Public Hearing: YES ☐ NO ☒ Department: Medical Examiner
SUBJECT:
Title
Commission District(s): All Districts
Acceptance of Grant Funds from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), through the Georgia Department of Public Health (GA-DPH) for the DeKalb County Medical Examiner’s Office (DCMEO)
Body
Information Contact: Director Patrick L. Bailey
Phone Number: 404-508-5015
PURPOSE:
To consider accepting grant funds in the amount of $24,780 from the CDC via the Georgia Department of Public Health Overdose Data 2 Action grant program for the third continual grant cycle. (Renewal 3 of 4).
NEED/IMPACT:
We respectfully request the continued funding of the Overdose Data 2 Action grant program to support the critical work of the DeKalb County Medical Examiner’s Office. Accepting grant funds allows the DCMEO to conduct comprehensive toxicology testing on many overdose fatalities that occur within all districts in DeKalb County.
As a participant in the OD2A program, the DCMEO collaborates with the Georgia Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on overdose surveillance and data collection. The data obtained through this program is essential to driving evidenced-based health policies and prevention strategies at both the state and federal levels. Locally, the data helps inform targeted overdose prevention activities that can help save lives in DeKalb County.
The OD2A program has enabled the DCMEO to gain a deeper understanding of the circumstances surrounding overdose deaths in our community. Continued funding will allow this important work to continue and support data-driven actions aimed at curbing the overdose epidemic. We appreciate your consideration of this request to sustain such a vital program.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact to the General Fund because there is no match requirement.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
Accept the 3rd renewal of OD2A grant program and allocate grant funds in the amount of $24,780.00 to the DeKalb County Medical Examiner’s Office via DeKalb County for comprehensive toxicology testing. I further recommend authorizing the Chief Executive Officer of DeKalb County to execute all necessary documents related to the administration and disbursement of this grant.