Subject:
Title
Grant application to the National Health Care for the Homeless Council for the Community Vaccine Ambassador Program Year 2 continuation funding opportunity.
label
Recommended Action:
Approval by the Department Director of the grant application to National Health Care for the Homeless Council (NHCHC) for the Year 2 continuation of the Community Vaccine Ambassador Program (VAP) funding opportunity.
• The NHCHC Community Vaccine Ambassador Program 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, in conjunction with the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas, seeks to continue expanded 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.
• Pinellas County was awarded $137,000.00 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2021-2022 to conduct outreach and offer vaccinations to targeted populations within the community. As of November 2022, 1,009 individuals have been served by this program.
• The FY22-23 continuation application will seek up to $110,000.00 for a 7-month period from January 1, 2023 through July 31, 2023. Funding is provided to the NHCHC by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). No matching funds required.Body
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:
Pinellas County was awarded NHCHC grant funds for the Community Vaccine Ambassador Program in the amount of $137,000.00 in FY21-22 to conduct outreach and offer vaccinations to targeted populations within the community. As of November 2022, 1,009 individuals have been served by this program.
After a successful year of educating and vaccinating people experiencing homelessness, people with substance use disorders, and people engaging in sex work regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, NHCHC Vaccine Ambassador Program continuation funding is available for FY22-23. This work will continue with the utilization of Vaccine Ambassadors who are reaching out to the three populations, with expansion of inclusion of all adult immunizations, as applicable to your region and population.
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:
Human Services is seeking up to $110,000.00 from the National Health Care for the Homeless Council and CDC funding opportunity, for a 7-month period from January 1, 2023 through July 31, 2023. There are no match or cost-sharing requirements.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the Department Director to sign this grant application was delegated by the County Administrator per the memo dated March 28, 2016 titled “Delegation of Authority by the County Administrator and Improved Grant Procedures.”
Staff Member Responsible:
Karen Yatchum, Director, Human Services
Partner(s):
Florida Department of Health in Pinellas
Pinellas County Health Care for the Homeless Co-Applicant Board
Attachments:
NHCHC RFR Year 2 - Vaccine Ambassador Program
Pinellas VAP Year 1 Overview
Intent to Apply