City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: APRIL 18, 2023
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER /s/
FROM: KATE GARVEY, DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND HUMAN SERVICES
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of a Grant Application to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living’s Alzheimer's Disease Programs.
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ISSUE: Consideration of a grant application to the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL) requesting new funding for the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) to expand caregiver support and support developmentally disabled individuals and isolated older adults suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia-Related Diseases.
RECOMMENDATIONS: That City Council:
(1) Retroactively approve the submission of a grant application to the Administration for Community Living (ACL) for $1,000,000; and
(2) Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents that may be required.
BACKGROUND: An estimated 12% of Alexandrians aged 65 and older have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). This data likely underestimates the impact of ADRD on Alexandria, as many individuals remain undiagnosed due to isolation and/or developmental disability. Additionally, impact is felt by many in our community under the age of 65, who function as family caregivers. It is estimated that the total value of caregiving provided by Virginia families is $14.3 billion, a figure that would largely be absorbed by the Commonwealth if not for this valuable service.
Faced with an increasing population of older adults and flattened or reduced federal funding, the Division of Aging & Adult Services seeks to invest in caregivers and other less costly frontline services that will reduce acuity and the need for more intensive care provision.
DISCUSSION: ACL released the notification of this grant opportunity on February 23, 2023, and an information session was held on March 2, 2023. If awarded, the grant cycle will begin on July 1, 2023, and go on through June 30, 2026. The initial deadline for submission of grant applications is April 24, 2023, and this permission is requested retroactively. In anticipation of ACL’s funding guidance, staff is proposing a request for funding to enhance and expand DCHS’s caregiver support initiatives. This will include two (2) full-time positions (Coordinator/Community Services Programs II, and Human Services Specialist II), and funding for caregiver training, diagnostic consultation and outreach, and implementation of the “Dementia Live” program. As per City of Alexandria practice, positions hired under grant agreements will terminate once the grant expires or funds are no longer available, and employees will be made aware of this condition at the start of employment.
FISCAL IMPACT: Grant awards will be for thirty-six months (36) with a 3 to 1 match requirement. The grant allows for the usage of in-kind contributions to meet this match, thus requiring no additional City funds. DCHS will be requesting $1,000,000 in funding from this grant.
ATTACHMENTS: None.
STAFF:
Kendel Taylor, Interim Deputy City Manager
Federico Gutierrez, Deputy Director, DCHS
Morgan Routt, Director, Office of Management and Budget
Christopher Moore, Division Chief, DCHS
Raphael Obenwa, Fiscal Officer III, DCHS