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Approve two contracts to provide virus testing, education, and outreach regarding sexually transmitted infections and human immunodeficiency for the period of August 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025, $90,000 with Planned Parenthood Northern California and $90,000 with Community Medical Centers, Inc.; and Delegate authority to the County Administrator to execute the contracts and subsequent amendments, with County Counsel concurrence, up to an aggregate of $74,999
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Published Notice Required? Yes ___ No _X_
Public Hearing Required? Yes ___ No _X_
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Health and Social Services recommends that the Board of Supervisors approve two contracts to provide virus testing, education, and outreach regarding sexually transmitted infections and human immunodeficiency for the period of August 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025, $90,000 with Planned Parenthood Northern California and $90,000 with Community Medical Centers, Inc.; and delegate authority to the County Administrator to execute the contract and subsequent amendments, with County Counsel concurrence, up to an aggregate of $74,999.
SUMMARY:
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain among significant public health concerns locally and across California and the United States. STIs can be associated with increased risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition and transmission, and can cause multiple health complications, including infertility, blindness, hearing loss, and death. Surveillance data show that the incidence of reportable STIs has been increasing in Solano County since 2013, with notable increases in the last several years.
With the Board’s approval of the two contracts, Planned Parenthood Northern California and Community Medical Centers, will provide services focused on the prevention, education, and treatment of STIs and HIV.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The two contracts will be funded with revenues received from the California Department of Public Health, which includes the HIV Prevention grant, STI Prevention and Collaboration grant, and the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) allocation. Appropriations are included in the FY2024/25 Working Budget. There is no impact on the County General Fund.
The costs associated with preparing this agenda item are nominal and are absorbed by the Department’s FY2024/25 Working Budget.
DISCUSSION:
Solano County Public Health receives funding from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Control Branch to support STI intervention activities, prevention, outreach, education, and surveillance.
Through a request for qualifications process that included numerous applicants, H&SS selected Planned Parenthood Northern California and Community Medical Centers. Both organizations have proven track records of delivering high-quality health services, including STI/HIV testing and education, outreach to high-risk populations and providing culturally competent care.
Over the last decade, surveillance data shows that the incidence of reportable STIs has been increasing in Solano County. From 2013 to 2022, syphilis rates increased by 781%, gonorrhea by 101%, chlamydia by 21%, and HIV by 144%. CDPH data reports that throughout California, congenital syphilis, i.e., syphilis passed on to newborn babies, has seen a 1500% increase.
With the Board of Supervisors' approval, these contracts will enable Planned Parenthood Northern California and Community Medical Centers, Inc. to conduct regular STI/HIV testing clinics, provide comprehensive STI/HIV education, conduct targeted outreach programs, provide linkage to care, including expanding training for Pre- and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PreP/PEP), and evaluate the effectiveness of these efforts to reduce the incidence of STI/HIV in Solano County.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to approve the contracts with Planned Parenthood Northern California and Community Medical Centers, Inc. This is not recommended because the two contracts will allow Public Health’s Communicable Diseases Bureau to enhance its STI/HIV prevention and education efforts through the partnership with the two community-based organizations.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Solano County Health and Social Services worked with General Services and County Counsel on the Request for Qualifications and subsequent contracts.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION