Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Louise F. Rogers, Chief, San Mateo County Health
Marc Meulman, Director, Public Health Policy and Planning
Subject: Acceptance of Award from the California Department of Public Health Tuberculosis Control Branch for a Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Program
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing the acceptance of an award from the California Department of Public Health Tuberculosis Control Branch to provide tuberculosis prevention and control activities, for the term of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023, in an amount not to exceed $333,811.
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BACKGROUND:
The California Department of Public Health provides funding for Tuberculosis (TB) control activities, including the investigation of potential cases and administration of the Directly Observed Therapy program (DOT). The increased TB transmission rate among homeless populations in congregate settings such as shelters, prisons, and jails; high immigration rates of TB-endemic countries to San Mateo communities; and a general reduction in the national public health infrastructure supporting TB control activities continue to be a challenge for San Mateo County and throughout the state of California.
DISCUSSION:
TB cases and their contacts are typically followed for six to twelve months and sometimes longer. Funding from this award will be used to offset the cost of three Full-Time Employment of Community Workers. The TB staff will primarily provide field DOT and other TB control services (e.g., transportation) for patients, followed by the County clinic and private providers. Community Workers work with clients who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and/or at risk of defaulting from therapy. These individuals provide Medi-Cal fee-for-service DOT, and this work is supported by local revenue funds. Community Workers spend 95% of their time performing DOT and ~ 5...
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