Subject:
Title
Notice of Grant Award from the National Health Care for the Homeless Council Competitive Subaward for the Community Vaccine Ambassador Project.
label
Recommended Action:
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the grant award for the National Health Care for the Homeless Council (NHCHC) competitive subaward for the 2021 Community Vaccine Ambassador Project.
• The NHCHC Community Vaccine Ambassador Project provides funding to health centers to employ enabling services workforce (Community Health Workers, Outreach Staff, Enrollment and Eligibility Workers, etc.) to increase the number of individuals in three specific populations receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. These populations are individuals experiencing homelessness (PEH), individuals with substance use disorders (PWSUD), and individuals engaged in sex work (PESW).
• Human Services will partner with the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas to expand outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness and individuals with substance use disorders to increase education on the Covid-19 vaccine and have staff available to administer the vaccines when individuals are ready.
• The one-time grant award is $137,000.00 for a 9-month period of performance from November 1, 2021 through July 31, 2022. No matching funds required.
Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.1 Provide planning, coordination, prevention, and protective services to ensure a safe and secure community.
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
Summary:
The NHCHC’s goal is to increase COVID-19 vaccinations among three specific marginalized populations that include people experiencing homelessness, people with substance use disorders, and/or people who engage in sex work. The program aims to improve COVID-19 immunizations by implementing vaccine ambassadors (community health workers, peer navigators) to reach marginalized populations that are at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. This will be measured by the number of vaccine ambassadors, number of individuals engaged, and the number of individuals vaccinated. Strategies include participating in trainings, learning community, shared electronic care plan, communication strategies, and person-centered care to assess systemic barriers to COVID-19 vaccine and build vaccine confidence.
The HCH Co-Applicant Governing Board will accept the grant award on December 14, 2021
Background/Explanation:
PEH are at increased risk for COVID-19 infection during the pandemic because of congregate living and PWSUD may have increased risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19. There is inherent overlap in these populations since many PWSUD are also experiencing homelessness, as well as overlap with other stigmatized populations such as PESW who face unique risks for SARS-CoV-2 exposure. COVID-19 vaccination for these populations is important; however, these populations experience barriers to accessing healthcare and might have low levels of trust in the medical system due to previous experiences of trauma or stigma. To address these concerns, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using trusted communicators, such as Vaccine Ambassadors, who can provide vaccination education and information to these populations. Vaccine Ambassadors include outreach workers, peer navigators, and people with lived experience of homelessness or substance use.
Fiscal Impact:
The FY21 Community Vaccine Ambassador Project awarded Pinellas County $137,000.00 in federal funding from Center for Disease Control through the National Health Care for the Homeless Council for the period of November 1, 2021 through July 31, 2022. There are no match or cost-sharing requirements. Appropriation to support related grant activities is not consistent with the development of the FY22 Adopted Budget. A budget amendment will be brought forward separately if needed.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this Notice of Award is granted under Code Section 2-62 (a)(1).
Staff Member Responsible:
Karen Yatchum, Director, Human Services
Partner(s):
Florida Department of Health in Pinellas
Operation PAR
Pinellas County Health Care for the Homeless Co-Applicant Board
Attachments:
Grants Management Form
Project Scope of Work
Final Approved Budget Narrative
NHCHC Subaward Approval Email
Subcontract Agreement