DEPARTMENT: Social Services
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
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Update On Targeted Outreach And Engagement With Communities Of Color To Address Health Equity And Long-Term Impacts Of COVID-19, And Authorization To Execute Contracts For Outreach And Engagement Activities
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RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, national and state data and research shows the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on communities of color; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County’s existing communication channels, activities, and materials require customization to better reach communities of color with health education and information about available resources; and
WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommended strategies for addressing health equity include fostering meaningful engagement with community and diverse leaders and developing culturally responsive outreach; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 20-484 (October 6, 2020), the County Board of Commissioners authorized using $177,000 of Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act dollars to develop partnerships with trusted community organizations for targeted outreach and engagement for the period of October 6, 2020, or date of contract execution, through December 1, 2020; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 20-621 (December 15, 2020), the County Board of Commissioners, authorized Social Services to accept a $100,000 grant award from UCare Foundation to continue outreach activities; and
WHEREAS, contracts and partnerships resulted in significant community impact and have contributed to Dakota County’s high rates of vaccination, for all populations; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 21-618 (December 14, 2021), the County Board of Commissioners approved using American Rescue Plan Act Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to continue targeted outreach activities; and
WHEREAS, On March 1, 2022, Dakota County issued a Letter of Interest to identify community agencies to deliver services to address the following goals: inform community members about evolving public health issues and available resources; assist County residents in navigating support programs and gaining access to services; and advise the County’s communication strategies to improve reach and effectiveness with communities of color; and
WHEREAS, staff recommends authorization to develop contracts with community agencies, selected through the Letter of Interest process, to deliver targeted outreach and engagement with communities of color in an amount not to exceed $400,000 for the period of May 24, 2022, or date of contract execution, through December 31, 2022; and
WHEREAS, funding is included in the 2022 Social Services Budget.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Community Services Director to execute contracts with community organizations for targeted outreach and engagement with communities of color in an amount not to exceed $400,000 for the period of May 24, 2022, or date of contract execution, through December 31, 2022, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Community Services Director is hereby authorized to amend said contract(s), consistent with the amount budgeted, to alter the number and types of clients served, types of services provided, contract amount and the contract term, consistent with County contracting policies, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the contract(s) shall contain a provision that allows the County to immediately terminate the contract(s) in the event sufficient funds from county, state, or federal sources are not appropriated at a level sufficient to allow payment of the amount(s) due.
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