To: Board of Supervisors
From: DHHS: Public Health
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Memorandum of Understanding By and Between the County of Humboldt and the Board of Trustees of the California State University, on Behalf of California Polytechnic University at Humboldt
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by and between the County of Humboldt and the Board of Trustees of the California State University, on Behalf of California Polytechnic University at Humboldt, from the date of execution through June 30, 2028; and
2. Authorize the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)- Public Health Director, or designee thereof, to execute the MOU by and between the County of Humboldt and the Board of Trustees of the California State University, on Behalf of California Polytechnic University at Humboldt; and
3. Authorize the DHHS - Public Health Director, or a designee thereof, to execute any and all subsequent amendments, certifications, attestations, and documents directly associated with the attached MOU upon review and approval by County Counsel, Risk Management and the County Administrative Office.
Body
STRATEGIC PLAN:
This action supports the following areas of your Board’s Strategic Plan.
Area of Focus: Safe & Healthy Communities
Strategic Plan Category: 1002- Remove barriers to quality healthcare
DISCUSSION:
The DHHS - Public Health’s Mobile Outreach program has a longstanding commitment to serving underserved populations across diverse community settings. This work has been conducted in close collaboration with a wide network of community partners throughout Humboldt County, including Open Door Community Health Centers, Eureka Rescue Mission, Arcata House Partnership, United Indian Health Services, local substance use treatment centers and Tribal organizations. These partnerships have been instrumental in facilitating access to essential health services for high-risk populations. This program plays a critical role in the county’s efforts to prevent disease and drug overdose, focusing its services on individuals most at risk.
On Jan. 3, 2017, your Board approved an initial MOU between the department and Humboldt State University (now California Polytechnic University, Humboldt) to provide HIV, HCV and overdose prevention services to at-risk individuals on campus. Approval of the proposed MOU renewal will continue this collaborative effort, supporting both DHHS - Public Health and the university in reducing the transmission of HIV, HCV, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and incidences of overdose among the student population. This will be achieved through targeted outreach and services that include health education and risk-reduction counseling, HIV/HCV testing, overdose prevention and linkage to medical care, including access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention, referrals to STI testing, substance use treatment and other relevant social services.
The overarching goal of this continued partnership is to reduce rates of infection, disease transmission and overdose within the local community.
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Public Health Fund (1175) North Coast AIDS Project (NorCAP) (437)
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Narrative Explanation of Financial Impact:
There is no financial impact associated with this MOU. All expenses associated with the operation of the NorCAP mobile outreach vehicle have been included in the fiscal year 2025-26 budget for NorCAP (1175437).
STAFFING IMPACT:
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impact:
Public Health staff will provide HIV prevention services to students through the NorCAP mobile outreach vehicle.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Your Board may choose not to approve the recommendations; however, this is not recommended by DHHS, as this would result in a loss or delay of services to the County.
ATTACHMENTS:
Memorandum of Understanding By and Between the County of Humboldt and the Board of Trustees of the California State University, on Behalf of California Polytechnic University at Humboldt
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Meeting of: 8/30/22,
File No.: 22-1120, 17-0202