AGENDA DATE: 7/17/2024
TITLE:
Title
Fiscal Year 2024 Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Local Government Agreement
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Approve FY 24 agreement with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) for the provision of public health services through the Blue Ridge Health District (BRHD)
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Rosenberg, Bessette, Dimock, Sumner, Bowman, Rakes
PRESENTER (S): N/A
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: Virginia Code § 32.1-31 authorizes local governing bodies to enter into contracts with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) for the operation of local health departments. It also requires that these contracts specify the services to be provided in addition to those required by law and contain such other provisions as the VDH and the governing body may agree on. The County’s contract specifies both the scope and costs for the services to be provided locally.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Mission - To enhance the well-being and quality of life for all community members through the provision of the highest level of public service consistent with the prudent use of public funds.
DISCUSSION: The Blue Ridge Health District (BRHD), in cooperation with the VDH, is the primary provider of public health services and programs for Albemarle County and surrounding localities. BRHD offers specific health programs targeted at preventing and controlling infectious diseases, as well as initiatives aimed at improving the health of low-income women, children, and infants. In addition, BRHD provides an inspection and monitoring program to ensure the safety of food and private well/septic systems. These services are funded cooperatively by the state, County, and other neighboring jurisdictions. Non-local funding for these BRHD programs is provided by the Commonwealth of Virginia, grants, and fees charged to individual clients. The localities served by BRHD provide matching local funds for the allocations made by the state and allocate resources for Local-Only Programs, such as food safety. The VDH requires that local governments enter into agreements stipulating the scope of health services to be provided by the health districts in their respective jurisdictions. The FY 24 agreement (Attachment A) outlines the respective obligations of the County and VDH.
BUDGET IMPACT: There is no impact to the FY 24 budget as the funds necessary were included in the current budget except for $33,350 that is requested for appropriation, also on the July17, 2024 Board of Supervisors consent agenda.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Based on the vital nature of the services provided by the BRHD, staff recommends that the Board adopt the attached Resolution (Attachment B) to approve the FY 24 Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Local Government Agreement (Attachments A) and to authorize the County Executive to execute the Agreement after it is approved as to form and substance by the County Attorney.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - FY 24 Local Government Health Department Agreement
B - Resolution