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 Legal Services of Northern California
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve the attached Memorandum of Understanding by and between the County of Humboldt and Legal Services of Northern California through June 30, 2027; and
2. Authorize the Department of Health and Human Services - Public Health Director, or a designee there of, to execute the attached Memorandum of Understanding by and between the County of Humboldt and Legal Services of Northern California through June 30, 2027; and
3. Authorize the Department of Health and Human Services - Public Health Director, or a designee thereof, to execute any and all subsequent amendments, certifications, attestations, and documents directly associated with the attached Memorandum of Understanding with Legal Services of Northern California, after review and approval by County Counsel, Risk Management, and the County Administrative Office; and
4. Direct the Clerk of the Board to provide the Department of Health and Human Services - Contract Unit with one certified copy of the Board Order pertaining to this item.
Body
STRATEGIC PLAN:
This action supports the following areas of your Board’s Strategic Plan.
Area of Focus: Safe & Healthy Communities
Strategic Plan Category: 1001 -Support and sustain partnerships between public safety and partner agencies to enhance public safety in our communities
DISCUSSION:
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) - Public Health has a long history of working with underserved populations in multiple settings. The program has done this work in coordination with diverse community partners, including the Eureka Rescue Mission, Arcata House Partnership, Alcohol Drug Care Services, United Indian Health Services, Open Door Community Health Centers, and Cal Poly Humboldt. The program’s relationships with these community partners have been paramount to supporting the target population in accessing supportive health services. DHHS - Public Health Outreach has a lead role in providing prevention services to people who are most at risk.
Legal Services of Northern California (LSNC) has provided free legal services since 1956, empowering the poor to identify and defeat the causes and effects of poverty. Assisting clients with exercising their tenants’ rights, advocating for quality housing, mitigation of homelessness, termination of utilities, unsafe housing, and loss of shelter due to natural disasters. Helping clients address legal issues affecting their access to health care, community participation in health planning, hospital services, Medi-Cal (Medicaid), dental care, the cost of health care, and more. They serve populations with special vulnerabilities, including those with low income, seniors, persons with physical and mental disabilities, limited English-speakers, immigrant populations, persons with limited education, persons who are geographically isolated, and persons discriminated against because of race, culture, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
This Memorandum of Understanding will formalize the partnership between the County and Legal Service of Northern California, providing direct referrals for DHHS - Public Health clients who need to access legal services through LSCN.
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Public Health Fund 1175
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Narrative Explanation of Financial Impact:
There is no financial impact for execution of this Memorandum of Understanding.
STAFFING IMPACT:
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impact:
There is no staffing impact from the execution of this Memorandum of Understanding.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board may choose not to approve this MOU with LSNC; however, it would result in a loss of services to the County.
ATTACHMENTS:
Memorandum of Understanding by and between the County of Humboldt and the Legal Services of Northern California
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A