COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Health Services Agency

 

DATE:

September 24, 2004

BOARD MEETING DATE:

October 5, 2004

 

TO

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM

Charlene Silva, 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

 

Adopt a Resolution:

 

1

Authorizing the President of the Board of Supervisors to sign a grant agreement with the California Department of Health Services (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 three 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 21st century.

 

Discussion

For the past two years, your Board has approved the resolutions to allow the Health Services Agency to receive funding from CDHS for Bioterrorism Preparedness. The state recently sent out the grant agreement for the period of July 1, 2004 to August 30, 2005. Under this year’s agreement, Health Services will continue working on 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. Specific performance measures focusing on these areas will be developed with staff in the next sixty days.

 

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.

 

Health Services continues to consult with the County’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) regarding the activities on this grant. OES staff 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

The total grant award for the period July 1, 2004 through August 30, 2005 is $1,162,094. $996,081 has been included in Public Health’s approved 2004-05 budget, and $166,013 will be included in Public Health’s 2005-06 proposed budget. There is no net county cost associated with this agreement.