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Health and Human Services Agency, Public Health Division, (HHSA) recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Amendment 1 to Agreement 495-F1511 with the California Department of Public Health, for the development of a response to infectious diseases with a focus on the Ebola virus, extending the term to June 30, 2017 with no change to the maximum contractual obligation of $68,723;
2) Authorize the HHSA Director, or designee, to execute further documents relating to Agreement 15-10353, including future amendments which do not increase the maximum dollar amount or term of the Agreement, and contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management; and
3) Authorize the HHSA Director, or designee, to continue to administer said Agreement and execute any subsequent administrative documents relating to said Agreement, including required fiscal and programmatic reports.
FUNDING: Federal Funding managed by the California Department of Public Health.
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DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently extended the Public Health and Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) Ebola Supplemental Funds to June 30, 2017. As a result, the Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) is recommending the Board approve Amendment 1 to Agreement 15-10353, thereby extending the term of the Agreement through June 30, 2017 to allow ongoing Public Health Preparedness activities in support of developing a response to infectious diseases, particularly focused on the Ebola virus.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
This funding was new as of calendar year 2015 and the intent is to support the nation’s public health system to assure a local readiness and response capability to effectively respond to the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) if it occurs within the community. Funds were intended to accelerate state, local, territorial, and tribal public health planning to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from EVD within the 62 state, local, and territorial public health agencies currently funded by CDC’s PHEP cooperative agreement program. These PHEP supplemental funds are specifically intended to support the public health sector’s preparedness planning and response activities and to support public health’s ability to collaborate with other necessary response partners including, but not limited to, emergency medical services (EMS), emergency management, environmental health, waste management, and the healthcare system.
With the extension of the current Agreement, CDC also released guidelines for some of the PHEP Ebola funds to be transitioned to preparedness and response activities directed toward the Zika virus. It is anticipated that another amendment could be issued by CDPH to formally designate a portion of the funding to Ebola virus prevention activities and the other portion to use for Zika virus prevention activities.
ALTERNATIVES:
Disapproval of Amendment 1 to Agreement 15-10353 will result in the Agreement terminating on September 30, 2016, and the lack of funding that may be needed in the event of an Ebola or Zika virus incident in El Dorado County.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel and Risk Management.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County Cost associated with this Agenda item. Sufficient appropriations will be included in the Fiscal Year 2016-2017 Budget.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1. Clerk of the Board to obtain signature of the Chair on two (2) originals of Amendment 1 to Agreement 15-10353.
2. Clerk of the Board to provide two (2) certified Minute Orders.
3. Clerk of the Board to return all documents to HHSA Contracts Unit at 3057 Briw Road.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
Healthy Communities
CONTACT
Don Ashton, M.P.A., Director