COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

 

Health Department

 
 

DATE:

 

BOARD MEETING DATE:

January 6, 2009

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

 

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

   

FROM:

Charlene A. Silva, Director, Health Department

 

Brian J. Zamora, Director, Public Health & Environmental Protection Division

   

SUBJECT:

Acceptance of Award from the California Department of Public Health Tuberculosis Control Branch for the San Mateo County Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Program

 

RECOMMENDATION

Adopt a Resolution authorizing the President of the Board to accept an award from the California Department of Public Health, Tuberculosis Control Branch for tuberculosis prevention and control activities for the term of July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009, in the amount of $294,218.

 

VISION ALIGNMENT

Commitment: Ensure basic health and safety for all.

Goal 5: Residents have access to health care and preventive care.

 

The Tuberculosis (TB) grant award contributes to this commitment and goal by providing funds to identify patients with TB and appropriately treat them to prevent spread of the disease.

 

Performance Measure:

Measure

FY 2007-08
Actual

FY 2008-09
Projected

Number of TB investigations conducted to ensure that secondary cases are identified.

509

545

 

BACKGROUND

In 2007, the local TB rate in San Mateo County was 11.9 per 100,000, which is higher than the California rate of 7.5 per 100,000, and greater than the national rate of 4.4 per 100,000. Other Bay Area counties also have rates higher than the state and national rates. This is primarily attributable to high immigration rates from TB-endemic countries and large immigrant communities within the County. The high TB rates are also attributable to increased transmission among homeless populations, increased transmission in congregate settings such as prisons and jails, and a general reduction in the national public health infrastructure supporting TB control activities.

 

San Mateo County’s TB Controller provides medical oversight to the TB Program, which provides control measures including case management, contact investigation, and directly-observed therapy. The Program is exploring various strategies to handle the increased number of TB cases and contacts, including diverting staff from other communicable disease programs.

 

DISCUSSION

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) provides funding for TB control activities including the investigation of potential cases and administration of the directly-observed therapy program. One of the major concerns with TB cases is the rise in multi-drug resistant strains of the disease. This occurs when treatment is started but is not completed. If patients are noncompliant with their treatment, staff will work with the patients to directly observe their medication usage. If this fails, the Health Officer has the authority to detain patients in facilities to ensure treatment compliance and to protect the health of the community.

 

Many patients diagnosed with TB may also have challenges, such as stable housing or appropriate nutrition, which can interfere with treatment. The State recognizes these obstacles and provides funding for such needs. Funds may be used to enhance adherence to treatment protocols, prevent homelessness, and allow the use of less restrictive alternatives that decrease or prevent the need for detention. Examples of incentives include vouchers for transportation, food and rent assistance.

 

The TB Program operates in compliance with both the requirements of the CDPH Policies and Procedures Manual as well as conditions stipulated by the State TB Control Branch.

 

The Acceptance of Award notice is late because it was not received from the State until October. The work required by the terms of the Agreement has been undertaken by the Health Department on written assurance and direction of CDPH.

 

The Acceptance of Award and Resolution have been reviewed and approved by County Counsel.

 

FISCAL IMPACT

The term of the Award is July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009. The total amount is $294,218: $267,718 for the Base Award and $26,500 for food and shelter incentives. The total amount awarded this year was increased by $13,190 from the total amount awarded in FY 2007-08. The revenue and expenditures associated with this Award are included in the Public Health FY 2008-09 Adopted Budget. There are no required matching funds included in this award, resulting in no Net County Cost.