To: Board of Supervisors
From: DHHS: Social Services
SUBJECT:
title
Agreement with Open Door Community Health Centers to Assist with CalFresh Outreach and Support Activities
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors approve the agreement with Open Door Community Health Centers to assist the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) increased utilization of CalFresh benefits by eligible households in the amount of $526,124.25; authorize the Chair to execute three (3) originals of the agreement (Attachment 1); and direct the Clerk of the Board to route two (2) fully executed originals of the agreement to the (DHHS)-Contract Unit for forwarding to DHHS-Social Services Administration.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Social Services Fund 1160
DISCUSSION:
The Open Door Community Health Centers (ODCHC) operates 14 Federally Qualified Health Centers throughout Humboldt County as well as 3 mobile clinic sites. In 2018, ODCHC served approximately 57,000 Humboldt County patients, approximately 44% of whom may have been eligible for CalFresh based on income. Currently 1 in every 3 community members on the North Coast is served by ODCHC.
ODCHC has worked collaboratively with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and participates in a same-day interview processes with eligibility staff to help clients enroll in CalFresh and Medi-Cal. ODCHC focuses on reinforcing the connection between food security and healthy food choices and illness and disease prevention, health maintenance, improved health outcomes and better self-management. ODCHC makes every possible effort to assure patients have the infrastructure and support necessary to maintain and manage their health. There are tangible links between securities and health, and ODCHC programs work to enhance these links.
With the execution of this Agreement, ODCHC will continue to assist DHHS in increasing CalFresh utilization by eligible households and thereby promoting a safe, healthy, economically vibrant community. Outreach and enrollment raises awareness of the nutrition benefits of the CalFresh program; promotes healthy food choices; reduces hunger in seniors and children; and helps to dispel program myths and misperceptions.
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) administers all United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds. Focusing on the important role SNAP plays in access to nutrition and the relation of nutrition to overall wellness, CDSS renamed and re-branded food stamps as CalFresh in California. CDSS also made significant program changes to increase CalFresh use by reducing enrollment and retention barriers. Many low-income individuals and families are not aware of and do not apply for CalFresh benefits, and many others are not aware of the program changes that could make it easier for them to receive and continue CalFresh benefits.
USDA and CDSS continue to encourage counties to work with community partners to help reach and inform community members who might be eligible for CalFresh benefits. Partnering with community based organizations is not only consistent with DHHS’s general approach and strategic plan; it is key to DHHS’s goal of providing integrated, place-based, and holistic services.
Internal changes, and outreach partnerships with community-based organizations have increased CalFresh enrollment within the County, State and nation. While enrollment has increased there is still room for improvement: approximately 33% of Humboldt County citizens who are eligible for nutrition assistance do not receive it.
Therefore, DHHS recommends that the Board approve and authorize the Chair to execute this Agreement and direct the Clerk of the Board to return two executed copies of the Agreement to the DHHS-Social Services Administration.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The approval of the agreement with ODCHC for CalFresh outreach services in the amount of $526,124.25 for the period of October 1, 2018 thru March 31, 2020 (18 months). CalFresh agreements federally funded and reside in fund 1160, budget unit 511 (Social Services Administration). There is sufficient appropriation to cover the estimated costs for the remainder of fiscal year 2018-19 of $292,291.25. The remainder of the agreement $233,833.00 will be included in the proposed budget for fiscal year 2019-20. There is no negative impact to the county general fund.
Approving this Agreement supports the Board’s Strategic Framework by creating opportunities for improved health and safety, and protecting vulnerable populations.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board can choose not to approve the Agreement for the CalFresh Outreach and Support activities with ODCHC. This is not recommended as the Department of Health and Human Services asserts this funding is important to the goal of increasing CalFresh participation and thereby improving the health and economic stability of children, families and other individuals in Humboldt County.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Agreement with Open Door Community Health Centers
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: C-15; C-15; C-6
Meeting of: 9/25/12; 4/22/14; 10/13/15