Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes the Board of Health to enter into a contract with Equitas Health to provide HIV-related somatic and outpatient/ambulatory medical care, early intervention services, medical and non-medical case management services, medical transportation, mental health services, housing services, emergency financial assistance, and any other service allowable under the grant for the period of December 1, 2023 through February 29, 2024 in an amount not to exceed $441,156.00
These services were advertised through vendor services RFQ023101 on October 10, 2022 according to bidding requirements of the City Code. This RFQ covered a 60-month grant period, March 1, 2023 to February 28, 2028, however annual
contracts will be issued. Equitas Health was awarded with quarterly contracts for this grant period, to be able to monitor spending each quarter and allow for potential reallocation of grant funds. This ordinance is for Q4, the previous two Ord. pieces are 0485-2023 (Q1) and 2084-2023 (Q2 & Q3).
Their contract compliance number is CC-004721.
The City of Columbus, Columbus Public Health, receives funding for the Ryan White Part A HIV Care Grant Program from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The purpose of this grant is to improve access to quality medical care for persons with HIV or AIDS living in Central Ohio (Franklin, Licking, Delaware, Morrow, Union, Madison, Pickaway, and Fairfield counties). The goal is that each client will achieve viral suppression, which improves their quality of life and reduces the risk of spreading the infection.
This ordinance is submitted as an emergency in order to ensure that quality medical care continues to be available to eligible persons living with HIV/AIDS and to ensure timely payment to providers.
FISCAL IMPACT: This contract is fully funded by the Ryan White Part A grant program and does not generate any revenue or require a city match.
Title
To authorize the Board of Health to enter into a contract with Equitas Health for the Ryan White Part A HIV Care Grant Program for the provision of services allowable under the grant for persons with HIV or AIDS in central Ohio for the period of December 1, 2023 through February 29, 2024, to authorize the expenditure of $441,156.00 from the Health Department Grants Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($441,156.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Board of Health has a need to enter into contract with Equitas Health for the provision of services allowable under the grant for persons with HIV or AIDS in central Ohio and to add Early Intervention Services for the period of December 1, 2023 through February 29, 2024; and
WHEREAS, Equitas Health has the required expertise; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of Columbus Public Health in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Board of Health to enter into contract with Equitas in order to ensure continuity of services for Ryan White Part A HIV Care clients and the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; Now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Board of Health is hereby authorized to enter into a contract with Equitas Health, for a total amount not to exceed $441,156.00, for HIV-related services to persons with HIV or AIDS in central Ohio, for the period of December 1, 2023 through February 29, 2024.
SECTION 2. That to pay the cost of said contract, the expenditure of $441,156.00, or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized from the Health Department Grants Fund, Fund No. 2251, object class 03 per the attached accounting document.
SECTION 3. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 4. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes necessary to ensure that this contract is properly accounted for and recorded accurately on the city's financial records.
SECTION 5. That for reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.