Item Description:
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Agmt MDHA2312157 with MDH for the expansion of the public health emergency response and recovery capacity, 02/06/24-05/31/25, $97,250 (recv), supp appr $97,250
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that Agreement MDHA2312157 with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) for the expansion of the public health emergency response and recovery capacity during the period of February 6, 2024 through May 31, 2025, receivable amount of $97,250 be approved; that the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the Agreement on behalf of Hennepin County; and that the Controller be authorized to accept and disburse funds as directed; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a supplemental appropriation be made to increase the Public Health 2024 adopted budget by $97,250; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the sponsorship and acceptance of grant funding for the program by the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners does not imply a continued commitment by Hennepin County for this program when grant funds are no longer available.
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Background:
Hennepin County has a strong Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteer program; however, volunteer recruitment and retention has always remained a challenge. With the exception of public health emergency preparedness and response exercises, emergencies, and volunteer engagement opportunities, it has been difficult to build and retain a capable base of Hennepin County MRC volunteers. The MRC STTRONG grant offers the ability to expand Hennepin County’s public health emergency response and recovery capacity and support the individual needs of our volunteers by increasing training opportunities and developing plans to establish uniformity and standardization.
MRC STTRONG grant funding will be allocated for volunteer training, recruitment, capacity building, and health equity initiatives. Diverse and frequent training opportunities will be offered to maintain MRC program engagement and improve the skills and knowledge of our volunteers. Tailored recruitment strategies will be developed with a focus of attracting culturally diverse volunteers in Hennepin County to better represent and provide service to Hennepin County residents. Plans and systems will be developed to ensure all volunteers possess the necessary skills and knowledge to maintain their engagement and motivation. Health equity initiatives will be prioritized by recruiting volunteers from communities of focus, who may face language barriers, misinformation vulnerability, and heightened health issues during crises.
This request reduces disparities in the health domain by providing funding to expand the emergency response and recovery capacity to ensure residents have the resources needed when unplanned emergencies occur.
APEX Information:
Fund: 20
Dept. ID: 536099
Account: 42067
Project ID: 1000838
Amount: $97,250 (2024)
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval