DEPARTMENT: Health
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Colleen M. Bridger MPH, PhD
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Authorizing the submission of an application and acceptance of funds to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes the submission of an application to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Culture of Health Prize and the acceptance of funds in an amount up to $25,000.
The above referenced application includes an essay and a description of four community accomplishments that demonstrate the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District’s commitment to enable the community the opportunity to live well. The accomplishments include: Promote children’s ability to learn and thrive; Increase green spaces, trees and physical activity; Help mentally ill people in crisis; and Unite against homelessness. For this application, no budget or performance measures are required.
Furthermore, this ordinance authorizes the Director of the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District to initiate, negotiate, and execute any and all necessary documents and a grant contract to effectuate the acceptance of the referenced grant, and to execute contract amendments pertaining to this contract, to include 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; 3) amendments which will provide supplemental grant funds to the grant by the funding agency in an amount up to 20% of the total amount awarded to the grant; f) reimbursement increases of administrative funds for each participant served; g) amendments funding one time equipment purchases or defined program services; and h) changes in regulations mandated by the funding agency.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The RWJF Culture of Health Prize competition recognizes communities that have placed a priority on health and are creating powerful partnerships and deep commitments that enable everyone, especially those facing the greatest barriers to good health, the opportunity to live well. A total of 16 communities will be selected to receive the prize award. Awards will be announced in the fall of 2018.
The city’s rapid growth and influx of residents likely helped foster innovation and new alliances. While the reasons may be intangible, the change is real and palpable: San Antonio is building a Culture of Health. Accomplishments of the Culture of Health include:
1. Promoting children’s ability to learn and thrive: PreK4SA, the P16 Plus Council, the San Antonio Teen Pregnancy Prevention Collaborative, Truancy Court, Bexar County’s Children’s Court, Bibiliotech, the CHEF program and the Witte Museum’s H-E-B Body Adventure exhibit.
2. Increase green spaces, trees and physical activity: Howard W. Peak Greenway Trail System, San Antonio River restoration, tripling park land acreage in the last 20 years, achieving a 38% tree canopy, Fitness in the Park, Mobile Fit, Siclovia, and bike facilities being incorporated into all new roadways.
3. Help mentally ill people in crisis: Crisis Intervention Training, SAPD mental health unit, Restoration Center and jail diversion project.
4. Unite against homeless: Haven for Hope and the Mayor’s Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness.
ISSUE:
The City of San Antonio has created a Culture of Health. The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District would like to apply for this prize that recognizes the City and their collaborators’ efforts to provide citizens with exemplary public health programs.
ALTERNATIVES:
If San Antonio Metropolitan Health District is not authorized to submit the application and accept the funds, the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District and its collaborative partners will not be recognized by the prestigious Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for their efforts in building a culture of health in San Antonio.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This ordinance authorizes the submission of an application to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Culture of Health Prize and the acceptance of funds in an amount up to $25,000. There is no impact on the General Fund.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends authorization of the application to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize and if awarded, the execution of the prize documents and acceptance of the funds.