To: Board of Supervisors
From: DHHS: Behavioral Health
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of Funding Made Available through the California Access to Technology Program and Supplemental Budget (4/5 Vote Required)
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Adopt the attached resolution which authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services Director, or a designee thereof, to execute and deliver State of California Standard Agreement Number AT-2223-12, and any amendments thereto, along with any and all other agreements, certifications and documents necessary to accept and secure funding made available through the California Access to Technology Program;
2. Approve the attached Supplemental Budget in the amount of Three Hundred Seventy Thousand Four Hundred Sixty-Six Dollars ($370,466.00) for Department of Health and Human Services - Social Services budget unit 1160-511(4/5 vote required); and
3. Direct the Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed certified copy of the attached resolution to the Department of Health and Human Services - Contract Unit for submission to the California Department of Aging.
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SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Social Services Fund (1160)
DISCUSSION:
In 2021, the Governor signed California Assembly Bill 135 into law, which required the California Department of Aging to create the Access to Technology Program. The Access to Technology Program is designed to meet the needs of older adults, and adults with disabilities, by helping to reduce digital divide barriers when accessing technology for daily living and subsequently reducing isolation, increasing connections and enhancing self-confidence. Grant funds appropriated for this pilot program are non-competitive and will be provided to all counties that choose to participate.
The Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services has been awarded Three Hundred Eight Thousand Seven Hundred Twenty-Eight Dollars ($308,728.00) in Access to Technology Program funding for the period of October 2022 through December 31, 2024. However, the California Department of Aging recently notified counties that the applicable performance period will be amended to expire on December 31, 2023 due to changes in applicable funding sources.
Acceptance of Access to Technology Program funding will allow DHHS to reduce digital divide barriers by expanding train the trainer models to help the target population improve their use of technology in staying connected; and directing equipment and an all-wheel drive vehicle to enable improved technological access to older adults and adults with disabilities living in remote areas of Humboldt County. DHHS is seeking to provide hotspots, communication devices, assistive technologies and other equipment and staff to support the objectives of the Access to Technology Program. DHHS will seek to leverage community partners such as Area 1 Agency on Aging, Family Resource Centers, Tri County Independent Living and Humboldt Senior Resource Center to provide services funded by the Access to Technology Program.
Accordingly, DHHS recommends that the Board adopt the attached resolution which authorizes the DHHS Director, or a designee thereof, to execute and deliver State of California Standard Agreement Number AT-2223-12, and any amendments thereto, along with any and all other agreements, certifications and documents necessary to accept and secure funding made available through the Access to Technology Program.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The attached supplemental budget will increase the current budget for DHHS - Social Services budget unit 1160-511 by One Hundred Eighty-Five Thousand Two Hundred Thirty-Three Dollars ($185,233.00). The supplemental budget request includes a fixed asset line in the amount of Thirty-Three Thousand Dollars ($33,000.00) for the purchase of a vehicle to enable DHHS staff to reach older adults in the outer regions of Humboldt County. The remaining Access to Technology Program funding in the amount of One Hundred Twenty-Three Thousand Four Hundred Ninety-five Dollars ($123,495.00) will be included in the proposed budget for fiscal year 2023-2024. The recommended actions will not impact the Humboldt County General Fund.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
The recommended actions support the Board’s Strategic Framework by protecting vulnerable populations, supporting self-reliance of citizens, creating opportunities for improved safety and health, providing community-appropriate level of service and seeking outside funding sources to benefit community needs.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board may choose not to adopt the attached resolution authorizing the DHHS Director, or a designee thereof to accept funding made available through the Access to Technology Program. However, this alternative is not recommended since it will not allow the County of Humboldt to obtain funding that would be used to support older adults and adults with disabilities residing in Humboldt County.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of Funding Made Available through the California Access to Technology Program
2. State of California Standard Agreement Number AT-2223-12
3. Supplemental Budget for Department of Health and Human Services - Social Services Budget Unit 1160-511
4. California Department of Aging Grant Contract Follow Up
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: N/A
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A