Explanation
BACKGROUND:
This ordinance authorizes the Board of Health to modify an existing contract with Equitas Health to expand and provide the delivery of Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) services. Columbus Public Health has been awarded grant funding from the Ohio Department of Health. This grant award originates from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, for the Implementing Enhanced HIV Prevention and Surveillance for Health Departments to End the HIV Epidemic in Ohio grant program, referenced in Ordinance 2154-2024 and 2319-2024. This modification is funded by ACPO011004 previously established by ordinance 2319-2024.
These services include, but not limited to, the promotion of HIV screening in Central Ohio via traditional and social media channels, resource navigation and client transportation, for the period of August 1, 2024 through May 31, 2025 in an amount not to exceed $50,000.00 for a new total contract amount of $268,575.00. Equitas Health (CC-004721) is a not for profit agency and is exempt from bidding according to bidding requirements of the City Code 329.30.
This ordinance is submitted as an emergency in order to ensure that quality Ending the Epidemic (EHE) services continue to be available to eligible EHE clients, to ensure timely payment to providers, and for Equitas Health to be able to continue offering Ending the HIV Epidemic services to their existing work which aligns with grant deliverables.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This contract is fully funded by the Implementing Enhanced HIV Prevention and Surveillance for Health Departments to End the HIV Epidemic in Ohio grant program and does not generate any revenue or require a city match.
Title
To authorize the Board of Health to modify an existing contract with Equitas Health for the Implementing Enhanced HIV Prevention and Surveillance for Health Departments to End the HIV Epidemic in Ohio grant program for the provision of services allowable under the grant for eligible clients for the period August 1, 2024 through May 31, 2025; to authorize the expenditure of $50,000.00 from the Health Department Grants Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($50,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Board of Health has a need to modify an existing contract with Equitas Health for the provision of services allowable under the grant for eligible EHE clients for the period of August 1, 2024 through May 31, 2025 ; and
WHEREAS, Equitas Health has the 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 modify a contract with Equitas Health in order to ensure continuity of services for Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) clients, for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, and safety; 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 modification with Equitas Health , for a total amount not to exceed $268,575.00, for Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) related services for eligible EHE Clients, for the period of August 1, 2024 through May 31, 2025.
SECTION 2. That to pay the cost of said contract, the expenditure of $50,000.00, 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.