TITLE
Title
DHHS-PUBLIC HEALTH DIVISION BUDGET AMENDMENT: ADVANCING EQUITY - $39,900 AND ADDITION OF NEW FULL-TIME GRANT-FUNDED POSITION (EQUITY COORDINATOR)
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SPONSOR
Sponsor
Dr. Iulia Vann
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BACKGROUND
Background
According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Historically Marginalized Populations (HMPs) are individuals, groups and communities that have been denied access to services, resources, and power relationships across economic, political, and cultural dimensions as a result of systemic, durable and persistent racism, discrimination, and other forms of oppression. HMPs are often identified based on their race, ethnicity, social-economic status, geography, religion, language, sexual identity and disability status. COVID-19 (a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus) has disproportionately affected HMPs placing them at higher risk of exposure, infection, hospitalization, and mortality. Additionally, HMPs have disproportionately higher rates of chronic diseases that increase the risk of serious complications from COVID-19 infection.
The North Carolina Division of Public Health (DPH) received funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) titled “National Initiative to Address COVID-19 Health Disparities Among Populations at High-Risk and Underserved, Including Racial and ethnic Minority Populations and Rural Communities” hereafter known as the Advancing Equity grant. This new funding initiative will address COVID-19 related health disparities and advance health equity by improving state, and local health department capacity and services to prevent and control COVID-19 infection (or transmission) among populations at higher risk and that are under served, including racial and ethnic minority groups and people living in rural communities.
Funds awarded will be used to address COVID-19 related health disparities and advance health equity by expanding local health department capacity and services to prevent and control COVID-19 infection or transmission among Historically Marginalized Populations (HMPs), or other priority populations which includes staff time and training.
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BUDGET IMPACT
Budget Impact
Budget Ordinance Amendment
General Fund
$39,900 Increase in Federal/State Revenue
$39,900 Increase in Appropriation to Health and Human Services (Public Health)
NO ADDITIONAL COUNTY FUNDS REQUIRED
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REQUESTED ACTION
Requested Action
Approve an increase of $39,900 in Federal/State Revenues and increase the FY 2021-22 Department of Health and Human Services (Public Health) budget by the same amount to reflect funds awarded by DPH-Chronic Disease and Injury Section. Authorize the creation and approval of one (1) temporary full-time, grant-funded Community Health Educator II as Equity Coordinator. Previously awarded and adopted COVID-19 grant dollars will also be used to cover the cost of full-time position.
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