Subject:
Title
Grant award from the U.S. Department of Justice for the 2021 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Competitive Grant on behalf of the Medical Examiner.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval by the County Administrator of the grant award with the U.S. Department of Justice for the New 2021 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Competitive Grant (Coverdell Grant).
• The Coverdell Grant Program funds projects to help improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science and medical examiner services.
• The Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory will use funding to purchase a liquid chromatograph with tandem mass spectrometer (LC/MS/MS).
• Funding in the amount of $250,000.00 per 24-month grant period will be provided by the Coverdell Competitive Grant. No match is required.
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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:
Between 2019 and 2020 there was an approximately 35% increase in accidental overdose deaths in the district (Pinellas and Pasco Counties) and a 57% increase in accidental drug deaths that included fentanyl or fentanyl derivatives in the cause of death. Eighty-five percent of those deaths were poly-drug deaths that also included other drugs including various opiates/opioids, methamphetamine, cathinones, cocaine, and various other illicit and prescription drugs.
The Pinellas County Forensic Lab will utilize grant funds from the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Program FY 2021 to improve the efficiency and capabilities of the toxicology by adding instrumentation to increase capacity and relieve bottlenecks in the confirmation and quantitation of drugs in toxicological specimens submitted in death, DUI and sexual assault investigations.
Background/Explanation:
The Coverdell Grant Program awards grants to States and units of local government to carry out all or a substantial part of a program intended to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science or medical examiner/coroner services in the state, including those services provided by laboratories operated by the state and those operated by units of local government within the state.
Fiscal Impact:
Funding of $250,000.00 for 24 months will be provided by the Coverdell Grant. No match is required. Appropriation to support the related grant activities is not consistent with the development of the FY22 Adopted budget. A resolution to the FY22 Budget will be proposed at a future Board of County Commissioners meeting.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to approve this grant award is granted under Code Section 2-62 (a)(1).
Staff Member Responsible:
Karen Yatchum, Director, Human Services
Partners:
Medical Examiner
Department of Justice
Attachments:
Notice of Award
Grant Application
Grant Management Form