To: Board of Supervisors
From: DHHS: Social Services
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
Agreement with United Indian Health Services to Assist with CalFresh Outreach and Support Activities
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve the agreement with United Indian Health Services to assist the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) increase utilization of CalFresh benefits by eligible households in an amount not to exceed $281,698.49; and
2. Authorize the Chair to execute three (3) originals of the agreement (Attachment 1); and
3. 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:
United Indian Health Services (UIHS) currently serves approximately 4,000 American Indian residents of Humboldt County with a broad range of health-related services in pursuit of its mission “To work together with our clients and community to achieve wellness through health services that reflect the traditional values of our American Indian community.” Many of UIHS’ services are provided in a health clinic setting, but services also include home visiting, events, and a community garden. Over the past four years, UIHS has increased its CalFresh outreach efforts and set the framework for integrating CalFresh outreach and enrollment assistance into all aspects of client care. Under this agreement, UIHS will continue to work on their CalFresh efforts organization-wide in order to increase rates of enrollment. Client Intake personnel, Community Health Representatives, medical providers, WIC staff, Enrollment Counselors, and Community Health Programs staff will promote CalFresh and assist with CalFresh applications daily.
With the execution of this agreement, United Indian Health Services will continue to assist DHHS in increasing CalFresh utilization by eligible households thereby promoting a safe, healthy and 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 misconceptions.
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. Beyond the name and image changes, CDSS also made significant program changes to increase CalFresh use by reducing enrollment and retention barriers. Many low-income individuals and families continue to not be fully aware of and do not apply for CalFresh benefits. Many others are not aware of program changes that can make it easier for them to receive and continue CalFresh benefits.
USDA and CDSS have encouraged 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’ goal of providing integrated, place-based and holistic services. This continuing work through outreach partnerships with community-based organizations has led to a significant increase in CalFresh enrollment within the county and throughout the state and nation.
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 costs associated with this agreement have been budgeted in the approved fiscal year 2018-19 budget in fund 1160, Budget Unit 511 in the amount of $187,798.99 and in fiscal year 2019-20 in the amount of $93,899.50. There will be no impact to the county’s General Fund.
Approving this agreement supports the Board’s Strategic Framework by creating opportunities for improved health and safety, and protecting vulnerable populations.
This Agreement has a start date of November 1, 2018 for continuity of services provided by UIHS, and shall remain in effect until October 31, 2019. This comes late to the board due to unexpected delays during final review process.
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 United Indian Health Services. 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:
Agreement with United Indian Health Services
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: C-9; C-9; C-15
Meeting of: 9/16/14; 12/15/15; 10/4/16; 11/14/17