City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: JUNE 20, 2023
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER /s/
FROM: KATE GARVEY, DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND
HUMAN SERVICES
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Release of Bed Finder Contingency Funds.
BODY
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ISSUE: Release of Bed Finder Contingency Funding.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council release Contingency Funds in the amount of $79,250 to the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) to fund one (1) FTE/Bed Finder Position.
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this memorandum is to request funding in the amount of $79,250 to support the creation of one (1) FTE/Bed Finder position within the Center for Adult Services. On Tuesday, April 25, 2023, during the Add/Delete Work Session for the FY 2024 budget, the City Council directed staff to fund this Bed Finder position out of the existing INOVA Alexandria Hospital Non-Departmental General Fund contingency. The City Council then adopted the FY 2024 budget on Wednesday, May 3, 2023.
EXPLANATION FOR REQUEST: A critical shortage of inpatient psychiatric beds
significantly delays admissions for individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis. Bed
finding is a very time-consuming process and absorbs vital hours from licensed Emergency
Services staff who otherwise would be engaging in clinical duties. Emergency Services staff
are seeking beds in addition to their scheduled clinical duties. As beds are secured on a first
come, first served basis, this puts Alexandria at a disadvantage for securing the limited supply
for the City's residents.
The timing of this new resource in Alexandria is critical. Some new beds will be coming online in other jurisdictions in the Region in the near future, including fi...
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