DEPARTMENT: Health
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Dr. Vincent Nathan
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Ratifying submission of a grant application to the Texas Department of State Health Services and authorizing acceptance of funds for Infectious Disease Preparedness.
SUMMARY:
This Ordinance authorizes the ratification of the submission of a grant application to the Texas Department of State Health Services and the acceptance of funds upon award for an amount not to exceed $124,625.00 for infectious disease preparedness and response for a period beginning September 1, 2015 through August 31, 2017.
In addition, this Ordinance authorizes the Director of Metro Health to initiate, negotiate and execute any and all necessary documents and grant contracts to effectuate the acceptance of funds for the above referenced grant, and to execute contract amendments pertaining to this grant in the following circumstances a) carry-over funds, when ascertained and approved by the funding agency through a revised notice of award; b) line item budget revisions authorized by the funding agency; c) modifications to the performance measures authorized by the funding agency and listed in the contract so long as the terms of the amendment stay within the general parameters of the intent of the grant; d) no cost extensions; e) amendments which will provide supplemental grant funds to the grant by the funding agency in an amount up to 20% of the total amount initially awarded to the grant; and f) changes in state regulations mandated by the funding agency.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
In October 2014, Governor Perry appointed a 17 member taskforce to research and develop recommendations for the Governor’s office on how the State could better handle public health threats such as the Ebola outbreak and other infectious diseases. One key recommendation referenced in their final report is the need to improve the State’s epidemiological capacity for monitoring and tracing individuals exposed, suspected or confirmed with an infectious disease. This issue was also discussed significantly during the 84th Legislative Session during which funding was allocated to make certain improvements.
On June 9, 2015, Metro Health was notified by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) of an opportunity for local health departments to apply for funding to hire an additional Epidemiologist that would primarily be dedicated to infectious disease preparedness and outbreak response activities. Qualifications of the individual selected would include a background in epidemiology and public health infection surveillance.
Cities will be awarded based on a demonstrated need within the following criteria:
• Number of travelers monitored from Ebola countries of concern;
• Burden of infectious disease within the jurisdiction; and
• Current epidemiological capacity
Funding received will be up to $124,625.00 over the two year period.
ISSUE:
Metro Health is requesting authorization for the ratification of the submission of a grant application to the Texas Department of State Health Services and acceptance of funds upon award for infectious disease preparedness and response. Due to the short turnaround time between the announcement of the grant (June 9th) and the submission due date (June 23rd), coupled with the City Council break in July, staff was unable to bring this item forward for approval prior to submission.
If successfully awarded, this funding would enable Metro Health to hire one additional Epidemiologist that would primarily be dedicated to infectious disease preparedness and outbreak response activities.
ALTERNATIVES:
If this Ordinance is not authorized, Metro Health will be unable to hire much needed personnel that can provide additional epidemiological capacity for monitoring and tracking individuals exposed to, or suspected or confirmed with an infectious disease within Bexar County. The department would need to identify other funding sources to hire the required personnel.
FISCAL IMPACT:
If awarded, Metro Health will receive up to $124,625.00 from DSHS for a period beginning September 1, 2015 through August 31, 2017 to retain an Epidemiologist. There will be no impact to the City’s General Fund budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the Ordinance authorizing ratification of the submission of a grant application to the Texas Department of State Health Services and the acceptance of funds upon award for infectious disease preparedness and response for a period beginning September 1, 2015 through August 31st, 2017.