterey County, Lompoc Valley Community Healthcare Organization, Public Health Alliance of Southern California, Santa Barbara County Public Health Department & SLO Health Counts. The convening was attended by over 100 regional organization and agency leaders in health and human services, business, faith-based and community-based organizations.
Draft operational principles, potential revenue sources, and an allocation and governance structure have been developed to guide creation of a Wellness Trust that will provide sustained funding for potential proven and innovative strategies across the state. At this point, the funding mechanism has not been determined and could include an excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages or alcohol to create a sustainable funding flow. Other states in the U.S. have developed similar Trusts and have already seen improvements in health equity outcomes due to dedicated funding streams for prevention. This presentation will provide an overview of the California Wellness Trust proposal and efforts to develop local champions as well as options for Monterey County to consider in support of the proposal. As one of those options, staff are requesting the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution supporting the exploration of funding and policy changes to support population-based chronic disease prevention efforts such as the creation and funding of a statewide California Wellness Trust in order to implement and sustain population-based efforts to prevent chronic disease, injury, and premature death and to promote health equity in Monterey County and California.
This presentation and resolution are in support of Monterey County Health Department’s Strategic Goals: 1. Empower the community to improve health; 2. Enhance community health and safety through prevention; 3. Ensure access to culturally and linguistically appropriate, customer-friendly, quality health services; and 4. Engage MCHD workforce and improve operational functions to meet current and developing population health needs. It also supports three of the ten essential public health services, specifically: 3. Inform, educate, and empower people about health issues; 4. mobilize community partnerships and action to identify and solve health problems; and 5. Develop policies and plans that support individual and community efforts.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
No other county agencies are involved in this presentation.
FINANCING:
There are no costs associated with the acceptance of this report or receipt of the presentation or adoptions of the resolution.
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: Krista Hanni, Program Manager II, 4586
Dr. Edward Moreno, Health Officer, 4585
Approved by: Elsa M Jimenez, Director of Health, 4526
Attachments:
Resolution is on file with the Clerk of the Board
Presentation is on file with the Clerk of the Board