Subject:
Title
Grant Application for the Health Care for the Homeless Program to Access Increases in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval by the Department Director of the grant application to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for $150,000.00 to increase access to mental health and substance abuse services, health information technology and training.
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Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.2 Be a facilitator, convener and purchaser of services for those in need
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach
5.2 Be responsible stewards of the public’s resources
Summary:
This supplemental funding opportunity will increase access to mental health, and substance abuse services focusing on the treatment, prevention, and/or awareness of opioid abuse for homeless individuals in Pinellas County.
This new supplemental funding opportunity will provide $75,000.00 in ongoing supplements to support the expansion of mental health and substance abuse services focusing on the treatment, prevention, and/or awareness of opioid abuse by hiring one additional mental health/substance abuse FTE as required by the grant. An additional $75,000.00, a one-time funding supplement, will be used to enhance the health center’s health information technology and training investments focusing on the integration of mental health and substance abuse services into primary care.
The Health Care for the Homeless Co-Applicant Board reviewed and approved the grant application on July 11, 2017.
The Board of County Commissioners (Board) accepted the three-year award at its March 29, 2016 regular meeting.
Background/Explanation:
In 2016, HRSA awarded Pinellas County a three-year federal grant to continue support of comprehensive primary health care services to homeless individuals in Pinellas County. The purpose of health center program is to improve the health of the Nation’s underserved communities and vulnerable populations by assuring continued access to comprehensive, culturally competent, quality primary health care services.
In 2016, the program provided basic health care services on the Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) and at Bayside Health Clinic to 2,306 homeless patients whose income was 100% below the Federal Poverty Level.
Since 1988, medical and dental care referrals have been provided to the homeless population in the County via the MMU. Primary health care is provided at no charge to homeless patients with incomes at or below 100% of the FPL. The MMU visits shelters, soup kitchens, drop-in centers and other locations where the homeless congregate. In late 2014, the County began offering additional medical services in the Safe Harbor homeless shelter with federal expanded services funding awarded. In the spring of 2016, those services moved into the new Bayside Health Clinic located adjacent to the shelter.
Fiscal Impact:
The grant application totals $150,000.00. There is no match required.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the Department Director to sign this grant application is granted according to a memorandum dated 03/28/2016 titled “Delegation of Authority from the County Administrator and Improved Grant Procedures.”
Staff Member Responsible:
Lourdes Benedict
Director
Partners:
Health Care for the Homeless Co-Applicant Board
Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County
Attachments:
Intent to Apply Approval
Project Abstract
Grant Application