City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: FEBRUARY 18, 2015
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: MARK B. JINKS, ACTING CITY MANAGER /s/
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Consideration of a Funding Application by the Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) to the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) for Telepsychiatry Equipment and Service Fees to Improve Access to Psychiatry Services.
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ISSUE: Consideration of a two-year funding opportunity from DBHDS to allow DCHS to acquire and operate video-conferencing technology that will enable psychiatric evaluation and treatment of adults and children through telepsychiatry which will improve access to service and will enhance efficient utilization of existing psychiatric resources.
RECOMENDATION: that City Council:
1) Authorize the submission of an application to DBHDS for $21,240 in FY15 and $13,440 in FY 16 for the purchase of telepsychiatry equipment and for annual service fees in order to implement telepsychiatry services and thereby improve timely access to psychiatry services and maximize efficient use of existing DCHS psychiatric resources; and
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2) Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents that may be required.
BACKGROUND: On January 16, 2015, DCHS staff was notified of the re-issuance of a Request for Applications involving a funding opportunity from the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services for Community Services Boards to purchase equipment and pay for annual service fees in order to implement telepsychiatry services. Because telepsychiatry has traditionally been utilized in rural settings, Northern Virginia jurisdictions initially did not intend to apply for these funds. However, at a regional meeting on January 23, 2015, Alexandria and its four Northern ...
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