Subject:
Title
Health Care for the Homeless Program bylaws amendment and Co-Applicant Board nominations.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of the Health Care for the Homeless (HCH) Co-Applicant Board bylaws amendment and Board nominees per the requirements for health center program grantees.
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:
The HCH Co-Applicant Board amended and approved the bylaws on May 2, 2017 to 1) change the name of the governing body from the Mobile Medical Unit Advisory Council to the Health Care for the Homeless Co-Applicant Board, 2) allow community organization board members to appoint an alternate member from their organization, and 3) change the grant fiscal year to align with the new dates set by Human Resources Services Administration (HRSA). Amendments to the bylaws must be approved by the Board of County Commissioners (Board).
The HCH Co-Applicant Board and the Board will use their best efforts to maintain the same ratio of consumer members, provider members and consumers-at-large as set out in Article V of the bylaws. The HCH Co-Applicant Board has solicited nominations from the community, current or former consumers of the Health Care for the Homeless Program, persons who are currently or formerly homeless, and other interested individuals who are committed and interested in the delivery of services of the Health Care for the Homeless Program.
The attached nominees presented for review and approval by the Board represent three (3) consumers, seven (7) community organizations, and seven (7) alternates from the community organizations. While a patient-majority is required for the co-applicant board, Pinellas County maintains a waiver of this requirement due to the difficulty in recruiting consumers from the homeless population to serve in this capacity. The staff and HCH Co-Applicant Board continue efforts to recruit consumers and have taken additional steps to ensure consumer input into the program’s services.
Background Information:
The HCH Co-Applicant Board serves as the patient/community-based governing board to set health center policy for the Healthcare for the Homeless Program on behalf of the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners. As a public center, the HCH Co-Applicant Board includes a representative majority of consumer/patient representatives, meets monthly, and fulfills all the required authorities of a governing board. The purpose of the co-applicant arrangement is for the co-applicant board to oversee the implementation of the Section 330 grant and the operation of the Health Care for the Homeless Program via the Mobile Medical Unit operated by Pinellas County Human Services in accordance with the terms of this agreement and the bylaws as adopted by the Board and HCH Co-Applicant Board.
In 2016, the Health Care for the Homeless Program served 2,306 homeless residents of Pinellas County with primary preventive care medical services, dental, mental health and substance abuse services, and more. Clients are seen at two HRSA approved delivery sites including the Mobile Medical Unit van that travels throughout the County, and at the Bayside Health Clinic.
The patient target goal for 2017 is 2,980 individuals.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no fiscal impact.
Staff Member Responsible:
Lourdes Benedict, Director
Partners:
Health Care for the Homeless Co-Applicant Board
Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County
Catholic Charities/Pinellas Hope
Operation PAR
City of St. Petersburg
Society of St. Vincent de Paul St. Petersburg
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Clearwater
Homeless Empowerment Program
Salvation Army ARC
Tarpon Springs Shepherd Center
Attachments:
HCH Co-Applicant Board Bylaws
HCH Co-Applicant Board Nominee Applications
HCH Co-Applicant Agreement
HCH Co-Applicant Roster