Subject:
Title
Notice of Grant Award for the Health Care for the Homeless Program to the Access Increases in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (AIMS) grant.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Acceptance of the Notice of Grant Award by the County Administrator of the Access Increases in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (AIMS) grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration.
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 relationships and public outreach
5.2 Be responsible stewards of the public’s resources
Summary:
This 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 award will provide $83,336.00 (inclusive of a $10,200.00 increase above our original request of $73,136.00) in ongoing funding 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 $75,444.00 (inclusive of $15,500.00 increase above our request of $59,944.00), 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 County Administrator approved the application on August 15, 2017.
The Board of County Commissioners (Board) accepted the year three 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 award totals $158,780.00. Of the total award amount, $83,336.00 will be ongoing funding included in future funding allocations and $75,444.00 will be a one-time supplement for use by February 28, 2019. There is no match required. This is not included in the Fiscal Year 2018 Tentative Budget.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to accept this grant award is granted under (Code Section 2-62 (a)(1).
Staff Member Responsible:
Lourdes Benedict, Director, Human Services
Partners:
Health Care for the Homeless Co-Applicant Board
Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County
Operation PAR
Attachments:
Notice of Award H80CS00024-06
Final Submitted Application