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Memorandum of Agreement between The Public Health Authority of Cabarrus County d.b.a. Cabarrus Health Alliance and Union County Health Department
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INFORMATION CONTACT:
Stephanie Starr, Human Services Agency - Community Support and Outreach, Director, 704-296-4302; Traci Colley, Human Services Agency - Public Health, Director, 704-296-3717
ACTION REQUESTED:
Authorize the County Manager to 1) negotiate and execute an agreement substantially consistent with this agenda item, 2) exercise any renewal or extension term options set forth in the Agreement, and 3) terminate the Agreement if deemed in the best interest of the County, each in the County Manager’s discretion.
PRIOR BOARD ACTIONS:
1) March 4, 2024, Regular Meeting, Agenda Item # 24-135 - Approved Memorandum of Agreement between The Public Health Authority of Cabarrus County d.b.a. Cabarrus Health Alliance and Union County Health Department.
2) November 18, 2024, Regular Meeting, Agenda Item #24-768- Approved Memorandum of Agreement between The Public Health Authority of Cabarrus County d.b.a. Cabarrus Health Alliance and Union County Health Department.
3) May 19, 2025, Regular Meeting, Agenda Item #25-291- Approved Contract and Budget Amendment - Memorandum of Agreement between The Public Health Authority of Cabarrus County d.b.a. Cabarrus Health Alliance and Union County Health Department
BACKGROUND:
Union County Human Services Agency, along with Catawba County, Gaston County, Mecklenburg County, and Rowan County, were approached in January 2023 by Cabarrus Health Alliance (CHA) regarding our interest in participating in a regional grant initiative in which they were applying. CHA will provide leadership and maintain fiduciary responsibilities associated with the Racial & Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) program’s grant funding, which has been in place since 1999 through the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. The purpose of the 5-year REACH program is to improve health, prevent chronic disease (i.e., hypertension, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity), and reduce health disparities in local communities. The grant strategies for year three include:
• Food and nutrition security through the promotion of food service and nutrition guidelines and the expansion of existing fruit and vegetable vouchers incentive.
• Safe and accessible physical activity.
Since these are shared goals of our Human Services Agency and consistent with our current work efforts in Union County, it is advantageous for us to be a partner county in the regional initiative and gain the benefit of the available funding. Year three funding, which is eligible for expenses from November 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, will go towards funding current staff time conducting activities, training and education efforts, marketing and communication, and operational expenses such as meetings and outreach events.
Following are a few examples of how we will use these funds:
• Nutrition: Enhance accessibility to the Farmer's Market for WIC and Senior Nutrition program participants w/ coupons for fresh, locally grown fruits & vegetables and create a communication campaign to promote this. In addition, assist our community partners with creating on-site food pantries and emergency management plans.
• Physical Activity: Conduct data collection through focus groups & walkability assessments; replace signs where needed (with NCDOT) that highlight trails, parks, greenways, bicycle paths, sidewalks, etc. Work with local Parks and Recreation & Planning departments to promote & increase outside physical activity & activity-friendly routes in priority communities.
The CHA submitted the grant application in early April 2023, and the grant was awarded in September 2023. The CHA will receive $1,021,899 annually for five years. As a partner County in this regional effort, Union County received a subaward of $126,618 in the first year, $88,633 in year two, $66,475 in year three, and TBD in future years.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Union County will receive $66,475 in FY2026 from the Cabarrus Health Alliance. No County funding is required or requested. These funds are already recognized in the FY2026 budget.