Explanation
BACKGROUND: Since 1974, Columbus Public Health has provided primary health care services to the underserved through contracts with community-based health centers. Since 1998, Columbus Public Health has contracted with Columbus Neighborhood Health Center, Inc. (CNHC), a not-for-profit organization, to provide primary health care services to medically indigent patients at various neighborhood health centers. In 2023 Columbus Public Health expanded services by contracting with additional local designated FQHC's. This ordinance authorizes the Board of Health to enter into contracts with the following vendors to provide primary health care and dental services at community-based health centers for a total amount of $4,299,110.00 for the period of January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024. This ordinance complies with City Code 329.30 as all contracts are not-for-profit organizations. Negotiated rates were based on the percentage of population served in Franklin County in 2022. The designated FQHC’s provide primary health services not provided at Columbus Public Health.
Columbus Neighborhood Health Center, Inc. dba PrimaryOne Health: $3,268,537.02
Heart of Ohio Family Health Centers: $360,322.75
Lower Lights Christian Health Center, Inc.: $326,858.05
Southeast, Inc.: $240,316.22
The Ohio State University College of Nursing: $66,066.56
Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio: $37,009.40
Community Health Centers (CHC) are successful, low-cost options for primary care access in a nation that spends $2 trillion a year on health care. Medical costs for CHC patients are 41% lower compared to patients seen elsewhere such as a hospital emergency room. As a result CHC’s save the health care system between $9.9 billion and $17.6 billion a year.
Emergency action is requested in order to not delay these needed services for the community.
FISCAL IMPACT: These contracts are budgeted in the Health Special Revenue Fund. This ordinance is contingent on the passage...
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