Subject:
Title
Notice of a grant award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources Services Administration, COVID-19 American Rescue Plan Funding for the Health Care for the Homeless program.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of the notice of a grant award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for COVID-19 American Rescue Plan Act funding for the Health Care for the Homeless program.
• Grant award from HRSA provides one-time funding to support preparation, detection, and response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Funding in the amount of $1,567,250.00 is for a two-year period of performance starting April 1, 2021 through March 31, 2023.
• The County is working with the Florida Department of Health and Health Care for the Homeless Co-Applicant Board to determine the best use of funds to prepare for and respond to the coronavirus disease amongst the homeless population in Pinellas County. The team is reviewing proposed ideas including Bayside Clinic space usage and Street Medicine.
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 notice of award provides one-time funding for a 2-year period of performance to health centers funded under the Health Center Program to: (1) Plan, prepare for, promote, distribute, administer, and track COVID-19 vaccines, and carry out other vaccine-related activities; (2) Detect, diagnose, trace, and monitor COVID-19 infections and related activities necessary to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, including
activities related to, and equipment or supplies purchased for, testing, contact tracing, surveillance, mitigation, and treatment of COVID-19; (3) Purchase equipment and supplies to conduct mobile testing or vaccinations for COVID-19, purchase and maintain mobile vehicles and equipment to conduct such testing or vaccinations, and hire and train laboratory personnel and other staff to conduct such mobile testing or
vaccinations, particularly in medically underserved areas; (4) Establish, expand, and sustain the health care workforce to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19, and to carry out other health work force-related activities; (5) Modify, enhance, and expand health care services and infrastructure; and (6) Conduct community outreach and education activities related to COVID-19.
The HCH Co-Applicant Governing Board will accept the grant award on April 13, 2021.
Background Information:
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 2020, the County served 1,903 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.
Fiscal Impact:
Total grant award is $1,567,250.00 in federal funds; no match is required. This award was not anticipated during the development of the FY21 Adopted Budget. Appropriation to support related grant activities is consistent with the development of the FY22 Proposed budget.
Staff Member Responsible:
Karen Yatchum, Director, Human Services
Partners:
Health Care for the Homeless Co-Applicant Board
Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County
Attachments:
Notice of Award H8FCS41623-01-00