Explanation
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this ordinance is to authorize a contract with Equitas Health to continue a partnership to support the community-wide comprehensive harm reduction program called Safe Point, in an amount not to exceed $350,000.00 for a period of January 1, 2024 through February 28, 2025.
Harm reduction services provided by Equitas Health allow clients who are at high-risk of accidental overdose death to access the lifesaving drug, Naloxone, and receive risk reduction counseling, referrals to Alcohol & Drug treatment, and overdose prevention education.
Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 3707.57 states that the Board of Health has to approve/establish a blood borne infectious disease prevention program. A syringe exchange program is a blood borne infectious disease prevention program. At this time Columbus Public Health does not have the capacity to provide this service.
Emergency action is requested for this contract in order to ensure Columbus has an uninterrupted continuation of harm reduction program services to save lives.
FISCAL IMPACT: The funds ($350,000.00) for this contract with Equitas Health are budgeted within the Health Department Special Revenue Fund contingent on the approval of Ordinance No. 3012-2023.
Title
To authorize the Board of Health to enter into a contract with Equitas Health to continue to provide a harm reduction program, called Safe Point, from January 1, 2024 through February 28, 2025; to authorize the expenditure of $350,000.00 from the Health Special Revenue Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($350,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Board of Health has a need to continue to provide support and expand a community-wide comprehensive harm reduction program, Safe Point; and
WHEREAS, Equitas Health has the necessary experience and expertise to provide said services; Now, therefore,
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of Columbus Public Health in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the ...
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