For Immediate Release: Tuesday, May 4, 2021
The Health & Human Services (HHS) Committee will meet on Wednesday, May 5 at 9:30 a.m. to review programs in the FY22 Operating Budget for the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
The members of the HHS Committee include Chair and Council Vice President Gabe Albornoz and Councilmembers Evan Glass (Lead for Homelessness & Vulnerable Communities) and Craig Rice.
Expiration of Kresge Opportunity Ecosystems Grant Award
Review: The HHS Committee will review a recommended reduction of $750,000 to the Admin-Children, Youth & Families program in FY22 due to the expected March 2022 expiration of the Kresge Opportunity Ecosystem grant.
The grant funding has been used to support a two-generation approach to poverty alleviation in the Upcounty and East County regions. The effort has focused on systems-work to promote collaboration across public and private sectors, integrate service delivery, community engagement and economic development and advance social and economic mobility for children, youth and families.
Those expected to attend and provide information include Dr. Raymond Crowel, director, DHHS; JoAnne Barnes, chief, Children, Youth and Family Services, DHHS; Jason Rundell, budget team leader, DHHS; and Deborah Lambert, fiscal and policy analyst, Office of Management and Budget.
Review: The HHS Committee will review proposals in the FY22 Recommended Operating Budget for DHHS to support Mobile Health Clinic Services. These include a proposal that would provide $658,996 in FY22 funding for six full-time staff to create three additional Mobile Crisis Outreach Teams and enhance the County's response to individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis.
The Committee will also review a proposal to provide $100,000 in FY22 funding to implement a community based homeless court docket. If approved, this would resolve certain misdemeanor offenses where the defendant is homeless or was formerly homeless. This is one of several recommendations in support of efforts to decriminalize homelessness.
In addition, the Committee will review the $879,000 proposal to create a mobile health clinic to support the County's efforts to reduce health disparities and review the budgets for the County's programs that serve uninsured residents, which includes Care for Kids, Montgomery Cares, Maternity Partnership Program and Healthcare for the Homeless. The Committee will also review the budget for the County's dental program.
Those expected to attend and provide information include Dr. Raymond Crowel, director, DHHS; Dr. Rolando Santiago, chief, Behavioral Health and Crisis Services; Dr. Travis Gayles, chief, Public Health Services and County Health Officer; Amanda Harris, chief, Services to End and Prevent Homelessness; Dr. Tricia Boyce, dental director, DHHS; Dorne Hill, manager, Crisis Center Services, DHHS; Dr. Chris Rogers, health policy officer, DHHS; Jason Rundell, budget team manager, DHHS; Lindsey Lucas, Office of Management and Budget; and Deborah Lambert, Office of Management and Budget.
Review: The Committee will also hold a follow-up discussion regarding innovations in telehealth and how the County can support partnerships to increase access to healthcare.
Those expected to attend and provide information include Dr. Raymond Crowel, director, DHHS; Amanda Harris, chief, Services to End and Prevent Homelessness; Dr. Tollie Elliott, chief medical officer, Mary’s Center; and Leah Shoval, director of care coordination, Mary’s Center.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program
Review: The Committee will review the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, which provides free tax preparation assistance for residents with low- and moderate-incomes.
Those expected to attend and provide information include Dr. Raymond Crowel, director, DHHS; Sharon Strauss, executive director, Community Action Agency, DHHS; Jason Rundell, budget team leader, DHHS; and Deborah Lambert, fiscal and policy analyst, Office of Management and Budget.
The Committee meeting schedule may change from time to time. The current Council and Committee agendas, Council staff reports and additional information on items scheduled for Council review can be viewed at: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/COUNCIL/ondemand/index.html.
On the guidance of Health Officer and Chief of Public Health Services Dr. Travis Gayles, there is currently no public access to the Council Office Building. The virtual Council and Committee meetings will be streamed live on the Council’s web page via YouTube and on Facebook Live and can be watched on County Cable Montgomery on Xfinity/RCN 6 HD 996/1056, Fios 30, and on the CCM live stream.
Release ID: 21-193