COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Health Services Agency

DATE:

January 7, 2004

BOARD MEETING DATE:

January 27, 2004

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Margaret Taylor, Director of Health Services

Brian Zamora, Director of Public Health and Environmental Protection

Scott Morrow, M.D., M.P.H., Health Officer

SUBJECT:

California Department of Health Services Bioterrorism Grant Application

Recommendation

1.

Adopt a Resolution:

1)

Authorizing the President of the Board of Supervisors to sign a grant application to the California Department of Health Service (CDHS) for Bioterrorism Preparedness; and

2)

Authorizing the President of the Board of Supervisors to sign any and all subsequent agreements, allocations and other documents related to this grant.

Background

At the federal, state and local levels, a number of activities supporting our disaster and terrorism preparedness have occurred since our nation was attacked in September and October of 2001. Our vulnerabilities were made clear as a result of these terrorist acts. While no actual attack occurred here, our collective resources were pushed to their limits. We have been attempting to aggressively address these vulnerabilities over the past two years. The Federal Government recognizes that the nation's Public Health infrastructure has badly deteriorated over the last thirty years and that the decay of this infrastructure has lead to a national security risk. In response, funds have been made available for the enhancement of the nation's Public Health infrastructure for disaster response that will be able to respond to the threats of the 21^st century.

Discussion

Last year, your Board approved the receipt of grant funding from CDHS for Bioterrorism Preparedness. At the end of October 2003, the state released the guidance for the grant renewal application for the period of July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2004. This application is now due. The 2003-04 grant will provide funding to continue work that was begun last year in six key areas: general bioterrorism planning, epidemiological and disease surveillance enhancements, public health lab improvements, technological improvements, development of a comprehensive risk communication plan, and increased training for public health and clinical staff.

State and Federal funding for Public Health infrastructure require that the funding may be used only to enhance capacity and may not be used to supplant existing state or local funding. As a result, the President of the Board is required to sign a certification against supplanting at the time of application, and in conjunction with each quarterly report submitted to the state. As required in the terms of the grant agreement, all funds received under this agreement will be placed in the trust fund for Public Health established for this grant.

This grant application was prepared in consultation with the County's Office of Emergency Services. Staff from that office also participate on the Health Services Agency's Bioterrorism Steering Committee.

Vision Alignment

This agreement with the California Department of Health Services keeps the commitment of ensuring basic health and safety for all and goal number 7: maintain and enhance the public safety of all residents and visitors. The agreement with the State Department of Health Services contributes to this commitment and goal by providing funds to develop a plan for bioterrorism preparedness and a plan for other emerging public health threats for San Mateo County.

Fiscal Impact

In anticipation of this grant funding from CDHS for Bioterrorism Preparedness, $979,139 is included in the Public Health Division's FY 2003-04 approved budget. If funding exceeds this amount, we will request your approval of an Appropriation Transfer Request. There is no Net County Cost associated with this grant.