*Accept and appropriate a grant from CareOregon Inc. to expand the Community Health Assess and Treat program for $2,488,575 and authorize 23 limited term positions for October 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022

The City of Portland ordains: Section 1. The Council finds: Both CareOregon and Portland Fire & Rescue have a vested interest in reducing unnecessary and avoidable Emergency Department (ED) utilization. Portland Fire & Rescue represents the largest licensed pre-hospital Emergency Medical Service provider in the City of Portland providing upstream interventions before hospitalization is needed. Portland Fire & Rescue is uniquely positioned to reach members who are housed and houseless with a myriad of mental and physical conditions, with an ability to focus on building trusting relationships and assessing care needs in the community setting. CHAT was specifically created to reach marginalized and vulnerable community members suffering from chronic health, mental health, and substance use disorders, who are unable to navigate current healthcare systems. The intent of this Agreement is to address social and behavioral determinants of health barriers which keep these populations from accessing appropriate care. With CareOregon’s partnership and investment, CHAT will bridge gaps in care with response to 911 calls which include onsite assessment, evaluation, and, where appropriate, treatment for non-emergent medical needs. This Grant will fund at a minimum of two CHAT teams within downtown Portland and the Southeast quadrant of the City. NOW, THEREFORE, the Council directs: The Portland Fire & Rescue Chief is hereby authorized to negotiate, accept and execute a grant agreement with CareOregon, Inc. The Portland Fire & Rescue Chief is authorized to negotiate and execute on behalf of the City of Portland any subsequent amendments to the grant agreement, including amendments that increase the funding provided to the city by CareOregon, Inc., provided such amendments do not increase the City’s financial obligation under the grant agreement. The FY 2021-22 budget is hereby amended as follows: Authorize 23.0 Limited FTE GRANTS FUND Fund 217007 Business Area – FR Bureau Program Expenses– $2,488,575 The Office of Management & Finance Grants Office is authorized to perform all administrative matters in relation to the grant application, grant agreement or amendments, requests for reimbursement from the grantor, and to submit required online grant documents on the Bureau’s behalf. Section 2. The Council declares that an emergency exists because the program authorized by this ordinance will address an immediate and ongoing public health emergency caused by unnecessary or avoidable emergency department visits; therefore, this ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage by the Council.