DATE:
April 30, 2024
08
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
AUTHORIZE ACCEPTANCE OF ADDITIONAL LABASPIRE PUBLIC HEALTH EQUITY AND READINESS OPPORTUNITY INITIATIVE TRAINING PROGRAM FUNDING (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
On July 18, 2023 (3), the San Diego County Board of Supervisors (Board) authorized the acceptance of LabAspire Public Health Equity and Readiness Opportunity Initiative Fellowship Program Funding. Subsequently, on December 29, 2023, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) notified the County of San Diego (County) Health and Human Services Agency, Public Health Services, Public Health Laboratory (PHL) that it would receive an additional $392,245 from the LabAspire Fellowship Award and $150,500 from the Public Health Microbiologist (PHM) Training Award. These awards will support workforce development pathways for the PHL and support its critical role in protecting the health of county residents and visitors. PHLs are directed by highly qualified laboratory directors that are board certified and hold a doctoral degree. Over the last several decades, the number of qualified laboratory directors has declined due to requirements, retirements, and attrition to the private sector. The LabAspire Fellowship Program award supports efforts to increase the number of qualified laboratory directors. Similarly, salary support provided by the Public Health Microbiologist Training Award is intended to help train more PHMs to address the shortage of licensed PHMs in California.
Today's action requests the Board authorize the Agency Director, Health and Human Services Agency to accept additional program funding from CDPH and to apply for additional funding opportunities, if available, to support the continuing education and training of PHL workforce.
Today's action supports the County vision of a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all, specifically those communities and populations in San Diego County that have been historicall...
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