Explanation
BACKGROUND: Columbus Public Health received funds for the Ending the HIV Epidemic grant program from the US Department of Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Columbus Public Health will contract with Equitas Health to provide Health Navigation and Support Group services.
The Ending the HIV Epidemic grant will support HIV retention in care among persons at highest risk for not being retained in medical care or not being virally suppressed. Funded sub-recipients will hire and utilize Health Navigators (a role similar to a Peer Navigator, but HIV status neutral) to provide education on the importance of viral suppression for people living with HIV who are newly diagnosed or who are not virally suppressed, support people living with HIV as they move through preventive and treatment services, and facilitate support groups. Additionally, support groups will be funded under the EHE grant to help provide presentations and support events for clients to understand medication adherence and viral suppression.
Services for this contract were advertised through the RFQ process (RFQ015537) in May, 2020. Equitas Health (Contract Compliance No. 311126780) will be awarded a contract for $114,891.67. This contractor is a nonprofit organization and exempt from contract compliance certification.
Emergency action is required to ensure the continued operation of the Ending the HIV Epidemic grant program.
FISCAL IMPACT: This contract is entirely funded by a grant award from the US Department of Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This grant does not generate revenue nor require a city match.
Title
To authorize the Board of Health to enter into contract with Equitas Health for the provision of health navigation and support group services for the period October 1, 2020 through February 28, 2021; to authorize the expenditure of $114,891.67 from the Health Department Grants Fund to pay the costs thereof; and to declare an emergency. ($114,891.67)
Body
WHEREAS, Columbus Public Health has received funding from the US Department of Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for the Ending the HIV Epidemic grant program; and
WHEREAS, in order to ensure continued services provisions under the program, it is necessary to enter into a contract with Equitas Health for the provision of health navigation and support group services related to HIV; and
WHEREAS, the contract period is October 1, 2020 through February 28, 2021; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of Columbus Public Health in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Board to enter into a contract with Equitas Health for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare, and to ensure the continued operation of the Ending the HIV Epidemic Program; 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 the provision of services under the Ending the HIV Epidemic grant program, for the period of October 1, 2020 through February 28, 2021.
SECTION 2. That to pay the cost of said contract, the expenditure of $114,891.67 is hereby authorized from the Health Department Grants Fund, Fund No. 2251, Department No. 50, Division 5001, per the accounting codes attached to this ordinance.
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 to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this ordinance.
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.