To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: N/A
Prepared By:
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Michelle Halstead, director of the commissioners’ office
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presenter
Presenter: Sara Miller & Lisa VanRaemdonck, Otowi Group
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Subject:
title
*2:30 - 3:30 PM: Tri-County Health Department Initial Report Out: Key Findings & Themes
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
The purpose of this study session is to provide an initial report out on key findings and themes from stakeholder interviews within Arapahoe County, which is part of the Phase 1 deliverable from the shared consultant to help support public health transition planning.
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Background and Discussion: Since 1966, the Tri-County Health Department (TCHD) has provided public health services for Adams, Arapahoe and Douglas counties. In 2020, Douglas County announced its intent to explore options of creating its own health department. In anticipation of this departure, Adams County, Arapahoe County and TCHD leaders must make decisions on how to proceed with providing public health services in their counties. These decisions will impact the structure of TCHD and the public health activities and services available to residents, workers and visitors.
In collaboration with Adams and Arapahoe counties, TCHD will develop a transition plan which ensures the provision of core and preferred public health services across both jurisdictions. The team will seek input from stakeholders and will use organizational and community data to inform decisions.
There are many complexities in thinking about how to adjust the TCHD, Adams and Arapahoe arrangement, and there is a deep commitment to making a well-informed and thoughtful decision. There are different options to consider in terms of organizational structure and governance, as well as the desired public health services that will be provided. The effort will be implemented in two phases:
Phase I: Collect and compile data to inform TCHD and Adams and Arapahoe Counties in deciding under what structure(s) public health services will be provided in 2023 and beyond.
Phase II: Transition plan developed for implementation in 2022. The work will begin with a series of focus groups, key informant interviews and partner surveys. The team will compile organizational and financial data and information and will create some scenarios for decision-makers to consider. By October 2021, the Adams and Arapahoe County Commissioners will be provided the findings to inform a decision on the structure and governance by which to provide public health services. After that organizational structure decision is made, a transition plan will be created.
Fiscal Impact: To Be Determined; Final report to be delivered Oct. 12, 2021
Alternatives: N/A.
Alignment with Strategic Plan:
☐Be fiscally sustainable
☒Provide essential and mandated service
☒Be community focused
Staff Recommendation: For information only.
Concurrence: N/A