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 Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity for Infectious Disease Supplemental Funding to Public Health Foundation Enterprises dba Heluna Health
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing the acceptance of an award from the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity for Infectious Disease Supplemental Funding to Public Health Foundation Enterprises dba Heluna Health, to commence on July 01, 2021, and term on September 30, 2023, in an amount not to exceed $226,250.
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BACKGROUND:
Currently, California is experiencing significant vacancy rates in clinical public health laboratories where many of these vacant positions remain unfilled after 60 days. These vacancies have been caused due to retirements before and during the pandemic, further increasing the shortage. The training and certifications required can be achieved after completion of an accredited program. However, there are also work experience opportunities where current laboratory directors train and guide prospective individuals in the field while they work on their accreditation.
In response, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has entered an agreement with Public Health Foundation Enterprises dba Heluna Health (Heluna) making Heluna the primary recipient of several Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) Funds (including the ELC CARES, ELC Enhancing Detection, and ELC Enhancing Detection Expansion, and other COVID funds). Heluna administers the funding on behalf of CDPH.
Heluna is offering funding to the San Mateo County Public Health Laboratory in order to provide 12 months of laboratory director training to a LabAspire Fellow in the preparation for state certification exams.
DISCUSSION:
Funding from this award wil...
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