DEPARTMENT: San Antonio Fire Department
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Charles N. Hood
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
FY 2019 STRAC MIH TTOR Donation Acceptance
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes the acceptance of a donation from the Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council for Trauma (STRAC) in the amount up to $88,858.88 and approves a program budget to be used by the Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) unit of the EMS division of the San Antonio Fire Department to help improve the outcomes of citizens that have suffered narcotic overdose. There is no required cash match and this does not change the personnel compliment.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council for Trauma (STRAC) was established to facilitate the development, implementation, and operation of a regional comprehensive trauma and emergency healthcare system based on accepted standards of care to decrease morbidity and mortality. Funds from STRAC are awarded to assist in improving the functionality of EMS agencies in the State of Texas. STRAC has received donation funding from Texas Targeted Opioid Response (TTOR) to help improve the outcomes of citizens that have suffered narcotic overdose.
In Texas, Bexar County ranks third in per capita rates of death from opioid overdoses. Eligible expenses for the STRAC donation include salary and benefits, education and training. The MIH program will utilize two (2) MIH paramedics to connect with individuals, identified by SAFD personnel while providing EMS services, as being at high risk for overdose with induction and engagement into recovery support services. The MIH program anticipates working with approximately 300 opioid patients.
ISSUE:
This ordinance authorizes the acceptance of a donation from the Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council for Trauma (STRAC) in the amount up to $88,858.88 and approves a program budget. Donation funds will be used by the MIH unit of the EMS division of the San Antonio Fire Department for eligible expenses including salary and benefits, education and training by connecting individuals identified as being at high risk for overdose with induction and engagement into rehabilitation services, and Mobile Integrated Healthcare support in collaboration with local practitioners.
ALTERNATIVES:
If the City did not receive donation funds, the program would not be possible unless expenses were to be charged to the General Fund and/or requested through the budget process. There are currently no budgeted funds for this program.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This ordinance authorizes the acceptance of a donation from the Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council for Trauma (STRAC) in the amount up to $88,858.88 and approves a program budget to be used by the Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) unit of the EMS division of the San Antonio Fire Department to help improve the outcomes of citizens that have suffered narcotic overdose. There is no required cash match and this does not change the personnel compliment.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this ordinance to accept the donation award up to $88,858.88 from the Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council for Trauma (STRAC).