Primary Department: Public Health Services
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Leah Barton - Executive Director
Secondary Department: N/A
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official:
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Position
Project ID (if applicable): ARPA_LEAD
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): Grantor does not allow indirect cost capture
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request by Public Health Services for approval to extend seven positions to December 31, 2026 in support of the American Rescue Plan Act Lead Screening Program.
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Background and Discussion:
On February 8, 2022, Harris County Public Health (HCPH) was awarded $2.89 million through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to support blood lead testing for at-risk populations, including pregnant women and children under the age of six. The goal of the HCPH Lead Screening Program is to deliver lead poisoning prevention services to vulnerable communities across Harris County. This is accomplished through partnerships with HCPH clinics, schools, and community organizations to provide mobile testing units, which bring services directly to neighborhoods - reducing transportation barriers and ensure more equitable access to care.
Expected Impact:
Extending the seven ARPA-funded positions will ensure the continuation of lead screening services in high-risk Harris County communities. This support will sustain screening capacity, facilitate early identification of lead exposure, and enable timely intervention to protect vulnerable populations, particularly children under the age of six and pregnant women.
Alternative Options:
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