HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 04182000 - C113-C114 Contra
TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Costa
FROM: William Walker, M.D.,Health Services Director Count/
DATE: April 11,2000
SUBJECT: EXTENSION OF EMERGENCY DECLARATION REGARDING HOMELESSNESS
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
RECOMMENDATION:
DETE)N41NE that there is a need to continue with the emergency action originally taken by the
Board on November 16, 1999 regarding the issue of homelessness in Contra Costa County.
BACKGROUND:
On November 16, 1999, the Board of Supervisors declared a local emergency, pursuant to the
provisions of Government Code Section 8630, on homelessness in Contra Costa County. This local
emergency was extended on December 1, 1999,December 20, 1999,January 11,2000, January 25,
2000, February 15, 2000, March 7,2000, and March 21, 2000.
Government Code Section 8630 required that, for a body which meets weekly that the need to
continue the emergency declaration be reviewed at least every 14 days until the local emergency is
terminated. In no event is the review to take place more than 21 days after the previous review.
With the continuing inclement weather and no additional resources having been able to be placed
on line to assist in sheltering homeless individuals and families, it is appropriate for the Board to
continue the declaration of a local emergency regarding homelessness.
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT:None SIGNATURE.
RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
APPROVE _OTHER
SIGNATURE(S):
ACTION OF BOARD ON A".1 18, 2000 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED XX
OTHER
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE
_ UNANIMOUS (ABSENT —_- - — ) AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN
AYES: NOES: AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN.
Contact Person: Wendel Brunner MD 313-6712
CC: Health Services Administration ATTESTED Abri 1 18, 2.(Y'1f)
PHIL BATCHEL R,CLERK OF THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISOR A COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
B ,DEPUTY
Contra ` `
TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Costa
FROM: William Walker, M.D., Health Services Director County
DATE: April 11,2000
SUBJECT: EXTENSION OF EMERGENCY DECLARATION AND AUTHORIZATION OF COUNTY
HEALTH DEPARTMENT IN SUPPORT FOR NEEDLE EXCHANGE PROGRAMS.
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
RFCOI NDATI N
DETERMINE that there is a need to continue with the emergency action originally taken by the
Board on December 14, 1999 based on the increasing/epidemic number of AIDS/HIV and Hepatitis
C cases among injection drug users in Contra Costa County.
BACKGROUND:
CONTINUED NEED FOR EMERGENCY
The spread of disease,particularly HIV and Hepatitis C, through the sharing of needles continues
to be a grave concern in Contra Costa County. 30%of all people living with AIDS in Contra Costa
were infected by injection drug use with the highest number of AIDS cases in Nest County. As of
December 1997,Richmond had the highest cumulative incidence of AIDS (4.8 per 1000 population)
among Contra Costa cities, with at least 50 cases. Injection drug use was the estimated mode of
infection among 40% of all individuals diagnosed with AIDS in Richmond. Among African
Americans diagnosed with AIDS in Richmond 1982-1998 53% were most likely infected through
injection drug use.
Contra Costa Health Services does not currently provide needle exchange services (it is prohibited
from doing so absent a declared public health emergency). CCHS does provide services focused on
injection drug users including: 1-HIV/AIDS Outreach and Education, 2-HIV antibody testing,
3-Substance Abuse Treatment,4-Health on Wheels Van, and 5-Substance Abuse Counseling and
Treatment for HIV-infected clients.
Exchange Works, a community-based needle exchange service currently in operation in Contra
Costa currently distributes clean needles on a one-to-one basis. Their volunteer staff currently
exchange 5,000 needles per week at two sites. There are no established needle exchange program
in East or Central County.
CONTINUED ON PAGE TWO SIGNATURE:
RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
APPROVE OTHER
SIGNATURE(,%
ACTION OF BOARD ON April 18, 2000 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED XX
OTHER
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE
UNANIMOUS (ABSENT _ "' ) AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN
AYES: NOES: AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN.
Contact Person: Wendel Brunner MD 313-6712
CC: Health Services Administration ATTESTED ARril 18, 2000
PHIL BATCHELOR,CLERK OF THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
2%
BY -,DEPUTY
PROGRESS SINCE EMERGENCY DECLARATION ON DECEMBER 14, 1999
At the Board of Supervisors December 14, 1999 meeting, CCHS was directed to take four actions.
As of January 7, 20001 the following has been completed:
• CCHS has entered into discussions with Exchange Works in West County.
• Supplies for the ongoing provision of the services have been identified.
• CCHS staff have been identified to assist with the provision of information and referrals.
• Documentation forms are being reviewed and revised as necessary to ensure that specific
information is available to the Board.
• Planning for an East County process will begin later this quarter after the preliminary process
in West County is completed.
This emergency action was renewed on December 20,1999, January 11, 2010, January 25, 2000,
February 15, 2000, March 7, 2000, and March 21, 2000.