Subject:
Title
Grant award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources Services Administration for the Health Care for the Homeless program.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of the Notice of Award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for continued funding of the Health Care for the Homeless (HCH) program.
It is also recommended that the County Administrator be given delegated authority for adjustments and supplemental awards given by HRSA for this program during the period of March 1, 2020 through February 28, 2021.
• Grant award from HRSA provides continued support for the Pinellas HCH program for the second year of a three-year project period from March 1, 2019 through February 28, 2022.
• Funding in the amount of $1,527,190.00 is for the second budget year starting March 1, 2020 through February 28, 2021.
• The County anticipates applying non-federal funds to the program totaling approximately $2,771,270.00.
• In 2019, the program provided health care services through the Mobile Medical Unit and the Bayside Clinic for 2,951 homeless clients. Examples of services include primary care, mental health and substance abuse treatment, dental services, prescription maintenance, and specialty care services.
Body
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 relationship and public outreach
5.2 Be responsible stewards of the public’s resources
Summary:
This non-competing continuation application for federal funding supports the County’s Health Care for the Homeless program for the second year of a three-year project period that started March 1, 2019 through February 28, 2022. Funding in the amount of $1,527,190.00 is for the second budget year starting March 1, 2020 through February 28, 2021.
The purpose of this grant 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 2019, the program provided basic health care services on the Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) and at Bayside Health Clinic to 2,951 homeless patients. A majority (97%) of these clients have an income at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
The HCH Co-Applicant Governing Board will accept the grant award on February 11, 2020.
Background Information:
A Budget Period Progress Report is a non-competing continuation application for federal financial assistance to continue support of comprehensive primary health care services in a service area currently served by a health center program grantee. Each year, federal funding has increased as follows: $1,371,615 in FY2017; $1,414,215 in FY2018; 1,456,815 in FY2019, and $1,527,190 in FY2020. The increases are attributed to additional multi-year supplemental funding opportunities applied for and awarded including Substance Abuse Service Expansion (MAT), Access to Increases in Mental Health (AIMS) and Substance Use Disorders and Mental Health (SUD-MH).
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 April 2016, the County began offering additional medical services at the new Bayside Health Clinic located adjacent to the Safe Harbor homeless shelter.
In 2019, the County served 2,951 unduplicated homeless patients through the MMU and Bayside Health Clinic. This award will allow the County to continue providing primary medical care and prevention services to homeless residents. The funding will support clinical services for 2,979 unduplicated patients by December 31, 2020.
Fiscal Impact:
This total grant award is $1,527,190.00 in federal funds. While no cash match is required, the County anticipates applying non-federal funds to the program totaling approximately $2,771,270.00. This grant is included in the FY20 Adopted Budget.
Staff Member Responsible:
Daisy Rodriguez, Director, Human Services
Partners:
Health Care for the Homeless Co-Applicant Board
Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County
Operation PAR
Directions for Living
Homeless Leadership Board
Attachments:
Notice of Award H80CS00024-19-00
Budget Period Progress Report