TITLE
title
GUILFORD COUNTY (DHHS-PUBLIC HEALTH) INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH FORSYTH COUNTY: IMPROVING COMMUNITY OUTCOMES FOR MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH (ICO4MCH) - $206,081
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SPONSOR
sponsor
Dr. Iulia Vann
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BACKGROUND
background
Guilford County submitted a multi-county application for the FY25-26 period, partnering with the Forsyth County Department of Public Health to co-implement the Improving Community Outcomes for Maternal and Child Health (ICO4MCH) Program. DHHS -Public Health was awarded $500,000 which was included in the FY25 adopted budget. The program's aims are to improve birth outcomes, reduce infant mortality, and enhance the health status of children aged 0-5. Guilford County will utilize approximately $286,644, and subcontractors, including Forsyth County ($206,081) and the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina ($7,275), will utilize a total of $213,356. The Guilford County budget includes continued funding for an ICO4MCH Grant Coordinator and one Community Health Worker.
ICO4MCH Program Details: The program aims to:
1. Improve Preconception and Interconception Health
2. Implement the 10 Steps for Successful Breastfeeding
3. Implement the Positive Parenting Program (Triple P)
These strategies were selected for continuation in FY25-26 to align with the collective action strategic plan of the Guilford County Public Health’s Infant Mortality Program.
Guilford County did not qualify to submit a single-county application due to a 10% decline in the disparity ratio, from 2.8 during 2017-2020 to 2.5 during 2019-2021. The qualifying criteria required a disparity ratio of 2.6 or higher. Consequently, Guilford County partnered with Forsyth County, which met the eligibility criteria, to maximize opportunities and increase capacity.
Partnership with Forsyth County: Guilford County will provide technical assistance to Forsyth County based on two years of experience implementing our collective action strategic plan. This collaboration aims to equip both counties-continuously among the top five counties with the highest infant mortality rates in the state-with the necessary resources and strategies to address infant mortality effectively.
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BUDGET IMPACT
budget impact
NO ADDITIONAL COUNTY FUNDS REQUIRED
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REQUESTED ACTION
requested action
Approve interlocal agreement between Guilford County (DHHS-Public Health) and Forsyth County (Public Health Department), in substantial form, in the amount of $206,081 to be effective July 1, 2024 and ending May 31, 2025 for the ICO4MCH Program.
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