passed ordinance

*Accept and appropriate a grant from CareOregon Inc. to expand the Community Health Assess and Treat program in the amount of $2,400,000 (amend Contract 32002585)

public safety
health
grant
procurement
budget appropriation

Department: Portland Fire & Rescue
Introduced by: Former Commissioner Rene Gonzalez
Status: Passed

Impact statement

Purpose & background

This Ordinance is to accept a grant in the amount of $2,400,000 from CareOregon. This grant funds staff salaries, essential medical equipment, hardware/software acquisition, and staff training for an expanded Community Health Assess and Treat team. The goals of the partnership are to: Change system of health care delivery in pre-hospital care setting Respond to low acuity calls, assess and treat and follow up when feasible and requested within twenty-four (24) hours Improve access and equity through patient education Improve health outcomes Lower healthcare costs Improve member experience with the healthcare system The intent of this Agreement is to address social and behavioral determinants of health barriers which keep these populations from accessing appropriate care.

Financial impacts

This grant is for $2,400,000. There are no additional or ongoing expenses.

Community impacts

This legislation is intended to lead to positive impacts for some of our most vulnerable community members, by helping them avoid unnecessary and expensive emergency department visits, and to help address healthcare needs in the pre-hospital care setting.

▸ Full text (the legislation as adopted)

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 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. October 13, 2021, Ordinance No. 190578 accepted $2,488,575 CareOregon Inc., Grant No. 32002585. NOW, THEREFORE, the Council directs: The Portland Fire & Rescue Chief is hereby authorized to negotiate, accept and execute a grant amendment with CareOregon, Inc., substantially similar to Exhibit A, Contract No. 32002585 Amendment 2. 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 2022/23 budget is hereby amended as follows: Authorize 23.0 Limited FTE GRANTS FUND Fund 217007 Business Area – FR Bureau Program Expenses– $2,400,000 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.

Tally

5 yea 0 nay